More Information About Masters in Criminal Justice
- Many professionals with a master's in criminal justice are promoted into management and administrative positions.
- Criminal justice professionals can make anywhere from $35,000 to $100,000 a year.
- Most master's programs in criminal justice take about two years to complete.
How does someone earn a master's degree in criminal justice?
Those who want to earn a master's in criminal justice must first have their bachelor's degree. A master's is an advanced degree that allows a person to specialize in a particular area of the field. There are a number of different types of master's degrees available, but most will take around two years to complete.
What career opportunities are available for someone with a master's in criminal justice?Opportunities for a master's level criminal justice professional include advanced administrative and research positions. A master's degree is also pursued by those who have a number of years working in the field of criminal justice and want to learn more, to advance in their careers. A solid working history, paired with a master's degree, can propel someone into a managerial position within many different types of criminal justice departments. You can choose to work in a local chapter of criminal justice, or move into higher levels such as state or federal departments. If this is your desired career path, a master's degree is definitely an option to consider.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of earning a master's degree in criminal justice online?Earning an online master's degree online may be the most convenient choice for people who want to further their education and expand their employment potential in the criminal justice field. Online options make it possible for professionals to make an upward swing in their profession without having to take two to three years off of work. The downside of receiving a master's degree in criminal justice through an online venue is the lack of hands-on opportunities available in such programs. Though the stereotypes about online programs will likely improve over the years, most employers will be more impressed by a degree earned through a traditional university program. Another possible disadvantage to earning a master's degree in criminal justice online is the reality that there are few interactions with the professor or other students in these types of programs, so there is also the need to be self-sufficient and self-motivated to succeed. It may be good to check in with a criminal justice professional already in the field, to see what the best options for a master's degree are.
How much money does a career in criminal justice offer?The levels of work available in the field of criminal justice vary widely and so do their respective salaries. With a master's degree, it's likely the salary levels will be higher than someone with a less advanced degree. A police sergeant makes an average of $57,700 a year, with a range between $50,700 and $64,500. Police chiefs make between $81,500 and $91,600. Social workers in the criminal justice field make anywhere between $37,800 and $44,900 a year. These are by no means all the positions available in the field, but they give a very rough approximation of salary in the field of criminal justice.
What are the leading schools offering programs in Masters in Criminal Justice ?- University of Phoenix - Criminal Justice Founded in 1976, University of Phoenix is the largest accredited university in the United States offering degrees in criminal justice -- Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice Administration and a Master of Science in Administration of Justice and Security. These programs include courses in criminal law, organized crime, criminology, juvenile justice, and management. Students are able to gain both professional experiences in their work field, as well as the credentials that will move them up the pay scale, on average $15,000 more than their counterparts without a degree. ( More Info )
- Walden University Walden University, accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, offers Ph.D., master's and bachelor's degrees in management and doctoral and master's degrees in psychology, education and health and human services to meet the specific needs of adult learners. Walden University has over 30 years of experience delivering programs from a distance while maintaining its student-centered focus on quality and integrity. ( More Info )
- Capella University (Graduate) Capella University offers online graduate degree learning in Education, Human Services, Psychology, Business, and Technology. Students earn master and doctorate degrees while preparing for professional entry-level and advanced career opportunities - all without entering a classroom. ( More Info )
- Boston University - Graduate Programs Boston University was founded in 1839 and is now the fourth largest independent university in the United States. It is a hub of academic and scientific activity. With more than 3,400 faculty members and more than 30,000 students, it is one of the nation's leading research-based universities. ( More Info )
- University of the Rockies University of the Rockies provides high-quality, accessible learning opportunities globally for diverse groups of individuals seeking preparation for life goals, professional practice, service, and distinguished leadership. ( More Info )
- Saint Leo University Saint Leo University is one of the largest regionally accredited online university to offer associate, bachelor, and master programs in the U.S. Saint Leo University offers degree programs in the fields of Accounting, Business, Healthcare Management, Criminal Justice and Computer Information Systems. ( More Info )
- Everest University Online Everest University Online offers distance learning opportunities through online virtual classrooms and individual attention from instructors. Specialization and practical career methodologies are emphasized to ensure successful employment following graduation. Tailored curriculum enables students to pursue advanced positions with marketable skill sets and Associate, Bachelor, and Master Degrees in Business, Criminal Justice, Paralegal, Healthcare, Computer Information Systems, and Homeland Security fields. ( More Info )
- University of Maryland University College Since 1947, University of Maryland University College (UMUC) has pursued one primary mission: to make higher education more accessible, convenient, and rewarding for busy adults. UMUC offers more than 80 online degree and certificate programs, each designed to offer you a challenging educational experience with maximum flexibility. ( More Info )
- Virginia College Online Programs Virginia College Online Programs offers online degree programs in Accounting, Business Administration, Healthcare Management, Criminal Justice and Homeland Security. ( More Info )
- Grand Canyon University Graduate Programs Grand Canyon University is an accredited, private, Christian university located in Phoenix, AZ. The institution offers online and on-site graduate programs through the Ken Blanchard College of Business, College of Education, College of Nursing and Health Sciences, and College of Liberal Arts. GCU emphasizes individual attention for both traditional undergraduate students as well as the working professional. ( More Info )
- Kaplan University - Criminal Justice Programs Kaplan University Online offers associate, bachelor, and master degree programs in Criminal Justice. In addition, they offer certificate programs in Crime Scene Technician and Terrorism/National Security Management. ( More Info )
- Bowling Green State University Established in 1910, Bowling Green State University provides online distance learning programs in the field of Criminal Justice. Virtual classrooms allow for personal attention from instructors and exchanges with classmates. ( More Info )
- California University of Pennsylvania California University of Pennsylvania provides career-oriented online training to those students interested in professional careers in education and legal studies. Bachelor and master degrees are available along with graduate certificates to help students start new careers without disrupting their busy schedules. ( More Info )
- Colorado Technical University Online Colorado Technical University Online offers Bachelors and Masters degree programs in Business, MBA, Criminal Justice and Information Technology. CTU Online also offers unique professional certification program that enables students to advance their careers while studying to get their degree. ( More Info )
Find Schools offering Masters in Criminal Justice Degree Programs
