30 Best Affordable Online Master’s Degrees in Criminal Justice

The broad field of criminal justice employs over 2 million people. Gaining an advanced degree in the industry can help make candidates more attractive and open doors to new opportunities. Persons already working in Law Enforcement are often promoted more quickly and receive significant financial remuneration for pursuing such a degree.  

There are numerous career options open to individuals interested in criminal justice, including cybersecurity investigator, criminologist, victim advocate, fraud investigator, and forensic psychologist, among many others. Broadly speaking, most professions associated with criminal justice are expected to grow at about the average rate over the next decade, according to the Department of Labor.

Many of the professions in the field, like probation officers or detectives, have an average median wage around $53,000, which is more than the average for all occupations at $38,640. So if you are trying to deepen your knowledge of the profession, or want to make yourself more competitive in the job market, then consider our list of the 30 Best Affordable Online Master’s Degrees in Criminal Justice 2020.

Methodology

Best College Reviews provides degree rankings, such as the 30 Best Affordable Online Master's Degrees in Criminal Justice, from carefully researched data sets published from government and nonprofit organizations across the United States. Five primary factors affect how we rank degrees:

– 25% Student Satisfaction  

– 30% Earning Potential

– 15% Retention Data

– 20% Affordability

– 10% Acceptance Rates

For an in-depth breakdown of how we calculate each ranking, check out our Methodology page.  

Featured Online Master's in Criminal Justice

#30 UNIVERSITY OF MASSACHUSETTS LOWELL

MASTER OF ARTS IN CRIMINAL JUSTICE
Website
Score: 93.9

A public research school, the University of Massachusetts Lowell has an annual enrollment of over 18,000 students. UML provides several online programs, including a Master of Arts in Criminal Justice. The program ranks among many top 5 universities by U.S. News & World Report. The program is extensive and offers classes in a wide variety of subjects. Students must complete 11 courses to graduate.

Classes offered include Domestic Terrorism and Violent Extremism, Threat Assessment and Risk Management, and Responding to Child Maltreatment. Admission requires a bachelor's at the time of enrollment with two letters of recommendation and a statement of purpose. GRE scores are not necessary for the application process.
Net Price: $14,590 in-state; $26,370 out-of-state

#29 ROWAN UNIVERSITY

MASTER OF ARTS IN CRIMINAL JUSTICE
Website
Score: 87.9

Rowan University is a public research university, with campuses in Glassboro, Stratford, and Camden, NJ. RU annually enrolls almost 20,000 students into its programs. RU offers a Master of Arts in Criminal Justice. The program at RU is aimed to give students a solid grounding in research skills and application of those skills to practical issues in the field. Courses run for eight weeks, and the program consists of 30 credits.

Courses in the program include Altruism, Cooperation, and Criminal Justice, Management of Criminal Justice Organizations, and Race, Ethnicity, Class & Justice. Students can also pursue a thesis, which is worth six credits. Admission requires a bachelor’s with a 2.5 GPA, two letters of recommendation, and a personal statement of objectives. Students are also encouraged to submit GRE scores, though it is not required.
Net Price: $13,266

#28 UNIVERSITY OF CINCINNATI

MASTER OF SCIENCE IN CRIMINAL JUSTICE
Website
Score: 96

With an annual enrollment of over 44,000 students, the University of Cincinnati is the second largest school in the state of Ohio. The School of Criminal Justice offers a Master of Science in Criminal Justice online. The program consistently ranks among top programs in the country. The degree is focused primarily on developing students' research skills and helping them to understand how research can inform both policy and practical issues.

The degree requires 11 courses and can be completed in as little as one year. Students take a series of required courses like Applied Statistics in Criminal Justice, and Basic Research Methods in Criminal Justice and then can choose one of three topical areas to focus their electives. The options include Correctional Rehabilitation, Crime Analysis and Prevention, and Analysis of Criminal Behavior.
Net Price: $12,790 in-state; $24,532 out-of-state

#27 TIFFIN UNIVERSITY

MASTER OF SCIENCE IN CRIMINAL JUSTICE WITH CRIME ANALYSIS
Website
Score: 79.8

Tiffin University is located in Tiffin, OH, and is a private university with around 4,000 students annually enrolled. TU offers a Master of Science in Criminal Justice with a concentration in Crime Analysis. The program is mainly geared towards helping students develop their understanding of the latest theoretical and practical skills for crime analysis. The program is 30 credits and classes are offered every seven weeks.

Students can take classes like Contemporary Criminal Justice: Issues and Trends, Statistical Applications in Criminal Justice, and Computer Applications in Crime Analysis, Community Policing, and Investigating. Students also complete a capstone project which is meant to bring the analytical skills individuals learn in the program to bare on a real-world issue or problem, allowing students to demonstrate their mastery of the content of the curriculum.
Net Price: $12,600

#26 TRINE UNIVERSITY

MASTER OF SCIENCE IN CRIMINAL JUSTICE
Website
Score: 72.6

A private, nonprofit institution, Trine University is located in Angola, IN. Trine enrolls around 5,000 students annually and offers numerous online programs, including a Master of Science in Criminal Justice. The program requires a Bachelor's for admission and geared towards working professionals who are interested in heading into the field of criminal justice. The program requires 36 credits to complete.

Students take core courses and electives and are also required to complete a capstone project or substitute additional coursework. Classes that students can take include the American System of Justice, Criminal Justice Policy Formation and Analysis, and Theory and Philosophy of Leadership for Law Enforcement. Classes are offered every eight weeks, and the degree can be completed in one year for full-time students.
Net Price: $12,253

#25 UNIVERSITY OF LOUISVILLE

MASTER OF SCIENCE IN CRIMINAL JUSTICE
Website
Score: 89.6

Located in beautiful Louisville, KY, the University of Louisville is a public university with an annual enrollment of over 22,000 students. Through their online learning program, UL offers a Master of Science in Criminal Justice. The degree is 100 percent online and listed among the best online programs in the field by U.S. News & World Report. The degree includes 36 credits which are a mix of required and elective courses, as well as a research and writing course.

Among the electives are courses like White Collar Crime, Race and Gender Issues in Criminal Justice, and Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design. As a capstone experience, students are required to produce a paper of publishable quality in consultation with a faculty member, providing an opportunity for students to hone their research and writing skills. The Department of Criminal Justice oversees the program and possesses extensive connections in the community for future students and alumni.
Net Price: $12,246 in-state; $25,486 out-of-state

#24 ARIZONA STATE UNIVERSITY

MASTER OF ARTS IN CRIMINAL JUSTICE
Website
Score: 99.7

Widely recognized as one of the most innovative schools in the nation, Arizona State University is a public research university located across the Phoenix metropolitan area. The School of Criminology & Criminal Justice offers a Master of Arts in Criminal Justice online. The program aims to ground students in the best research methods in the field, and also gives excellent exposure to the best practices for program management, policy development, and evaluation.

Classes run for seven and a half weeks, and students have to take 11 courses total for the degree. Courses include Criminal Justice Planning and Program Evaluation, Seminar on Courts and Sentencing, and Seminar on Violent Crime and Criminal Behavior. Applicants must have a bachelor's degree by the time of enrollment with a 3.0 GPA or higher, two letters of recommendation, and a personal statement. ASU offers scholarships and a whole array of financial aid options to make college affordable.
Net Price: $11,240 in-state; $24,320 out-of-state

#23 XAVIER UNIVERSITY

MASTER OF SCIENCE IN CRIMINAL JUSTICE
Website
Score: 84.3

A Jesuit university, Xavier University is located in Cincinnati, OH and regularly enrolls over 6,500 students. XU offers a Master of Science in Criminal Justice online. The program is 30 credits and can be completed within two years. The program caters both to working professionals and students interested in additional study at the doctoral level or in a law program. The program emphasizes skills in crisis strategies, human interaction, organizational behavior, and writing.

Students can take classes like Human Resources for Criminal Justice Administrators, Government & Non-Profit Accounting, and Perspectives in Law Enforcement Management. The program has six different start times, making it very convenient to commence in the program. Admission requires a bachelor's by the time of enrollment with a 2.7 GPA, letters of recommendation, and a personal essay. Students who don't meet the GPA requirement can also submit GRE, MAT, or LSAT scores.  
Net Price: $11,070

#22 SAINT LEO UNIVERSITY

MASTER OF SCIENCE IN CRIMINAL JUSTICE WITH CRIMINAL INVESTIGATIONS
Website
Score: 74.6

Saint Leo University is located in St. Leo, FL, and has an annual enrollment around 13,000 students. SLU offers a Master of Science in Criminal Justice with a specialization in Criminal Investigations. The program is designed for first responders, government officials, and criminal justice administrators. The program requires 18 credits and can be completed within one year for full-time students.

Students take classes like Legal Issues in Criminal Justice Administration, Investigative Methodologies of Violence, and Causes & Control of Juvenile Delinquency. Students are required to complete a capstone project which brings together classroom theory and a real-world issue, demonstrating the student's grasp of the curriculum as a whole. SLU is well-known as a military friendly school, working closely with veterans or active duty personnel and their dependents to ensure a successful educational experience.
Net Price: $9,990

#21 FLORIDA STATE UNIVERSITY

MASTERS IN CRIMINAL JUSTICE
Website
Score: 98.3

Florida State University's College of Criminology & Criminal Justice offers a 36-credit Masters in Criminal Justice. FSU's MS in Criminal Justice provides electives such as classes like Prevention & Treatment of Crime & Delinquency, Criminal Law, Procedures & Individual Rights, and Victimology. Admissions require a bachelor's from an accredited school, as well as a resume, a personal statement and GRE scores. Individuals who have working experience in the field are not required to submit GRE scores. The program also allows students to transfer in up to six credits.
Net Price: $9,684 in-state; $24,116 out-of-state

#20 FLORIDA INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY

MASTER OF SCIENCE IN CRIMINAL JUSTICE
Website
Score: 92.6

Spread throughout the Greater Miami, FL area, Florida International University is a public research university with an annual student enrollment of over 55,000. FIU offers an online Master of Science in Criminal Justice through its Department of Criminology and Criminal Justice. The program requires 12 courses. The program does not require a thesis but does offer credit for internships, and students can also apply for certification to teach at the college level.

Required courses include Criminal Justice Policy Analysis, Transnational Crime and National Security, and Data Analysis in Criminal Justice. Students can take some electives in fields related to criminal justice as well. This program is research-oriented, and admission requires a bachelor’s degree with a 3.2 GPA or higher. Students who are interested in a more professional program are encouraged to consider the Master of Arts in Global Affairs program.
Net Price: $ $8,912 in-state; $21,393 out-of-state

#19 LIBERTY UNIVERSITY

MASTER OF SCIENCE IN CRIMINAL JUSTICE
Website
Score: 79.4

A private evangelical Christian university, Liberty University is located in Lynchburg, VA. One of the largest universities in the world, LU has over 94,000 students enrolled in online courses. LU offers a Master of Science in Criminal Justice. The program includes an optional thesis for students interested in research and classes run for an eight-week duration. Overall, the program is 36 credits, and there are three unique specializations including Forensic Psychology, Homeland Security, and Public Administration as well as a General option.

Students take classes like Administration of Justice Organizations, Leadership, Ethics, and Policing, and Human Resource Management. LU emphasizes their Christian identity and grounds their lessons in specific Christian principles. If you are already a First Responder, you may qualify for a 25% discount on tuition and may also receive credit for life experience.
Net Price: $8,217

#18 BOWLING GREEN STATE UNIVERSITY

MASTER OF SCIENCE IN CRIMINAL JUSTICE
Website
Score: 82.9

Located in Bowling Green, OH, Bowling Green State University is a large public research university offering a Master of Science in Criminal Justice online. BGSU's MS in Criminal Science consists of 11 courses over seven weeks. Students who take one class every seven weeks can complete the MSCJ in less than two years.

In the program, students will take classes like Data Analysis and Interpretation in Criminal Justice, The Organization & Management of Justice, and Criminal Justice Processes and Institutions. The program is designed both for working professionals who want to advance their careers and for individuals interested in eventually going on for doctoral work. Applicants must hold a bachelor's degree with a 2.75 GPA or higher, and submit a personal essay with two letters of recommendation.
Net Price: $7,821 in-state; $13,473 out-of-state

#17 UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN — PLATTEVILLE

MASTER OF SCIENCE IN CRIMINAL JUSTICE
Website
Score: 94.2

A member of the state university system, the University of Wisconsin-Platteville is a public university with over 8,500 students annually enrolled. UWP offers an online Master of Science in Criminal Justice degree. The program is quite flexible and offers three concentrations as well as six additional customizable focus areas. Among concentrations are Criminal Justice Theory and Victim and Offender Services.

The customizable focus areas include Advanced Criminal Justice Theory, Organizational Management, and Child Advocacy. Students take a total of 30 credits which includes classes like Criminological Theory, Law as Social Control, and Criminal Justice Systems. Half of the program consists of electives. Admission requires a bachelor's with a cumulative GPA of 2.75, and there are three different start times during the year providing flexibility for non-traditional learners.
Net Price: $7,640 in-state; $16,771 out-of-state

#16 COLUMBIA COLLEGE

MASTER OF SCIENCE IN CRIMINAL JUSTICE
Website
Score: 81.8

Located in Columbia, MO, Columbia College is a private nonprofit liberal arts college. The school is relatively small, with an annual enrollment approaching 2,000 students. CC offers a Master of Science in Criminal Justice, which is designed primarily for professionals currently working in the field. The program can also be a good stepping stone for students who intend to pursue a degree in law or a doctorate in the industry.

Overall the program requires 36 credits and students can, either, use their electives as they would like or can choose one of two emphases: Law Enforcement Administration or Corrections Administration. Students can take classes like Emergent Issues in Criminal Justice Leadership, Legal Aspects of Criminal Justice Management, or Crisis Intervention. The Criminal Justice Administration and Human Services Development Department also sponsors several student organizations that students can join.
Net Price: $7,271

#15 CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY - SAN BERNARDINO

MASTER OF ARTS IN CRIMINAL JUSTICE
Website
Score: 92.5

California State University, San Bernardino is a public university with an annual student enrollment of over 20,000 students. The Department of Criminal Justice offers a Master of Arts in Criminal Justice. The program is designed to serve a vast number of students and does not have significant prerequisites. The program consistently ranks among the best online programs in the country.

CSUSB is on a quarter system, and this program requires 45 credits to complete, which includes classes like Applying Criminological Theory to Criminal Justice, Advanced Techniques of Basic and Applied Research in Criminal Justice, and Statistical Analysis in Criminal Justice. Students can either choose a thesis option or a non-thesis option with a comprehensive exam. Admission requires a background in a criminal justice-related area of study or the recommendation of the Graduate Admissions Committee.
Net Price: $7,176 in-state; $16,680 out-of-state

#14 UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL MISSOURI

MASTER OF SCIENCE IN CRIMINAL JUSTICE
Website
Score: 84.0

The University of Central Missouri is a public university located in Warrensburg, MO. UCM offers over 150 areas of study, including a Master of Science in Criminal Justice. The program is designed both for those interested in research in the field and for working professionals. Students can choose between a thesis or a non-thesis option, which allows for flexibility in terms of individual interests and needs.

Some of the required courses in the program include Comparative and International Criminal Justice Systems, Legal Aspects of the Criminal Justice System, and Criminal Justice Philosophy and Policy. Students who choose the thesis track have the opportunity to work closely with distinguished faculty on a research question. UCM also offers a limited number of competitive Graduate Assistantships, which can be great opportunities for networking and teaching, while also helping individuals fund their education.
Net Price: $7,016 in-state; $14,033 out-of-state

#13 UNIVERSITY OF HOUSTON

ONLINE MASTER OF SCIENCE IN CRIMINAL JUSTICE
Website
Score: 74.8

Spread across the greater metropolitan area, the University of Houston is a large public research university. Through their online programs, UH offers an Online Master of Science in Criminal Justice. The program is designed for working students who may or may not already be in the field of criminal justice. The program is led by faculty who are both scholars and experienced professionals in the industry.

The program requires 36 credits of core classes, electives, and a capstone project, which completed within a year and a half. Courses include Quantitative Analysis in Criminal Justice, Policy Analysis and Program Evaluation, and Administration in Criminal Justice. Admission to the program requires a Bachelor's degree with at least a 3.0 GPA. The program allows students to begin study either in the fall or spring.
Net Price: $6,930 in-state; $13,500 out-of-state

#12 UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL FLORIDA

MASTER OF SCIENCE IN CRIMINAL JUSTICE
Website
Score: 89.4

The city of Orlando's University of Central Florida is the largest university in the nation by enrollment and one of the largest in the world. The College of Community Involvement and Education offers a Master of Science in Criminal Justice online. The degree is 36 credits and can be completed in two years. The program features core courses, electives, a capstone course, and a thesis option.

Students can take courses like Foundations of Law Enforcement, Law and Social Control, and American Criminal Courts as electives. Students who opt for the thesis take two fewer courses and can focus on a significant research question. Admissions require a bachelor's degree in any field, two letters of recommendation, and a statement of goals as well as an updated resume. The program has three different start dates, which provides flexibility for non-traditional students.
Net Price: $6,916 in-state; $25,759 out-of-state

#11 UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO DENVER

MASTER OF CRIMINAL JUSTICE
Website
Score: 90

The Denver campus of the University of Colorado is the largest research institution in the state. The School of Public Affairs offers a Master of Criminal Justice online. The program is designed to work for people with a background in the field, or individuals who are looking to change careers. The degree is 36 credits with five core courses, and at moderate speed, students can expect to finish within two and a half years.

CU Denver's MCJ offers four concentrations, including Emergency Management and Homeland Security, and Gender-Based Violence. Courses include Criminal Theory, Law and Society, and Systems, Policies, and Practices. Students can either choose to pursue a thesis or develop an applied research capstone project. For students with no background in the field, an internship for credit is also an option.
Net Price: $6,714 in-state; $22,374 out-of-state

#10 SOUTHEAST MISSOURI STATE UNIVERSITY

MASTER OF SCIENCE CRIMINAL JUSTICE
Website
Score: 85.2

A public university located in Cape Girardeau, MO, Southeast Missouri State University enrolls around 11,000 students each year. SMSU offers a Master of Science in Criminal Justice through its online program. SMSU and Missouri Southern State University jointly run the degree program, which primarily targets individuals interested in working for the field of criminal justice.

The 30-credit program is divided evenly between required and elective courses. Students can take classes like Death Penalty in America, Comparative Criminal Justice Systems, and Restorative Justice as electives. Students can also receive up to six credits for a field experience or internship. There is also a thesis option, as well. Admissions require a 3.0 GPA, though students with a 2.75 or higher are admitted with probationary status.  
Net Price: $6,488 in-state; $12,104 out-of-state

#9 AMERICAN PUBLIC UNIVERSITY

MASTER OF ARTS IN CRIMINAL JUSTICE
Website
Score: 78.5

American Public University is a for-profit online learning institution that is based in Charles Town, WV. APU offers a Master of Arts in Criminal Justice among their many programs. The program focuses on national and local criminal justice issues and is conscious of the changes to the field after 9/11. Overall the degree requires 36 credits and can be completed in two years. Courses start each month, and students are required to take six core courses.

Students can also pursue a concentration with their electives in either Business Administration or Emergency Management and Disaster Management. Elective courses include classes like Interagency Disaster Management, Emergency and Disaster Planning and Management, and Policing and Corrections in Homeland Security. Admissions require a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
Net Price: $6,300

#8 LAMAR UNIVERSITY

MASTER OF SCIENCE IN CRIMINAL JUSTICE
Website
Score: 88.1

Lamar University is located in Beaumont, TX and is a public university and member of the Texas State University system. The school regularly enrolls over 14,000 students in its numerous programs. LU offers a Master of Science in Criminal Justice online. The curriculum grounds students in research methods but is mainly concerned to teach practical skills for working professionals. The degree consists of 30 credits and typically completed within two years.

Students can take classes like the Criminal Justice System and Policy, Criminal Justice Leadership, and Planning and Evaluation. There is a thesis option open to students who want a more research-intensive experience. Those opting not to do a thesis are required to take the capstone course in its place. Admission to the program requires some background in criminal justice either in the form of work history or in an undergraduate program.
Net Price: $6,174 in-state; $13,644 out-of-state

#7 UNIVERSITY OF THE CUMBERLANDS

MASTER OF JUSTICE ADMINISTRATION
Website
Score: 82.2

The University of the Cumberlands is a private, non-denominational religious school with an enrollment of around 13,000 students. UC offers a Master of Justice Administration that is available online. The program was explicitly designed by law enforcement professionals to help train and further ground other law enforcement professionals. The program is 30 credits total which includes 12 credits in a specialization.

Students can specialize in one of eight different areas, including Family Services, Juvenile Justice, or Addiction Studies. Classes that students might take include Legal and Ethical Issues in Homeland Security, Critical Issues in Community Based Corrections, or Law Enforcement Administration. Admission requires a bachelor's degree with a 3.0 GPA, letters of recommendation, as well as answering a series of questions to assess an applicant's work history and preparation for the degree.
Net Price: $5,670

#6 SAM HOUSTON STATE UNIVERSITY

MASTER OF SCIENCE IN CRIMINAL JUSTICE
Website
Score: 93.3

Located in Huntsville, TX, Sam Houston State University is a public university with a student body of around 21,000 students. SHSU offers a Master of Science in Criminal Justice online. The program ranks at No. 3 for Best Online Graduate Criminal Justice Programs by U.S. News & World Report, and the faculty is recognized among the most productive researchers in the field.

Students take classes like Critical Analysis of Justice Administration, Community Theory & Administration of Justice, and Emergent Issues in Criminal Justice Leadership. Admission requires a bachelor's with a 3.0 GPA or higher, though students with a lower GPA can submit GRE scores.
Net Price: $5,391 in-state; $12,861 out-of-state

#5 THE UNIVERSITY OF OKLAHOMA

MASTER OF SCIENCE IN CRIMINAL JUSTICE
Website
Score: 89.8

The University of Oklahoma's Extended Campus program offers a Master of Science in Criminal Justice online. The online school was ranked in the top 10 Best Online Colleges for 2019 by U.S. News & World Report. The degree is 33 credits and is meant to be flexible and affordable. Coursework is divided up into required courses, electives, and a thesis.

Students choose between three concentrations as well, such as Restorative Justice or Corrections Management. Each concentration comes with a certificate, making your degree that much more valuable. The AL track requires some additional courses over the standard 33 credits to complete. Students can take classes like Mediation and Conflict Resolution, or Criminal Justice Policy Development among the electives.  
Net Price: $5,119 in-state; $19,778 out-of-state

#4 UNIVERSITY OF NEBRASKA AT OMAHA

MASTER OF SCIENCE IN CRIMINOLOGY AND CRIMINAL JUSTICE
Website
Score: 90.4

The University of Nebraska at Omaha is a public research university. The School of Criminology and Criminal Justice offers a Master of Science in Criminology and Criminal Justice online. In 2017, the program was ranked No.1 by U.S. News & World Report. Students take 11 courses plus a capstone course. The program is primarily geared for working professionals, and though classes are available entirely online, students can also take on-campus courses in the evenings.

Among the electives are classes like Human Development and Psycho-Social Intervention Strategies, and Human Behavior and the Social Environment. Students can also choose between two optional concentrations in either Public Administration or Counseling. Admission requires a bachelor's at the time of enrollment with a 3.0 GPA, or for provisional status, a 2.75 GPA. Students also have to submit letters of recommendation and a statement of purpose.
Net Price: $4,950 in-state; $13,824 out-of-state

#3 NEW MEXICO STATE UNIVERSITY

MASTER OF CRIMINAL JUSTICE
Website
Score: 84.2

New Mexico State University is the oldest public institution of higher learning in the state and is located in Las Cruces, NM. The Department of Criminal Justice at NMSU offers a Master of Criminal Justice. The program is 36 credits and consists of core classwork and general elective courses. Students are also required to pass a comprehensive exam as part of the program. There is no thesis option available for the online program.

Among the potential courses that students can take are Criminal Justice Statistics, Race, Crime, and Justice, and Law & Social Control. Students can also receive credit for an internship in the program. Applications for the program are only reviewed in the spring for fall enrollment. Applicants must hold a bachelor's degree by the time of admission with a 3.0 GPA and must submit three letters of recommendation, and a personal statement.
Net Price: $4,390 in-state; $15,309 out-of-state

#2 UNIVERSITY OF NORTH GEORGIA

MASTER OF SCIENCE IN CRIMINAL JUSTICE
Website
Score: 74.7

The University of North Georgia has four different campus sites across the northern portion of the state and an overall enrollment of 19,000 students. UNG offers a Master of Science in Criminal Justice through its online programs. The program is designed for individuals who are already working in the field or who are interested in understanding the criminal justice in more depth.

The program is 36 credits and can be completed within one year. Students can take electives like Criminal Justice Administration, Forensic Behavioral Analysis, or Corrections and Penology. The program accepts applicants on a rolling basis, and there is no entrance test for enrollment. Students must submit official transcripts, three letters of recommendation, and a letter of interest for admission. The program also features several classes the focus on international crime and justice, as well as homeland security.
Net Price: $4,050 in-state; $16,164 out-of-state

#1 FAYETTEVILLE STATE UNIVERSITY

MASTER OF SCIENCE IN CRIMINAL JUSTICE
Website
Score: 82.4

Located in Fayetteville, NC, Fayetteville State University is part of the University of North Carolina system and is a historically black public university. FSU offers a Master of Science in Criminal Justice online, which is overseen by the Department of Criminal Justice. The program is designed broadly for professionals working in the field, for community organizers committed to social justice who want to understand the criminal justice system, and for others interested in going on for a doctorate in the field.

Students can choose between a thesis, comprehensive exam, or enhanced coursework option, which places the program at between 33-36 credits. Classes can include Females, Crime, and Justice, Corporate and Government Crime, and Race, Crime, and Justice. Admissions require a bachelor degree with a 2.75 GPA, GRE scores, and two letters of recommendation. The DCJ also encourages students to get involved with organizations like the American Society of Criminology to enhance their educational experience.
Net Price: $3,438 in-state; $14,503 out-of-state