Criminal Justice Policy (MS)

Overview

This unique, fully online program focuses on the advanced study of criminal justice policy and practice, including:

• Analysis of controversial issues
• Examination of possible future practices
• Collaborating with criminal justice professionals in the courts, corrections and law enforcement areas

A strong foundation in theory and methods will be combined with innovative criminal justice initiatives and focus areas. The program offers real-world experience with a capstone project option targeting the needs of the student’s home agency, and recognizes the value of such experience with the option of prior learning assessment. 

This program is offered through the Department of Criminal Justice Studies in the College of Arts and Sciences. 

Program Format

The program can be completed through fully online courses or a mix of online courses and traditional daytime courses.

Please note that international students are ineligible to receive a student visa for this program.

Prior Learning Assessment

The program will incorporate Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) to provide up to three credit hours based on previous experience. Courses to consider for PLA credit include: 

• Policy analysis, planning and budgeting
• Civil liability
• Correctional theory and practice
• Special topics
• Readings in criminal justice. 

Students interested in applying for PLA credit will submit a portfolio project to the graduate program director to determine if credit will be awarded.

Hands-on Learning

The capstone project option is geared toward the working professional. Students propose a policy, procedure or program development that would benefit their home agency, while incorporating the knowledge learned in the criminal justice policy master’s program.

What can I do with a degree in criminal justice?

Graduates of the online criminal justice policy master’s program use their degree as a stepping stone to new careers or for advancement in professional positions that serve the criminal justice community and the public at large.

During development of the graduate program, faculty in the Department of Criminal Justice Studies surveyed 81 criminal justice agencies. A majority of respondents (63.3%) indicated the completion of a master’s degree in criminal justice policy would provide enhanced promotional opportunities within their agency.  

There are a wide range of other positions that include working to prevent crime and delinquency, working to repair lives that are touched by crime, and so much more. You can see a partial listing of the variety of jobs open to you below.

• Law Enforcement
  • Police officer
  • Dispatcher
  • Crime Scene Technician/Crime Lab Technician
  • Police Administration
  • Jailer
  • K-9 Handler
  • And more!
• Courts/Law
  • Arbitration
  • Prosecutor
  • Public Defender
  • Defense Attorney
  • Background Investigator
  • Court Clerk
  • Court Reporter
  • Legal Research
  • Paralegal
  • And more!
• Corrections
  • Correctional Officer
  • Correctional Counselor
  • Juvenile Detention Officer
  • Psychiatrist/Psychologist
  • Health Systems Administration
  • Transport Officer
  • And more!
• Federal Agencies
  • Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)
  • Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA)
  • U.S. Secret Service
  • U.S. Marshall's Service
  • Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (ATF)
  • U.S. Border Patrol
  • Department of Homeland Security
  • And more!
• State and Local Agencies
  • State Highway Patrol
  • State Agency Investigators
  • State Fire Marshall
  • Sheriff and Deputy Sheriff
  • Municipal Police Officers
  • Detectives

Additional training and certification may be required after securing employment in law enforcement as well as federal, state and local agencies.

• This resource profiles nearly 75 criminal justice career options
• USAJOBS is a great place to start looking and applying for jobs
• 101 Resources for the Criminal Justice job hunt

Download Program PDF