Master’s Degree in Criminal Justice:

 

Expand your Career Options and Earn Higher Pay!

With a master’s degree in Criminal Justice you will expand your knowledge of the field and become eligible for managerial roles, as well as positions in teaching and research.

Master’s degrees are the preferred credential for leadership staff within many types of law enforcement agencies at the local, state, and federal levels.

Master’s Criminal Justice Degree Curriculum

The first decision students need to make is whether they wish to pursue a generalist master’s degree or specialize in one area. A generalist degree provides a broad foundation in criminal studies and will prepare to assume a variety of roles within different agencies. Generalist coursework may include introduction to the criminal justice system at the coat state and federal levels, forensic science theory and practice, criminology, forensic psychology, as well as research and statistical methods.

Students may also elect to concentrate on one area and become a leader within a specific subset of the industry. Some of the more popular areas of concentration within master’s degree programs include Corrections, Criminology, Forensic Psychology, Forensic Science, Law, Police Studies, and Homeland Security.

Not all colleges will offer the same specializations so students will need to perform some research before selecting a program. Aside from offering coursework in your area of interest, students will also want to compare specific program offerings, tuition costs, reputation of the program, location, whether the program is offered online, as well as accreditation status.

Accreditation is important as it attests to the quality of the education you will receive, as well as reputation of faculty. Accreditation is also necessary in order to receive federally-based financial aid.

Length of Master’s Criminal Justice Program

It typically takes from two to three years to complete a master’s degree in criminal justice if you participate in traditional classroom study. However, students who elect to take a heavier than usual course load per semester and attend summer school may be able to complete the program in one to one-and-a-half years. Working students who attend on a part-time basis can be expected to complete the program in three-and-a-half to four years, or more.

Online master’s degree programs may be completed in about two years and it is usually not possible for students to attend on an accelerated basis.

Admission Requirements

Applicants to a master’s degree in criminal justice must possess a bachelor’s degree from an accredited undergraduate college or university. In most cases, a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher will be necessary. Students may also be required to submit scores from the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) although applicants with significant work experience may be exempted from submitting these scores. Other admission requirements may include letters of recommendation from professors and/or supervisors, along with a personal essay outlining career goals.

Depending on the specific program, some schools may require satisfactory completion of prerequisite coursework. This will often be the case with scientific-based degrees such as forensic analysis. Other programs may require that applicants have accrued a certain number of years experience before enrollment. This would typically be the case with such areas of focus as Police studies or Homeland Security.

Speak with an admission advisor in all schools you are interested in attending to determine specific admission requirements. Most admission representatives will be happy to explain their admission procedures, program offerings, and career options upon graduation.

Cost Of The Masters Degree In Criminal Justice

Average total costs for a master’s degree in criminal justice can range from $30,000 for students who attend an in-state school to upwards of $130,000 for private colleges or universities. Differentials also exist depending on your area of concentration. For example, students pursuing a science-oriented degree can expect to pay additional lab fees.  Distance learning programs may provide a cost-efficient option since there are less overhead costs for the school when coursework is offered in this format.

Aside from tuition and lab fees, students should also add in the costs for room and board (upwards of $15,000 per year), textbooks, and personal expenses.

With rising school-related costs, it is wise to consider attending an in-state school. Many public colleges and universities offer highly reputable and respected master’s in criminal justice programs with state-of-the-art equipment and top faculty. Refer to the list below for a listing of accredited schools.

Financial Aid

There are various financial aid options available in the form of grants, scholarships, and student loans. Speak with the financial aid office of all schools you are considering to determine the types of aid available. The first step will be completion of the Free Application for Student Aid (FAFSA). Working students may be eligible to have all or part of their tuition paid for by their employer providing they maintain certain grades (typically at least a B grade for each course).

Masters Criminal Justice Degree Careers and Salaries

Graduates of master degree programs in criminal justice are eligible for a wide variety of careers in the areas of behavioral science, criminal justice, criminology forensic science, research, law, politics, social work, and teaching.

The following is a list of potential jobs for master’s degree graduates, along with median salaries. You may have to start in a lower role initially but your career advancement should be accelerates due to the Masters degree.

Police Chief	$102,250
Social Worker	$56,600
Court Reporter	$47,810
Fish and Game Warden	$48,800
Forensic Psychologist	$86,540
Forensic Scientist	$56,000
Rehabilitation Counselor	$31,210
Teacher (at community colleges)	$57,500

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2010

Some of the highest salaries within the field of criminal justice are earned by those working within various federal agencies. Careers are offered within the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA), U.S. Secret Service (USS), The Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS), and Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

Although candidates may be considered with a bachelor’s degree providing they have substantial professional experience, it is becoming more and more common for each of the above-noted agencies to require that applicants possess a master’s degree in criminal justice, business administration, or law degree ((JD).

Median Criminal Justice Salaries—Federal Level

FBI Agents	$53,743
CIA Agents	$65,097
DEA Agents	$49,746
U.S. Marshal	$36,658
U.S. Secret Service Agent	$50,987
U.S. Border Patrol Officer	$36,568

Sources; FBI.gov, USDOJ.gov, Secret Service.gov, DHS.gov

Top Graduate Schools to Obtain a Masters Degree in Criminal Justice

 

• American Military University

• American Public University System

• Arizona State University

• Boston University

• Bowling Green State University – BGSU

• Capella University

• Colorado Technical University

• Eastern Kentucky University

• Everest University Online

• Florida International University

• Florida State University (highly recommended)

• Hodges University

• Indiana University of Pennsylvania

• Kaplan University

• Keiser University

• Michigan State University

• Northeastern University

• Norwich University

• Penn State (highly recommended)

• Saint Joseph’s University

• Saint Leo University

• South University

• Tiffin University

• University of Arkansas at Little Rock – UALR

• University of Central Florida

• University of Cincinnati – 12 months

• University of Florida (Forensic Sciences – highly recommended)

• University of Maryland University College – UMUC

• University of Phoenix

• Upper Iowa University

• Utica College

• Virginia College Online