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By submitting this request for more information, you are providing your electronic signature and giving your express written consent for Lindenwood University and entities calling on its behalf to contact you regarding our educational programs and services using email, telephone or text - including our use of automated technology for calls and periodic texts to the wireless number you provide. Message and data rates may apply. This consent is not required to purchase goods or services and you may always email us directly, including to opt out, at [email protected].

Master’s in Criminal Justice, MS

Master’s in Criminal Justice

Ready to take the lead in serving justice and your career? An online master’s degree in criminal justice can prepare you for a leadership role in the courts, law enforcement, or corrections.   

Designed for professionals currently serving in the field, this 100% online master’s degree in criminal justice builds on expertise in criminal law and theory and constitutional law, as well as leadership topics in criminal justice, such as ethical practices, critical thinking, and decision making within criminal justice settings. 

Graduates are equipped to pursue roles in criminal justice at the local, state, and federal levels.

Program at a Glance

2-4 years

Duration

33

Credit Hours

$551

Cost per Credit

100%

Online

Course Spotlight

Leaders in the criminal justice field rely on a broad foundation of expertise that covers all the moving parts of criminal justice. This master’s degree in criminal justice online offers the well-rounded education students need to effectively  oversee a number of areas within criminal justice—from the courts to corrections. Some of the course topics that help students prepare for careers in criminal justice administration include:  

  • Financial Policy  
  • Ethics in Accounting  
  • Auditing Theory & Practices  
  • Management Practices 

Essential Skills & Insights

Coursework in this online master’s degree in criminal justice program covers the following: 

  • Ethical Leadership – develop a high level of ethical awareness within a people-centered leadership approach. 
  • Critical Thinking – learn to analyze entire systems of thought down to specific scenarios within your oversight to effectively solve problems and create the right solutions. 
  • Public Policy and Criminal Justice – gain an advanced understanding of policymaking through the lens of criminal justice principles and practices.  
  • Constitutional Law – harness the major insights of constitutional law as they relate to criminal justice, and learn to apply these insights to particular scenarios within the criminal justice system.

Career Outlook

An online master’s degree in criminal justice can help alumni take on specialized or leadership paths in this vast job field after graduation, with the qualifications to serve a wide variety of industries. Many of these career paths for criminal justice administration can be lucrative, with police detectives earning a median annual salary of $74,910, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Those who aspire to serve criminal justice behind the scenes can pursue information security analyst roles, which can earn a median annual salary of $120,360.    

Admissions Requirements

For admission to your program, you will need to complete your online application and submit the following documents:

  • Online Application
  • Résumé
  • Letter of intent/personal statement, 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
  • Transcripts demonstrating completion of undergraduate degree in related field with a minimum of a 3.0 GPA in all major coursework.
  • The official results from the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) may be required if GPA is below 3.0.  
  • Contact information for three academic and/or professional references.  
  • 1,000-word statement of purpose describing applicant’s goals.  
  • Specific deliverables depending on area of study, such as a writing sample and/or portfolio of work. 

Tuition Details

The cost per credit hour for this program is $551. Besides being ranked ranked No. 17 on Niche.com’s list of Best Value Colleges in Missouri, we build in unique benefits such as our 20 percent discount per credit hour for returning alumni pursuing their master’s degree. 

Transfer Credits

Lindenwood offers a generous transfer policy of up to nine credits toward your criminal justice online master’s degree completion to further offset tuition costs. This means you can complete your degree in as few as 24 credit hours at Lindenwood—saving you time and money on your education!  

Plus, you can personalize your transfer experience through Lindenwood’s Transfer Guides. These guides are part of our articulation partnerships with area community college to help you get the most value from your transfer credit.  

Interested in discovering related programs? Explore the following programs to find the best fit for your future: 

If you aren’t sure which program is right for you, filling out the form on this page and speaking to a Lindenwood representative is the best way to determine your path forward!  

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, earning your master’s in criminal justice degree online can give you the flexibility to learn at your own pace and transfer your classroom learning immediately to the field, so you can take on new challenges in your current role or pursue career advancement.

People earn a master’s in criminal justice for a number of reasons, including advancement in a current role or to enter the field of criminal justice through career paths in law enforcement, corrections, the courts, and more.

There are a number of vital hard skills necessary for success in criminal justice, including the following: research, physical fitness, computer skills, and statistical analysis.

You can earn your online master’s degree in criminal justice from Lindenwood in as little as two years.

You can earn your master’s degree in criminal justice online from Lindenwood, taking advantage of fully remote learning, providing you with a flexible schedule.

Why Choose Lindenwood University Online?

Since 1832, Lindenwood University has served students worldwide with affordable, high-quality academic programs providing real experience and real success. After nearly 200 years of academic excellence, Lindenwood is committed to a set of core values, including integrity, dedication, excellence, creativity, and community.

Quality

Quality

We evolve our online degree programs to reflect the latest in academic research and innovation and to meet the top standards of higher education.

Affordability

Affordability

We are committed to offering our students studying online low tuition rates on top of multiple ways to save on your education.

Career-Focused

Career-Focused

Our programs align curriculum to industry realities from experienced instructors who share real-world insights.

Support

Support

We employ experts who are dedicated to helping our students with financial aid planning, enrollment counseling, tutoring services, and more.

We are committed to helping you succeed.

Throughout each step of your online degree program, you will receive support. From enrollment and tuition planning to staying on the right track, your support team is there to ensure your success.

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