Become a Leader in Public Safety with a Master’s in Criminal Justice Online
Our Master of Science in Criminal Justice gives you the know-how to apply the latest research, leadership strategies and criminological theories for effective decision-making in the U.S. justice system. Whether you're looking to advance your career in local law enforcement, aiming to work for a federal government agency or want to help set public policy, a master's in criminal justice can help you gain the skills you need to lead in today's ever-changing criminal justice field.
Students may either pursue a general track - ideal for those who want to craft their own focus using available electives - or choose between concentrations in Public Safety Administration or Advanced Counterterrorism and Homeland Security.
Graduates will be well prepared for a wide range of careers and advancement opportunities. You'll come away with the skills you'll need to stand out during the hiring process in both public and private sectors. Key skills you'll learn: Resource Planning, Consensus Building, Ethical Leadership and Business Management.
See Yourself Succeed in Criminal Justice
The master’s in criminal justice online degree is a 36-credit program that focuses on management, leadership, data analysis and budgeting skills. Depending on your electives, your criminal justice program may also touch on business law and ethical business practice.
Through your courses in the master’s in criminal justice online program, you’ll:
- Learn what administrators, managers and other leaders in today’s criminal justice system need to know
- Learn from experts with years of experience in the field, which brings credibility and relevance to your education
- Gain a stronger understanding of finance, accounting and the economic systems in which cyber and financial crimes are growing
As a private, nonprofit university, UMS has one mission – to help you see yourself succeed. The benefits of earning your master’s in criminal justice online at UMS include:
- Affordability. Take advantage of some of the most affordable tuition rates in the nation
- Convenience. Attend class when it's convenient for you – online education means 24/7 access
- Efficiency and flexibility. Complete your graduate degree in as few as 15 months, with two courses per 10-week term
- Expert instruction. Learn from instructors with relevant, real-world experience
- Minimal requirements. No GMAT or GRE required for admission
- Networking. Tap into our nationwide network of alumni for internship and career opportunities
- Student support. Count on the ongoing support of dedicated academic and career advisors specialized in your area of study
Career Outlook
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 7% growth in employment of police officers and detectives through 2026, roughly on pace with all occupations.* Demand may vary by location, but a continued need for public safety bodes well for new openings.
A master's in criminal justice can be a significant advantage in career advancement and promotion to senior responsibility roles in public safety organizations. Graduates of the criminal justice online program find a wide variety of positions available to them, including those in:
- State and local government
- Law enforcement
- Security and corrections
- Community advocacy
- Public policy
Curriculum
The curriculum for the master’s in criminal justice online has been designed by working criminal justice professionals and is taught by faculty members with years of practical experience. Many courses include field-authentic assignments with videos, simulations, national data and role-playing exercises. The program’s capstone allows students to work on relevant research projects with law enforcement or other agencies, ensuring real-world experience prior to graduation.
Courses May Include
Program Outcomes
- Apply moral reasoning to make ethically sound and socially responsible decisions that exemplify service philosophy and leadership in the field of criminal justice
- Employ criminological theory, research methodologies, and analysis to impact solutions to contemporary issues and problems in the field of criminal justice
- Utilize multiple strategic planning and problem solving approaches that impact crime reduction and public service and that reflect critical and creative thinking
- Create authentic strategies and plans designed to improve and maintain effective organizational structure and culture for influencing professional identities, criminal justice management, leadership, and policy making
- Employ effective decision-making methods and strategies that reflect versatility of thought in addressing the diverse needs of public service agencies
- Employ professional, appropriate communication strategies for effective resource planning, consensus building, and long-term planning
