In this article, we profile the top 30 most affordable online master’s in criminal justice degree programs.
According to the United States Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics (Occupational Outlook Handbook), the job outlook for police and detectives is expected to increase by seven percent, and legal occupations like arbitrators and mediators are expected to grow by ten percent. To step into one of these careers, bachelor’s degrees are often required, though advancement means additional education. Online master’s in criminal justice programs are now available from some of the nation’s top institutions. This means that individuals are not forced to leave their day jobs to gain additional education.
We reviewed over 150 accredited colleges and universities that offered master’s in criminal justice online programs. We looked at schools that had received accreditation, either regional or national, and offered at least one online master’s in criminal justice or closely related program. We gathered graduate tuition and fees from the National Center for Education Statistics (College Navigator) and listed the schools in order of affordability. As added indicators, we selected schools that had received at least one ranking from a major publication like U.S. News and World Report and offered graduate tuition costs less than $18,000 per year. Our schools and programs are listed below according to raw affordability.
Below is our list of the 30 best master’s in criminal justice online programs.
#30 – California University of Pennsylvania
Online Master’s in Legal Studies – Criminal Justice Concentration
California, Pennsylvania
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $16,203
California University of Pennsylvania’s master’s in criminal justice online provides students with an interdisciplinary degree that prepares them for a variety of careers within several criminal justice contexts including law, corrections, human and social services, and law enforcement. The degree may also be used as preparation for various doctoral programs. Courses include digital imaging forensic photography and the law, financial investigations, law and criminal conduct, and U.S. homeland security. Unconditional admission requirements include a bachelor’s degree with a 3.0 minimum GPA and official transcripts from accredited undergraduate institutions attended. U.S. News and World Report ranks California University of Pennsylvania #146 in regional universities North.
#29 – Slippery Rock University
Online Master’s in Criminal Justice
Slippery Rock, Pennsylvania
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $15,907
Slippery Rock University offers several master’s in criminal justice online programs for students seeking a distance learning degree as preparation for entry or advancement within a criminal justice career track. The program consists of 30 credits and can be completed in 12-18 months. The program combines current research, theory, and practical application with emphasis on skill development needed to succeed on the job. Most students are current criminal justice professionals seeking advanced credentials for the purposes of career advancement or preparation for a PhD program. Admission requirements include statement of purpose (approx. 600 words), two letters of reference, release form, resume, transcripts, and GRE scores (for students with UGPA < 3.0). U.S. News ranks Slippery Rock #78 in regional universities North.
#28 – University of Massachusetts
Online Master’s in Criminal Justice
Lowell, Massachusetts
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $15,040
The University of Massachusetts Lowell’s online criminal justice master’s is well suited for working professionals seeking entry or advancement within the criminal justice field. The program is delivered via distance learning technology, making it convenient and affordable for people unable to attend traditional courses on campus. The curriculum is 33 credits and consists of 11 classes (5 core, 6 electives). Courses include crisis and emergency management, domestic terrorism and violent extremism, mental health and criminal justice, and responding to child maltreatment. U.S. News and World Report ranks the University of Massachusetts Lowell #156 in national universities and #14 in best online graduate criminal justice programs.
#27 – University of Toledo
Online Master’s in Criminal Justice
Toledo, Ohio
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $14,984
University of Toledo’s online criminal justice degree is a 30-credit program designed to prepare graduates for leadership positions within the criminal justice career field including corrections, law enforcement, social services, and education. In addition to completing 30 credits, students must complete a final examination or thesis. Admission requirements include 3.0 undergraduate GPA, transcripts, personal statement, three letters of recommendation, and GRE score (if UGPA < 3.0). Courses include advanced theories in criminal justice, data analysis and criminal justice, guided study in child advocacy issues, and juvenile justice in the metropolitan community. U.S. News and World Report ranks University of Toledo #231 in national universities.
#26 – National University
Online Master’s in Criminal Justice
La Jolla, California
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $14,976
National University’s master’s in criminal justice online is a 54-credit hour program delivered via distance learning technology. The program allows students to transfer 13.5 credits from other institutions upon approval. The 54-credits are disaggregated into 36 credits (8 courses) of core requirements and 18 credits (4 courses) of elective classes. Classes include comparative criminal justice systems, critical issues in criminal justice, law and criminal procedure, major case investigation, and violence and victimization. Application requirements vary by program and applicant academic background. U.S. News and World Report recognize National University in its cohort of best regional universities West and rank the institution #19 in best online graduate criminal justice programs.
#25 – University of Cincinnati
Online Master’s in Criminal Justice
Cincinnati, Ohio
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $14,468
The University of Cincinnati’s online master’s in criminal justice programs are designed for working individuals to complete a graduate level degree from a regionally accredited institution via distance learning. The 11-course program can be completed in two years with part-time study or one year at the full-time level. Students can choose from a variety of concentration areas such as analysis of criminal behavior, law enforcement and crime prevention, and corrections and offender rehabilitation. Students can also complete the general curriculum. Core classes include applied statistics in criminal justice, basic research methods in criminal justice, demonstration research project, and seminar in criminology. UC is ranked #133 in national universities.
#24 – Colorado Technical University
Online Master’s in Criminal Justice
Colorado Springs, Colorado
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $13,803
Colorado Technical University offers master’s in criminal justice online programs for students seeking education and training as preparation for a leadership position in the criminal justice field. Graduates go on to work in a variety of criminal justice contexts including social services, corrections, law enforcement, all levels of government, and the private sector. The program consists of 48 credits with classes starting every eight weeks. Courses are 5.5 weeks long. Courses include advanced review of criminal justice, criminology and public policy, issues of diversity in criminal justice, and leadership and ethical decision-making. The program is designed for students with or without a background in criminal justice. Students with no background must successfully complete CJU500. CTU is ranked #34 in best online graduate criminal justice programs by U.S. News.
#23 – Johnson & Wales University
Online Master’s in Criminal Justice
Providence, Rhode Island
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $13,008
Johnson & Wales University’s online criminal justice degree is designed to educate and train students for leadership positions within the criminal justice field. The program focuses on career-specific skills and knowledge regarding criminal justice policy and organizational theory to help students learn to make informed policy decisions in the best interest of organizational stakeholders and community members. Courses run for eight weeks at a time, and the degree can be finished in less than two years. Courses may include advanced administration of criminal justice, contemporary criminology and crime prevention, criminal justice ethics and diversity in a global environment, and juvenile justice issues. JWU is ranked #64 in regional universities North by U.S. News.
#22 – University of Louisville
Online Master’s in Criminal Justice
Louisville, Kentucky
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $12,442
Louisville University’s master’s in criminal justice online is a 36-credit program featuring 18 core credits, 15 elective credits, and 3 credits for completing the master’s thesis final paper. Classes run 6 weeks in duration with six program starts per year. The program provides a comprehensive overview of the criminal justice system and includes classes such as applied statistics in criminal justice, crime and criminal justice in the cinema, crime prevention through environmental design, and ethics in criminal justice. Faculty in the program have several community affiliations including metro Louisville government, metro police department, Louisville metro crime commission, and Jefferson Count Medical Foundation. U.S. News ranks Louisville #165 in national universities.
#21 – Arizona State University
Online Master’s in Criminal Justice
Tempe, Arizona
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $11,938
Arizona State University provides working professionals with online master’s in criminal justice programs designed to prepare them for leadership roles within a wide variety of criminal justice contexts such as government, law enforcement, social services, juvenile justice, corrections, security, and the private sector. The program can be completed in only 18 months with full-time enrollment. Students who wish to attend part-time are also invited to attend and must complete the degree within six years. Under the auspices of The School of Criminology and Criminal Justice, students take courses such as applied data analysis in criminal justice, criminal justice planning and program evaluation, seminar in criminology, and seminar in criminal justice. ASU ranks #5 in best online graduate criminal justice programs by U.S. News.
#20 – Florida State University
Online Master’s in Criminal Justice Studies
Tallahassee, Florida
Website
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $11,553
Florida State University offers master’s in criminal justice online programs for students seeking a tailored educational experience designed with their specific career goals in mind. The program can be completed in two years taking two courses per semester. Students can choose courses that are well suited for their career trajectory and agency. Graduates also become eligible to teach criminal justice courses at the community college level. The 36-credit program includes courses such as applied statistics in criminal justice, seminar in theoretical criminology, survey of criminological theories, and race, ethnicity, crime and social justice. FSU is ranked #81 in national universities by U.S. News and World Report.
#19 – Florida International University
Online Master’s in Criminal Justice
Miami, Florida
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $11,097
Florida International University offers an online criminal justice degree through its Steven J. Green School of International and Public Affairs. The program consists of 36 credits and requires no on-campus coursework. The program boasts many current criminal justice professionals seeking advanced education and upward career mobility into top levels of management and leadership. The program combines theoretical understanding and specific career-related skills that increase effective decision-making. Students work in a variety of criminal justice contexts such as law enforcement, homeland security, social services, corrections, juvenile justice, and the private sector. U.S. News and World Report ranks Florida International University #216 in national universities.
#18 – University of Alaska
Online Master’s in Administration of Justice
Fairbanks, Alaska
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $10,858
The University of Alaska Fairbanks provides online master’s in criminal justice programs designed to teach students both theoretical and applied knowledge of the criminal justice system and organizations. The program is well suited for career justice professionals and deployed military individuals seeking advanced education and training. Students are required to spend one week at the Fairbanks, Alaska campus near the end of their degree program. The 30-credit program includes courses such as administration and management of criminal justice organizations, ethics in criminal justice management, media relations and public relations, and personnel management in criminal justice. U.S. News ranks University of Alaska Fairbanks #207 in national universities.
#17 – Faulkner University
Online Master’s in Justice Administration
Montgomery, Alabama
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $10,750
Faulkner University offers a master’s in criminal justice online for professionals seeking a justice administration degree from a Christian institution. The program is fully online with no residential on-campus requirements. The 10-course curriculum can be completed in just 14 months with courses lasting 5 weeks. Students take one course at a time and can matriculate six times per year. Faulkner University will accept up to six transfer credits from other institutions and programs. Courses may include administration of justice, comparative criminal justice, justice writing, law and justice, and policing in America. Admissions requirements include bachelor’s degree from regionally accredited school, 300-word letter of intent, resume, and MAT test scores if GPA is under 2.5 overall/3.0 major courses. Faulkner ranks #116 in regional universities South by U.S. News.
#16 – McKendree University
Online Master’s in Criminal Justice
Lebanon, Illinois
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $10,410
McKendree University provides master’s in criminal justice online programs designed for working criminal justice professionals seeking a tailored educational experience for their specific career interests and situations. The program includes only four required foundational courses, leaving the majority of classes up to the discretion of the student. The McKendree program is career-oriented, which means students will learn essential knowledge and skills needed to be effective criminal justice practitioners. The 36-credit program includes classes such as advanced studies in criminal justice, criminological theory, research in criminal justice data analysis, and research in criminal justice methods and concepts. McKendree is ranked #73 in regional universities Midwest by U.S. News.
#15 – Bowling Green State University
Online Master’s in Criminal Justice
Bowling Green, Ohio
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $9,608
Bowling Green State University’s online criminal justice degree is a 33-credit, 11-course program designed to be completed in under two years with part-time enrollment. Students can matriculate to the program six times per year. Classes are eight weeks in length. Courses may include criminal justice policy analysis, data and statistical analysis in criminal justice, the nature of crime, and the organization and management of justice. Interested students must submit two letters of recommendation, a personal letter of application, current professional resume, and have a 2.75 minimum undergraduate GPA. Upon matriculation, students will be members of the BGSU College of Health and Human Services. BGSU is ranked #31 in best online graduate criminal justice programs by U.S. News.
#14 – Weber State University
Online Master’s in Criminal Justice
Ogden, Utah
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $8,881
Weber State University’s master’s in criminal justice online is delivered 100% via distance learning through its College of Social and Behavioral Sciences. The degree is 36 semester credits divided into 12 required courses and 24 elective credits, giving the student a great deal of latitude to choose courses deemed best for their career and academic interests. Classes include criminal justice statistics, diversity issues in criminal justice, legal foundations of criminal justice, and technology and innovation in criminal justice. Students typically finish the degree in 12-18 months. Weber State University is ranked #86 in regional universities West by U.S. News and World Report.
#13 – University of Central Florida
Online Master’s in Criminal Justice
Orlando, Florida
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $8,872
University of Central Florida provides online master’s in criminal justice programs for working professionals seeking convenient educational courses via distance learning. Through the UCF College of Community Innovation and Education, students receive an education preparing them for leadership and administrative positions. Students may also choose to take a dual degree pathway leading to a master of science in criminal justice and master’s in public administration. The curriculum provides students with theoretical and applied concepts and skills needed to be an effective leader within the criminal justice system. Additionally, students learn how historical, political, and economic forces impact the criminal justice landscape. UCF ranks #171 in national universities and #39 in best online graduate criminal justice programs.
#12 – Liberty University
Online Master’s in Criminal Justice
Lynchburg, Virginia
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $8,723
Liberty University offers master’s in criminal justice online programs for current or prospective criminal justice professionals. The degree program offers several concentrations including forensic psychology, homeland security, and public administration. Students may also pursue a general track. The curriculum is delivered entirely online and includes classes such as crisis intervention in law enforcement, fundamentals of forensic psychology, H.R. Management in criminal justice organizations, and criminal justice program evaluation. Admission requirements include an application, unofficial transcripts, and proof of English proficiency. U.S. News and World Report ranks Liberty University #231 in national universities and #42 in best online graduate criminal justice programs.
#11 – University of Oklahoma
Online Master’s in Criminal Justice
Norman, Oklahoma
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $8,577
The University of Oklahoma’s online criminal justice master’s degree is an accredited degree program designed for working individuals seeking a graduate-level education via distance learning. The program’s flexibility makes it a good fit for people unable to take traditional on-campus classes. The majority of students take two 3-credit courses per semester and one 3-credit course in the summer. Fall and spring terms are sixteen weeks, while summer semester is eight weeks. Classes include criminal justice policy development, community corrections in the 21st century, ethical decision making in criminal justice, and restorative justice programs for drug offenders. UO ranks #7 in best online graduate criminal justice programs.
#10 – Concordia University
Online Master’s in Criminal Justice Leadership
Saint Paul, Minnesota
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $8,550
Concordia University offers a 36-credit hour online criminal justice degree designed for students wanting a graduate education from an accredited institution. Classes are 7 weeks long. Students come from a variety of backgrounds such as military, corrections, law enforcement, and social services. The program is career focused and combines theory with applied criminal justice skillsets needed to excel in the fast paced industry. The curriculum is designed to help graduates become effective decision makers and leaders within a variety of criminal justice contexts. Courses include accessing criminal justice resources, applied ethics in criminal justice leadership, contemporary issues in criminal justice leadership, and research methods in criminal justice. Concordia is ranked #51 in best online graduate criminal justice programs.
#9 – Lamar University
Online Master’s in Criminal Justice
Beaumont, Texas
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $8,112
Lamar University’s online criminal justice master’s is designed to prepare students for upper level management and leadership positions within a wide variety of criminal justice agencies and organizations. Students may matriculate to the 36-credit program three times per year. The curriculum has a career-focused practitioner emphasis that provides graduates with the skills and knowledge necessary to make effective and informed decisions on the job. Required courses include criminal justice system and policy, planning and evaluation, quantitative methods in criminology, and special studies in applied criminology. U.S. News and World Report ranks Lamar University #31 in best online graduate criminal justice programs.
#8 – University of Colorado
Online Master’s in Criminal Justice
Denver, Colorado
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $7,839
University of Colorado offers a master’s in criminal justice online for students from a variety of backgrounds. Students are not required to have any previous experience in the criminal justice field to apply and be accepted to the program. Students with no experience will be required to complete a 3-credit internship at an approved agency as part of the program. The 36-credit curriculum is disaggregated into 3-credit courses. Course classes include criminal justice systems, policies, and practices; criminology theory; law & society; and statistics. University of Colorado Denver is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. U.S. News ranks UC-Denver #19 in best online graduate criminal justice programs.
#7 – Sam Houston State University
Online Master’s in Criminal Justice
Huntsville, Texas
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $7,575
Sam Houston State University offers online master’s in criminal justice programs through its College of Criminal Justice. The program is designed for working professionals and can be completed in two years. Students may choose from an August 1 or November 1 application deadline. Admission requirements include official transcripts, UGPA of 3.0 or higher, three letters of recommendation, and a personal essay. GRE scores may be requested if the applicant’s GPA is low. Curriculum includes critical analysis of justice administration, communication theory and administration of justice, emergent issues in criminal justice leadership, and program evaluation in criminal justice. SHSU is ranked #1 in best online graduate criminal justice programs by U.S. News.
#6 – Southeast Missouri State University
Online Master’s in Criminal Justice
Cape Girardeau, Missouri
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $7,290
Southeast Missouri State University’s online criminal justice master’s degree is a 30-credit hour program consisting of 15 credit hours of core class and 15 credit hours of electives. Students have the latitude to take courses best suited to their academic and career interests while still receiving a solid foundation in criminal justice. Admission requirements include an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher, two letters of recommendation, and an APA style letter of intent. Students with no previous experience in criminal justice will need to complete 12 hours of preliminary criminal justice coursework before submitting their application. Courses may include comparative criminal justice systems, death penalty in America, ethics in criminal justice, and policy analysis and evaluation. U.S. News ranks SMSU #11 in best online graduate criminal justice programs.
#5 – University of North Texas
Online Master’s in Criminal Justice with Concentration in Justice Policy and Administration
Denton, Texas
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $7,165
The University of North Texas offers an online criminal justice degree designed specifically to teach and train students to effectively function as managers and administrators within criminal justice agencies. The 36-credit curriculum features four required classes, eight elective courses, and a comprehensive exam. Students may take up to three elective classes outside the criminal justice discipline upon approval. UNT accepts up to nine transfer credits towards the master’s degree from other institutions and programs. The program can be completed taking full or part-time courses as the student’s schedule allows. U.S. News and World Report ranks UNT #34 in best online graduate criminal justice programs.
#4 – University of Nebraska
Online Master’s in Criminology and Criminal Justice
Omaha, Nebraska
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $6,458
The University of Nebraska offers master’s in criminal justice online programs for students seeking to enter or advance within the criminal justice career field. The 36-credit program is delivered entirely online and can be completed in 18 months when attending full-time. Part-time options are also available. Admission does not include GRE test scores, but requires students have a UGPA of 3.0 for their last two years of academic coursework, personal statement, and three letters of recommendation. Students with less than a 3.0 GPA may receive conditional admission. U.S. News and World Report ranks University of Nebraska Omaha #3 in best online graduate criminal justice programs.
#3 – University of the Cumberlands
Online Master’s in Justice Administration
Williamsburg, Kentucky
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $5,970
The University of the Cumberlands offers an online criminal justice master’s degree for students seeking an administrative career track within a respective agency or organization. The program is applicable for pre-professional students or current criminal justice professionals. Admission requirements include a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution with an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or better, 500-word personal statement, two letters or recommendation, and a successful interview with a program representative. The 30-credit hour program includes courses such as criminological theories in justice administration, ethical issues in criminal justice, foundations in criminal justice, and legal issues in justice administration. The UC graduate criminal justice program is ranked #6 by U.S. News.
#2 – University of North Georgia
Online Master’s in Criminal Justice
Dahlonega, Georgia
Website
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $5,926
University of North Georgia provides an online criminal justice master’s degree for individuals seeking a distance learning graduate degree as preparation for entry into an administrative position within a criminal justice agency or organization. Students often find work in corrections, law enforcement, social services, juvenile justice, and a host of other criminal justice related contexts. Courses within the 100% online program consist of criminal justice policy, forensic behavior analysis, national security policy of the United States, research methodology in criminal justice, and statistics for criminal justice. U.S. News and World Report ranks University of North Georgia #51 in best online graduate criminal justice programs.
#1 – Fayetteville State University
Online Master’s in Criminal Justice
Fayetteville, North Carolina
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $5,639
Fayetteville State University offers online master’s in criminal justice programs with flexible online course programming designed for working professionals. The program is appropriate for individuals with or without a criminal justice background. The program is 33-36 credits depending on the degree option chosen by the students. Students may select a thesis option, comprehensive exam option, or enhanced coursework option. Courses include corporate and government crime, foundations in criminal justice systems, juvenile delinquency and justice, research methods in criminal justice, and statistics applications in criminal justice. U.S. News and World Report ranks Fayetteville State University #49 in best online graduate criminal justice programs.