Guide to a Quick Online Masters in Criminal Justice

What is Criminal Justice?

Criminal Justice is an interdisciplinary academic study of the law enforcement system, which involves the police, lawyers, courts, and corrections; each one has a purpose and used for all stages of criminal proceedings and punishment, according to Britaanica.com. The career path is actually very broad, since there are many areas of interest. Plus, there are specialized certificate programs for students who are already working professionals. But first, let’s define the difference between criminology and criminal justice.

Criminal Justice vs. Criminology

Many people think criminology and criminal justice are the same; and there are similarities. However, there are many differences as well. Here is examples of how they are similar and different.

Both focus on:

Differences:

Criminology: Does the science (-ology, the study of); utilizes theory and research; a course focused on why people commit crimes; and looks for crime patterns. Focuses on the why the crime is happening. Many students taking this course will become professional criminal profilers. 

Criminal Justice: Applies the science, research and theory is lightly touched on in coursework, interested in policy of the theory; uses crime mapping to patrol the right places. Focuses on the how of crime prevention.  Many become Police officers, Detectives, etc. 

Is a Criminal Justice degree Worth It?

Choosing to get a degree in Criminal Justice can be one of the most fulfilling educational goals and career paths someone can go into. The masters degree in criminal justice prepares students for great career opportunities that they will have during their whole life. Criminal Justice degrees also can prepare future law enforcement personnel to build up and enhance their towns; as well as bring forth fair and just treatment to the local communities. Each CJ course will also help students gain the skills necessary for management or leadership positions; such as law enforcement, corrections, as a probation officer. Whichever field of interest they plan to apply their skills to, having this degree will be well worth it. 

Why should I Get My Criminal Justice Degree Online? 

Getting an online degree in any field of interest has become a popular choice to many students, especially that most people work while going to school. Many online programs offer flexible start dates, as well as, courses completely online. Making it more convenient and easier to finish at their own pace. Getting a Criminal Justice Degree Online is just one of the many degree programs available for graduate students wanting to enhance their skills while being a working professional in the field. 

Types of Degrees and Specializations in Criminal Justice

There are several types of criminal justice degrees; and they each vary in level, duration, and curriculum. The common types of degrees are: 

Associate degree: This two-year degree will cover the basics of the criminal justice system and prepares students for entry-level jobs.

Bachelor’s degree: A four-year degree will offer a more in-depth curriculum, and specialized courses on various aspects of criminal justice. This can include the law itself, law enforcement, and public safety.

Master’s degree: Normally a two to three-year degree, allowing graduate students to specialize in a particular area of interest.  It can also be used to pursue advanced research and leadership roles.

Doctoral degree: This four to six-year degree may require original research and a dissertation. It will prepare students for academic or high-level positions while working in the field.

What Will I Learn in a Criminal Justice Program?

There are several courses that students will take in a criminal justice program. Here is a list of the most common classes and coursework needed to complete a program:

Criminal Justice Careers and Salary

Salaries for criminal justice careers may vary depending on certain factors. These factors are the level of education, experience, and specialization the individual has earned. According to Payscale, some criminal justice personnel have an average salary of $50,000 per year. Some examples of careers and their average salaries are:

Do I Need a Master’s Degree in Criminal Justice? 

A criminal justice masters degree is not necessary for every type of position for criminal justice professionals. Yet many students wanting to advance their skills or are working to get a promotion at their job may consider advanced studies, such as a masters degree, a great option to receive more recognition at work. There are other benefits to getting a masters degree in criminal justice. Sometimes going straight for a masters program in the field will give the prospective student a chance to jump the entry-level positions and find employment in much higher-paying salary careers.

What Can I Do with a Master’s Degree in this field?

There are a variety of career opportunities for a graduate student with a criminal justice degree can shoot for. Some go straight into law enforcement and become police officers. However, others may find employment in cybersecurity as an investigator or cyber defense operator. Others may work as a CSI, such as a Forensic scientist and examiner, or become a Forensic psychologist. Other professionals even find work among the FBI or CIA, and become agents or Intelligence analysts. Whichever career path taken, earning a master degree in criminal justice will give the student many opportunities. 

Choosing the Best Program for Me

What you need to know: Admissions, Accreditations, Financial Aid and Scholarships

Many colleges and universities throughout the nation offers some form of a criminal justice program. All will most likely  teach the foundations of the law, the justice system, and crime prevention. However, some may focus on specializations within the law. Getting admitted into a masters program is similar to the bachelors degree; however, some may require letters of recommendation, high GPA scores, a GRE test score, and a personal statement of why the student feels they are eligible for the program of choice. When choosing your program, start by checking admission requirements, whether the school has strong accreditations, and if they offer financial aid. Some may offer scholarship opportunities to those eligible. Many school programs will offer tuition discounts to veterans or recently serving military students. However, if you are “on-duty” service, military students will most likely get a free ride on the tuition cost.

criminal justice

Certifications and Licensure

There’s a variety of possibilities for employment in criminal justice once you earn a certification or licensure. Below are just a few of the top certifications available to those going into law enforcement or similar fields. These options include certifications in security management, corrections leadership, law enforcement leadership, and juvenile justice leadership. 

Legal certifications

Some professionals work within the legal area of the field. These include Lawyers, paralegals, legal assistants, and other law office employees. They work to assist clients with their court cases in various ways. Here are common legal certifications available:

Security management certification

In a security management certification, common courses may include risk management in criminal justice, homeland security, security administration, white collar crime, special security issues, private security,  and terrorism and criminal justice organizations. 

Juvenile Justice certificates

Juvenile justice certificate courses includes topics such as sex offenders in the criminal justice system, juvenile justice system foundations, crisis intervention, juvenile courts,  juvenile justice and delinquency, social work theory, crime victims, and youth advocacy.

Victim advocacy certificates

Although similar to above, the Victim Advocacy certificates will focus more on the social work side of the criminal justice system. Examples of coursework include  justice agency operations, domestic violence, effects of victimization, guardianships, crisis intervention, and victim rights. 

Technical crime specialization certificates

In these certificates, students will gain skills needed to perform jobs in crime analysis, crime scene investigation, and digital forensics. Students may also learn investigative analysis, crime intelligence, leadership and ethics, crime mapping, pattern analysis, fingerprinting, and criminal justice technologies.

Top College Criminal Justice Programs

Colorado State University–Global Campus

CSU’s Global Campus offers a Master’s in Criminal Justice, designed for working law enforcement professionals or those interested in expanding their skills in the criminology field. The curriculum will touch on ethics, decision-making, and how crime is impacted by society, and how we can improve the effectiveness of criminal justice systems. This masters program can also serve as a career path to career advancement. CSU Global is 100% online, and provides the tools and support needed to reach your career goals. 

Florida State University

The Master’s in Criminal Justice at Florida State University offer students a 36-credit program, designed for both part time and full-time students. Courses include Criminological Theory; Ethics, Justice and Social Control; Criminal Justice Policy Development and Analysis; Applied Research for Criminal Justice Professionals; and Analytical Methods. To apply for the program, students must maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher. Both a parttime and fulltime internship is required for completion of the course program. 

Michigan State University

Michigan State University’s MS in Criminal Justice offers students an interdisciplinary approach to law enforcement and its affiliates. MSU also provides the student the skills to enhance your career path in higher paying positions. The program may also prepare the student for leadership roles in certain disciplines, such as criminal investigation, cyber security, national security, and emergency management. The full program is 30 credits and completes in two years. Applying students must have a GPA of 3.0 or higher, Bachelor’s degree in any field (or international equivalent), Personal statement, and 3 letters of recommendation. However, no work experience required. 

University of California–Irvine

The University of California in Irvine offers a Masters of Advanced Study (MAS) in Criminology, Law, and Society. The program combines the study of law,  societal issues, and public service. Taught by a world-class faculty and the Department of Criminology, Law and Society leaders to teach the best program and provide the knowledge needed to become professional leaders in the field of criminal justice. The MAS degree will also prepare students for careers in all sorts of fields, such as corrections, law enforcement, social services, probation/parole, including a variety of public administrative roles.The course program is conveniently online, and comprised of 52 units of coursework, which completes in two years (6 quarters). UCI students are proud to be in the forefront of Innovation, Health, and the Arts. 

University of Oklahoma

University of Oklahoma MS in Criminal Justice is an accredited, flexible, and affordable degree program, designed to offer graduate students develop necessary skills to prepare for a career in the criminal justice field. The course is taught by true professional experts, that will help students learn effective communication with diverse audiences, analyze complex problems, and have a positive affect on their communities at large. The masters degree also offers specialized tracks in areas such as corrections management, restorative justice, and administration and leadership. 

Professional Organizations in Criminal Justice 

There are a variety of Criminal Justice Organizations that professionals can join or partner up with to receive more information on the Justice system and processes. Whether your focus is on the court system itself, law enforcement, corrections, or looking for general information, there are plenty of professional organizations to look into. These organizations can help individuals become better leaders and be an effective member of the criminal justice community. Here is a list of some common organizations in the field.

National Criminal Justice Association

National Archive of Criminal Justice Data

American Probation and Parole Association

American Correctional Association

International Community Corrections Association

National Association of Victim Assistance in Corrections

International Association of Law Enforcement Intelligence Analysts

International Association of Law Enforcement Firearms Instructors, Inc.

Loss Prevention Foundation

National Council of Juvenile & Family Court Judges

International Association of Crime Analysts

Federal Bar Association

Institute for Intergovernmental Research

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