Online Criminal Justice Master Degree Programs

Masters Degrees in Criminal Justice, Legal Studies and Criminology

Accredited online criminal justice master degree programs and on-campus programs are designed to give graduates a higher level of authority and responsibility to build lasting careers in law enforcement, homeland security, crime scene investigation, corrections, immigration, forensic science, probation, private detective agencies, and other legal fields that require a master degree in criminal justice.

For those already working in the field, who want to advance their careers, certification and online certificate courses in criminal justice and related fields are also available. You can also opt to earn a certificate concurrent with an online criminal justice master degree program. A master's degree or doctorate in criminal justice is important if you want to become an FBI agent, detective or lawyer.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2008-09 Edition, in order to be considered for appointment as an FBI agent, one must have an advanced degree plus two years of professional work experience.

Most master degree in criminal justice programs take about two years to complete. You also must have already earned a bachelor's degree in criminal justice or other related legal field to qualify.

Colleges offering Online Criminal Justice Masters Degree Programs

University of Cincinnati offers the following online masters degrees in criminal justice:

• Master of Science in Criminal Justice - one year program
• Master of Science in Criminal Justice - two year program

Capella University offers the following online criminal justice master degree programs:

• Master of Science (MS) in Public Safety - Criminal Justice

South University offers the following online criminal justice master degree program:

• Master of Public Administration - Criminal Justice

Colorado Technical University offers the following accredited master degree in criminal justice online degrees:

• Master of Science in Management - Criminal Justice
• Master of Business Administration - Mediation and Dispute Resolution

Virginia College offers the following master degree in criminal justice online degree programs:

• Master in Criminal Justice

Kaplan University offers the following masters criminal justice online degree:

• MS in Criminal Justice
• MS in Criminal Justice - Policing
• Master of Public Administration - Criminal Justice
• MS in Criminal Justice - Corrections
• MS in Criminal Justice - Global Issues in Criminal Justice
• MS in Criminal Justice - Law
• MS in Criminal Justice - Leadership/Executive Management

Grand Canyon University offers the following online criminal justice master degree programs:

• Master in Criminal Justice: Law Enforcement
• Master in Criminal Justice: Legal Studies

Northcentral University - offers the following MBA in criminal justice online degree program:

• Criminal Justice - MBA

University of the Rockies - offers the following online criminal justice master degree:

• MA in Psychology, Criminology and Justice Studies

Online Criminal Justice Master Degree Programs Focus

Some criminal justice masters degree programs focus on criminal behavior, examining the relationship between psychology and the criminal justice system; while other criminal justice programs provide a theoretical overview of crime analysis, along with applied knowledge-problem-solving skills, contemporary issues and trends, research methods, and relevant computer applications. Homeland security programs cover topics such as legal and ethical issues, transportation and information security, emergency preparedness, and counter-terrorism. Forensic psychology specializations focus on the application of psychology and mental health knowledge to the law and the legal system.

Salary and Employment Outlook for Graduates of Online Criminal Justice Masters Degree Programs

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2008-09 Edition, entry-level FBI agents earned $60,199-$94,268 in 2007, while those in FBI supervisory and executive positions made over $131,033. Salaries in certain localized areas were even higher.

Online criminal justice master degree programs offer a convenient and flexible way to advance your skills without putting your life on hold. You can study from the comfort of your own home, office or from any convenient location with Internet access. To guarantee job placement with an online degree, make sure you earn your master degree in criminal justice from an accredited college. A diploma for an online accredited program is identical to degrees earned by on-campus students.

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