A career in criminal justice allows people to engage in meaningful work that helps keep their communities safe and secure. There are numerous career opportunities within the field to choose from. Depending on your specialization, degree holders can pursue a career as a corrections officer, criminologist, FBI agent, DEA agent, police officer, crime scene investigator, private investigator or a U.S. marshal. According the Bureau of Labor Statistics, job prospects in criminal justice related fields range from favorable to excellent.
Value of a Masters in Criminal Justice (MCJ) Degree
Graduates from top accredited online master of criminal justice (MCJ) programs will be in an excellent position to take advantage of the growing demand for qualified leaders and administrators in the criminal justice system. A master’s degree in criminal justice will broaden and deepen your knowledge of all aspects of criminal justice and make you a more attractive candidate for promotions and raises through the expansion of your professional competencies. A master’s degree is also a prerequisite for anyone interested in teaching criminal justice at the college level or pursuing a doctoral degree.
Advantages of an Online Master of Criminal Justice (MCJ) Degree
Master’s degrees in criminal justice are actually one of the most popular degree programs online. And now, prospective students seeking their master’s in criminal justice have dozens of high quality programs to choose from. In fact, many of the very best criminal justice programs in the country are now offered online. Among the many advantages of earning a master’s degree from a top online criminal justice program is that student’s can maintain their employment and/or family responsibilities while earning their degree.
How We Rank the Best Online Master of Criminal Justice (MCJ) Degree Programs
Online colleges and criminal justice degree programs vary widely in terms of quality, name recognition, and value. To assist those looking for a quality, accredited online criminal justice degree program, we’ve put together this ranking of what we consider to be the very best online schools offering master of criminal justice degree programs for 2014. Our rankings of the top online schools offering master’s in criminal justice degrees are based on publicly available data evaluated according to several different criteria, including reputation, accreditation, student satisfaction, ratio of students to instructors, and tuition. You can read more about our rankings philosophy and find a list of our other top college and degree rankings on our rankings page.
Top 10 Online Master of Criminal Justice (MCJ) Degree Programs
#1. Boston University Online
Evaluation – Small class sizes and strong completion rates at one of the best universities in the country makes this our pick for the top online master of criminal justice program.
Program: A 40 credit hour (10 course) online Master of Criminal Justice (MCJ) degree program. Can be completed in less than two years. Designed for working law enforcement professionals looking to deepen their practical and theoretical understanding of criminal justice. All faculty have extensive academic and practical experience in the criminal justice field. 100% online. No campus visits required.
Regional Accreditation:New England Association of Schools and Colleges, Commission on Institutions of Higher Education.
Click here to learn more about online degrees at Boston University
#2. Regis University Online
Evaluation – A respected Catholic university in the Jesuit traditions offers one of the best online master of criminology degree programs available through its award winning adult education division.
Program: A 36 credit hour online Master of Science in Criminology degree program. Designed for working criminal justice professionals looking to move into leadership positions in law enforcement, corporate and government security, protective services, NGO management, homeland security administration, U.S. Customs, and immigration. All faculty either current or one-time practitioners in the criminal justice field. Curriculum provides in-depth understanding of the criminal mind and is rooted in the Jesuit tradition. 100% online. No campus visits required.
Regional Accreditation: North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, The Higher Learning Commission.
#3. Bowling Green State University Online
Evaluation – Small class sizes and affordable tuition from a top public university make this a top pick for online master of criminal justice degree programs.
Program: A 33 credit hour online Master of Science in Criminal Justice (MSCJ) degree program. Emphasizes the development of individuals for leadership roles in criminal justice agencies, future doctoral studies and/or teaching. Curriculum focuses on the theoretical underpinnings and practical issues in law enforcement, corrections, courts and juvenile justice. Comprehensive capstone project integrating entire learning experience required for graduation. 100% online. No campus visits required.
Regional Accreditation: North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, The Higher Learning Commission.
#4. Loyola University New Orleans Online
Evaluation – A top-ranked private Catholic university brings 50 years of criminal justice education experience to the internet with one of the best online master of criminal justice administration programs around.
Program: A 36 credit hour online Master of Science in Criminal Justice Administration (MSCJA) degree program. Justice Administration or Forensic Science Administration specializations. Both programs designed to enable students to take a broad view of criminal justice in preparation for leadership and administrative positions. Includes training in organizational administration, budget planning and media management. Rooted in Jesuit tradition of values-based education, social justice and service. 100% online. No campus visits required.
Regional Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
#5. Saint Joseph’s University Online
Evaluation – A top-ranked Catholic university offers an innovative, multi-disciplinary online master of criminal justice program with small class sizes and strong student satisfaction indicators.
Program: A 30 credit hour online Master’s Degree in Criminal Justice program. Optional specializations available in Homeland Security and Behavior Analysis. Focused on understanding all aspects of the criminal justice system from multiple perspectives in order to effect changes from within. Prepares graduates for traditional law enforcement positions, as well as management and administration, intelligence analysis, and law and paralegal positions. 100% online. No campus visits required.
Regional Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
#6. Michigan State University Online
Evaluation – A respected public university with the oldest degree-granting School of Criminal Justice in the country offers one of the best online master of criminal justice programs around.
Program: A 30 credit hour online Master of Science in Criminal Justice (MSCJ) program from the MSU School of Criminal Justice. Specializations available in Security Management and International Focus. Integrates policy and theory to provide working criminal justice professionals with enhanced skills and understanding. Taught by the same MSU faculty as the on-campus program. 100% online. No campus visits required.
Regional Accreditation: North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, The Higher Learning Commission.
#7. Florida State University Online
Evaluation – A top-ranked College of Criminology & Criminal Justice at a highly regarded public university offers an excellent online master of criminal justice program.
Program: A 36 credit hour online Master of Science in Criminal Justice (MSCJ) from the FSU College of Criminology & Criminal Justice. 21 credits of electives allow students to design program to fit their particular career interests. Designed for working criminal justice professionals interested in moving into leadership positions in law enforcement, corrections, juvenile justice and other criminal justice-related positions. 100% online. No campus visits required.
Regional Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges.
#8. UMassOnline
Evaluation – An internationally rated public university with an excellent online and distance education program offers one of the country’s top master’s in criminal justice programs completely online.
Program: A 33 credit hour online Master of Arts (MA) in Criminal Justice degree program. Administered by the UMass Lowell campus. Designed for working criminal justice professionals desiring the knowledge and skills to move into leadership or teaching positions within the profession. Multi-disciplinary, academically rigorous, with a practical and empirical focus. Multiple electives allow students to shape program towards their particular professional interests. 100% online. No campus visits required.
Regional Accreditation: New England Association of Schools and Colleges, Commission on Institutions of Higher Education.
#9. University of Colorado Denver Online
Evaluation – An established public university offers one of the best online master of criminal justice programs through its highly regarded School of Public Affairs.
Program: A 36 credit hour online Master of Criminal Justice degree program. Administered by the UC-Denver School of Public Affairs and taught by same faculty as on-campus program. Focuses include law enforcement, judiciary, correctional systems, juvenile justice, and the formulation of laws and codes. Can be completed 100% online or in mixed online/on-campus format. Internship required for students without prior criminal justice experience. Thesis or capstone project required for graduation.
Regional Accreditation: North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, Higher Learning Commission.
#10. University of Cincinnati Online
Evaluation – This program from a respected public university with a highly ranked School of Criminal Justice is among the best and most affordable online master of criminal justice degrees available.
Program: A 48 quarter-credit hour online Master of Science in Criminal Justice degree program. An academically rigorous and comprehensive program focused on helping students develop a thorough understanding of all the major aspects of the criminal justice industry. Curriculum organized into four main areas of study: theory, administration and policy, research, and special topics. 100% online. No campus visits required. Campus graduation ceremony optional.
Regional Accreditation: North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, Higher Learning Commission.
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