MS in Criminal Justice Administration
An Accelerated Online Program to Help You Expand Your Skills
At a Glance
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As you’re making your decision about pursuing an online degree, you are likely to have questions. From program information to details about the application process, we’re here to help you find the answers you need.
Better Serve Your Community
Further develop your skills with the online Master of Science in Criminal Justice Administration program from Lindenwood University. Designed for current professionals in the field, this program helps you advance your career in the criminal justice system. You will gain the knowledge needed for a successful criminal justice career at the local, state, and federal levels.
Gain a strong foundation that will prepare you for a leadership role in the courts, law enforcement, or corrections. Our online master’s in criminal justice administration program focuses on key topics such as criminal law and theory, organizational change, and global awareness. Throughout the program, you will learn from faculty who are currently or formerly involved in the field.
A Curriculum Designed to Help You Succeed
Our online master’s program in criminal justice includes a total of 33–39 credit hours. Nine credit hours are prerequisite courses for those who do not have a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice or related experience.
The program’s core curriculum includes 27 credit hours that focus on advanced criminal justice topics. You will explore ethics, constitutional law, leadership strategies, and more. In addition, a capstone course is required. If you are unable to complete your capstone project in one course, you may enroll in a second, 3-credit-hour capstone course.
Explore CurriculumAdmission Requirements
To apply to our online master’s in criminal justice administration program, you must submit the following:
- Online application
- Current résumé
- Letter of intent, including a personal statement regarding your interest in the program and career goals
- Official undergraduate transcript(s), as well as official transcript(s) from any graduate school(s) attended with a minimum GPA of 3.0
- If GPA lower, three letters of recommendation from professional or academic references may be submitted. An interview may also be required.
What It’s Like to Study Online
Being an online student doesn’t mean that you will sacrifice access to the tools, resources, support, and community that you would have through a traditional on-campus program. In fact, you will still get the college experience — just at an affordable price from the comfort of your home.
Find out more about what it’s like to study online at Lindenwood.
Online Student Life
Cost to Attend
We strive to provide a high-quality online education at an affordable price. Our online master’s program in criminal justice is offered at just $495 per credit hour.
In addition, we offer the opportunity to transfer previously earned college credits, financial assistance, and U.S. military benefits.
Ways to SaveProgram Outcomes
- Exhibit effective leadership, critical thinking, and decision-making skills to oversee a criminal justice organization
- Understand the principles, concepts, and theories related to the ethical practice of criminal justice administration
- Identify best practices and develop strategies to resolve issues in the workplace and manage diverse populations
Career Outlook
Some of the potential career paths you may pursue after earning your online criminal justice degree include:
- Police officer: $63,380
- Probation officer: $53,020
- Forensic science technician: $58,230
Median annual salary information from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are the answers to some of the questions we are commonly asked.
You can transfer up to 9 credits into this program. Your previously earned credits must meet some criteria, however. They must be from a regionally accredited institution, be applicable to the curriculum, and meet GPA requirements.
With an online master’s in criminal justice administration, you can seek leadership roles in several areas. Your skills can be applied to a profession in the courts, corrections, or law enforcement. You may even advance your career as a police officer, probation officer, or forensic science technician.
Criminal justice administration focuses on the leadership and operations of the field. Skilled criminal justice professionals are needed in many areas, including law enforcement, courts, and corrections.