The field of criminal justice is a dynamic one, and there are many exciting career opportunities available to qualified graduates. If one of your goals is to keep your educational costs down, consider the offerings on this list of affordable online Master’s in Criminal Justice degrees.
#1 Columbia Southern University
Executive Summary
Columbia Southern University is one of the oldest online universities in the U.S. It is a member of the Distance Education and Training Council and a member of the Council for Higher Education Accreditation.
Tuition
Columbia Southern University charges $265.00 per credit hour, which is cheaper than most universities offering graduate-level programs.
Unique Features
The curriculum for the Criminal Justice Administration degree program includes courses in global terrorism, juvenile justice administration and delinquency, criminal courts and professional ethics, theory of crime and criminology, and more.
#2 Walden University
Executive Summary
Walden University was founded in 1970. From the beginning, it has focused on providing programs for working adults to continue their education. The school is accredited through the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCACS).
Tuition
Tuition at Walden is $435.00 per credit hour. This figure includes textbooks and materials.
Unique Features
Students at Walden can access their learning materials on the go through the school’s MobileLearn option. They can listen to lectures on an MP3 player or iPhone, as well as download coursework to a laptop to work on from anywhere.
Concentrations
Emergency Management
Homeland Security Policy
Homeland Security Policy and Coordination
Law and Public Policy
Policy Analysis
Public Management and Leadership
Self Designed
Terrorism, Mediation and Peace
#3 California Coast University
Executive Summary
California Coast University is a private school offering self-paced study programs. It is accredited by the Distance Education and Training Council.
Tuition
Tuition rates at CCU are $230.00 per unit, which is one of the cheapest ones you will find anywhere for a Master’s level program.
Unique Features
Students who attend CCU do not get financial aid or student loans. Instead, the school offers interest-free payments starting at $100.00 per month. New students can start the program at any time and learn at their own pace.
#4 Kaplan University
Executive Summary
Kaplan University is a private, for-profit institution. Founded in 1937, this school is regionally accredited by The Higher Learning Commission.
Tuition
Students at Kaplan pay $385.00 per credit hour.
Unique Features
This school offers multiple start dates throughout the year. Students can choose from different learning tracks (thesis, exam, and research) to find the program that fits their learning style and goals.
#5 Bellevue University
Executive Summary
Bellevue University is a leader in the field of adult education. It was one of the first schools to offer online degree programs. The University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges.
Tuition
The cost to attend Bellevue is $485.00 per credit hour.
Unique Features
Bellevue’s Justice Administration and Crime Management degree includes courses in forensics, technology and future trends, advanced crime analysis, criminal law, writing for the criminal justice professional, research methods and statistical applications.
#6 Arizona State University
Executive Summary
It’s
Arizona State University has the distinction of being the largest public university in the U.S. Forbes and U.S. News & World Report have recognized it as being a top ranked institution.
it’s
Tuition
ASU charges $463.00 per credit hour for graduate-level programs.
Unique Features
The Master’s degree program can be completed in as few as 18 months of full-time study. Part-time students must complete their degree within six years
#7 Capella University
Executive Summary
Capella University is a private online school. It operates on an open enrollment basis and is accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
Tuition
Tuition at Capella costs $461.00 per credit hour.
Unique Features
Capella’s degree in Public Safety – Criminal Justice includes courses in practices of probation, parole and community corrections, law enforcement, psychopathy and criminal profiling, and more.
Concentrations
Fire Service Administration
Forensics
Health Policy and Management
Homeland Security
Public Administration
Public Health
Public Policy and Management
Nonprofit Management and Leadership
#8 Virginia College
Executive Summary
Virginia College offers career-based programs designed to prepare students for the job market quickly. The school is accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools.
Tuition
Virginia College charges $30,296.00 for a Master’s degree program. This includes all fees, books, and supplies.
Unique Features
The Master of Criminal Justice program can be completed in 14 months. The College has a job placement rate for graduates of 100%.
Concentrations
#9 Grand Canyon University
Executive Summary
Grand Canyon University was founded in 1949. This private, Christian University is accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
Tuition
Graduate students at GCU pay $495.00 per credit hour.
Unique Features
Master’s degree students complete a capstone project as one of the requirements to graduate. It includes a research paper, a five-year plan of the student’s professional goals, his or her curriculum vitae, and examples of writing from graduate-level courses.
Concentrations
Law Enforcement
Legal Studies
#10 South University
Executive Summary
South University is a private, for-profit institution that was established in 1899. The University is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
Tuition
Students at South pay $541.00 per credit hour.
Unique Features
Applicants must hold a Bachelor’s degree with a minimum GPA of 2.7. The Master’s program at South can be completed in as little as 18 months.
Concentrations
Homeland Security
Corrections
Cyber Crime
Public Administration
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