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Online Criminal Justice Master's Degree

detective standing in front of police tape on door

Gain Specialized Skills to Serve Your Community

100% Online

Affordable Tuition

Expert Faculty

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If you’d like to learn more about Methodist University’s application process, admissions requirements, tuition and financial aid or specific program details, fill out this form, and we’ll be in touch shortly.

  • Duration 2 years
  • Cost per Credit $545
  • Credit Hours 36

Program Benefits

  • 100% online
  • No application fee
  • No GRE/GMAT Required
  • Transfer up to nine credit hours

An Online Degree for Ethical Innovators

Methodist University’s 100% online MS in Criminal Justice prepares students with a comprehensive understanding of criminology, correctional philosophy, victimology, and more. Taught by top experts in the field, this program equips graduates for advancement in this competitive industry.

After completing MU’s flexible, affordable MS in Criminal Justice program, you may qualify for leadership roles in policing, corrections, victim advocacy, and cybercrime.

African American police officer

Pursue Criminal Justice Leadership Positions

Earning your MS in Criminal Justice from Methodist University can open doors to advancement in your career. Whether you pursue leadership roles in policing, victim advocacy, or another area in the criminal justice industry, you will be prepared for success at any level of federal, state, or local government.

Upon graduation, you’ll qualify for careers such as first-line supervisor, federal special agent, or detective with average salaries ranging from $66,0201 to $98,760.2

Careers Outlook
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Hear from our MU faculty and learn more about our Criminal Justice programs.

Build a Holistic Understanding of Criminal Justice

12 courses

36 credit hours

Methodist University’s 100% online master’s program in criminal justice offers students the opportunity to learn under the guidance of top industry experts. Explore topics such as criminological theory, policy and ethics, modern policing, and data analysis, and complete a capstone project to further solidify your learning. MU’s program emphasizes the study of emerging trends, including digital forensics, cybercrime, and juvenile justice.

Course Topics Include:

  • Criminological Theory
  • Correctional Philosophies
  • Modern Policing Strategies
  • Victimology
View the Complete Curriculum

Apply to Begin Your Online Master’s Degree

No application fee

No GRE/GMAT required

Apply now
Bachelor’s degree from a four-year accredited college or university before starting the first term of the program
Undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher
Two letters of recommendation (one letter must be from a professor or employer)
View the Application Process

An Affordable, Flexible Master’s Program

$18,000 total tuition

Transfer nine credits

MU’s online MS in Criminal Justice costs $545 per credit hour and includes 36 total credit hours. About 97% of MU students qualify for financial aid. If you or a family member are a veteran or active-duty service member, your education at Methodist University could be even more affordable. Visit our Military Support page to learn more.

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What You’ll Learn

Program Outcomes

After completing the master’s program in criminal justice, you will be able to:

  • Identify key components of the juvenile system and differentiate them from the adult system.
  • Trace the historical development of the juvenile system and identify future changes and areas of growth.
  • Identify areas of policy strength and growth pertinent for administrative leadership in the field.
  • Articulate and contextualize contemporary policing issues within a defined ethical framework.
  • Develop correctional research agendas and explore classroom applications.

Student-Centered Faculty

Methodist University’s diverse, expert faculty add quality to our programs with their extensive experience. They are invested in MU students and understand the importance of helping them prepare for the real world. At MU, you can expect:

  • Low student-to-faculty ratio
  • Relevant experience
  • Personalized feedback
  • Expert guidance

Why Study Online?

Enjoy an online learning environment that offers the same quality as in-person courses, including dedicated faculty members and an overall caring, friendly atmosphere for achieving your professional and personal goals.

You’ll also have access to all academic support services. That means you’ll get personalized assistance you need, such as access to the tutoring and writing centers. Experience a distinctive education in a flexible environment that fits your schedule.

Explore Online Learning

Frequently Asked Questions

Have other questions not answered here? Request more information or call 910-212-4956.

On average students can complete this program in 24 months but will depend on your transfer credits and pace. To see the curriculum, view our courses page.

The MS in Criminal Justice is designed for working professionals with busy lives, so if something interrupts your planned course of study, you don’t have to worry about losing the credits you’ve completed. On average, students will take two years to finish the degree but that will ultimately depend on one’s transfer credits and pace through the program. To see the curriculum, view our courses page.

The first step is to start your application.

The requirements for the MS in Criminal Justice include:

  • Complete application
  • Bachelor’s degree from a four-year accredited college or university before starting the first term of the program
  • Undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher
  • Official transcripts from each institution attended
  • Two letters of recommendation (one letter must be from a professor or employer)
  • A typed personal statement including your background, interest in attending Methodist University, interest in the program, and your career goals

You can learn more about requirements on our admissions page.

You’ll complete 12 courses to earn the MS in Criminal Justice degree. You can learn more about coursework for the MS in Criminal Justice at Methodist University on our courses page.

Visit our FAQ page

Sources

  1. “Police and Detectives.” U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Retrieved on December 22, 2022 from “https://www.bls.gov/ooh/Protective-Service/Police-and-detectives.htm.”
  2. “Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2021 – 33-1012 First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives.” U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Retrieved on December 22, 2022, from “https://www.bls.gov/.”