Best Online Master’s in Criminal Justice Programs 2024

Discover how an online master’s in criminal justice can impact your career and what programs provide the best opportunities.
Doug Wintemute
By
Edited by
Updated March 28, 2024
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Our communities rely on the criminal justice field and its professionals to establish order, protect us, and prevent and punish crime.

So what makes up the criminal justice field? This industry includes many career paths, including traditional law enforcement, paralegals, and community service professionals.

The FBI alone fielded 880,415 cybercrime incidents in 2023, resulting in more than $12.5 billion in damages. If you want to get in on the action, a master’s in criminal justice can get you there.

Featured Online Master’s in Criminal Justice Programs

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

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10 Best Master’s in Criminal Justice Online Programs

#1

Sam Houston State University

Huntsville, TX4 yearCampus + Online

$5,765

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$13,108

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

97%

Acceptance Rate

65%

Online Enrollment
Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$5,856

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$15,648

Retention Rate

73%

Students Enrolled

21,612

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$5,765

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$13,108

Sam Houston State University

Huntsville, TX4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$5,765

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$13,108

Acceptance Rate

97%

Online Enrollment

65%

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$5,856

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$15,648

Retention Rate

73%

Students Enrolled

21,612

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

#2

University of Massachusetts Lowell

Lowell, MA4 yearCampus + Online

$14,590

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$26,370

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

85%

Acceptance Rate

38%

Online Enrollment
Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$15,078

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$33,004

Retention Rate

82%

Students Enrolled

17,597

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$14,590

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$26,370

University of Massachusetts Lowell

Lowell, MA4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$14,590

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$26,370

Acceptance Rate

85%

Online Enrollment

38%

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$15,078

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$33,004

Retention Rate

82%

Students Enrolled

17,597

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

#3

University of South Florida

Tampa, FL4 yearCampus + Online

$8,350

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$19,048

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

49%

Acceptance Rate

66%

Online Enrollment
Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$4,559

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$15,473

Retention Rate

90%

Students Enrolled

49,708

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$8,350

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$19,048

University of South Florida

Tampa, FL4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$8,350

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$19,048

Acceptance Rate

49%

Online Enrollment

66%

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$4,559

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$15,473

Retention Rate

90%

Students Enrolled

49,708

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

#4

University of North Texas

Denton, TX4 yearCampus + Online

$6,350

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$13,694

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

81%

Acceptance Rate

62%

Online Enrollment
Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$8,295

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$18,111

Retention Rate

79%

Students Enrolled

42,441

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$6,350

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$13,694

University of North Texas

Denton, TX4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$6,350

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$13,694

Acceptance Rate

81%

Online Enrollment

62%

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$8,295

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$18,111

Retention Rate

79%

Students Enrolled

42,441

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

#5

University of San Diego

San Diego, CA4 yearCampus + Online

$27,936

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$27,936

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

53%

Acceptance Rate

11%

Online Enrollment
Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$52,120

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$52,120

Retention Rate

92%

Students Enrolled

9,041

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$27,936

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$27,936

University of San Diego

San Diego, CA4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$27,936

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$27,936

Acceptance Rate

53%

Online Enrollment

11%

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$52,120

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$52,120

Retention Rate

92%

Students Enrolled

9,041

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

#6

Northeastern University

Boston, MA4 yearCampus + Online

$25,801

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$25,801

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

18%

Acceptance Rate

33%

Online Enrollment
Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$56,500

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$56,500

Retention Rate

97%

Students Enrolled

28,167

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$25,801

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$25,801

Northeastern University

Boston, MA4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$25,801

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$25,801

Acceptance Rate

18%

Online Enrollment

33%

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$56,500

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$56,500

Retention Rate

97%

Students Enrolled

28,167

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

#7

Georgia College & State University

Milledgeville, GA4 yearCampus + Online

$5,292

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$18,846

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

88%

Acceptance Rate

35%

Online Enrollment
Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$7,508

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$26,688

Retention Rate

78%

Students Enrolled

6,763

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$5,292

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$18,846

Georgia College & State University

Milledgeville, GA4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$5,292

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$18,846

Acceptance Rate

88%

Online Enrollment

35%

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$7,508

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$26,688

Retention Rate

78%

Students Enrolled

6,763

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

#8

Texas A&M University-Central Texas

Killeen, TX4 yearCampus + Online

$5,558

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$12,920

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

96%

Acceptance Rate

90%

Online Enrollment
Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$6,593

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$16,385

Retention Rate

N/A

Students Enrolled

2,219

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$5,558

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$12,920

Texas A&M University-Central Texas

Killeen, TX4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$5,558

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$12,920

Acceptance Rate

96%

Online Enrollment

90%

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$6,593

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$16,385

Retention Rate

N/A

Students Enrolled

2,219

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

#9

Roger Williams University

Bristol, RI4 yearCampus + Online

$17,476

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$17,476

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

91%

Acceptance Rate

43%

Online Enrollment
Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$37,025

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$37,025

Retention Rate

81%

Students Enrolled

4,529

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$17,476

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$17,476

Roger Williams University

Bristol, RI4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$17,476

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$17,476

Acceptance Rate

91%

Online Enrollment

43%

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$37,025

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$37,025

Retention Rate

81%

Students Enrolled

4,529

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

#10

Michigan State University

East Lansing, MI4 yearCampus + Online

$19,714

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$38,638

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

83%

Acceptance Rate

76%

Online Enrollment
Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$15,966

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$41,290

Retention Rate

92%

Students Enrolled

49,659

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$19,714

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$38,638

Michigan State University

East Lansing, MI4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$19,714

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$38,638

Acceptance Rate

83%

Online Enrollment

76%

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$15,966

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$41,290

Retention Rate

92%

Students Enrolled

49,659

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Why Should You Get a Master’s in Criminal Justice?

A master’s in criminal justice can provide you with many professional benefits. The degree can impact your career trajectory, your responsibilities, and your earnings.

Below, we outline some of the rewards you could reap for getting your master’s degree in criminal justice and a few of the reasons for pursuing it online.

Benefits of Getting a Master’s in Criminal Justice Degree

  • Better understand advanced topics in policy development, social justice, and crime analysis
  • Access more specialization opportunities
  • Qualify for more leadership positions within your industry and community
  • Earn higher wages from high-ranking positions
  • Greater control over your career direction and professional happiness
  • Build a foundation for further education
  • Study while working in the field to advance your experience and education

Reasons for Getting Your Master’s in Criminal Justice Online

  • First: An online master’s in criminal justice provides you with more convenience and flexibility, such as nontraditional class times or asynchronous delivery schedules.
  • Second: Online degrees have fewer travel limitations and on-campus requirements, which can open up the door to more school, program, and specialization options.
  • Third: Online studies give you more control of your time and education, meaning you can organize your studies around your work schedule and family demands.

What Jobs Can You Get With a Master’s in Criminal Justice?

A master’s in criminal justice leads to many different careers, but the following chart highlights some of the more popular options and their respective salaries. The upside? With a master’s degree, you may have access to some of the highest-paying positions within each of these professions.

Popular Criminal Justice Jobs
JobMedian Annual Salary (May 2023)
Police and Detectives$74,910
Probation Offices and Correctional Treatment Specialists$61,800
Forensic Science Technicians$64,940
Paralegals$60,970
First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives$101,750
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics

As a criminal justice graduate, you’ll have the opportunity to join one of several fields. The demand in these industries and professions varies, but — as an essential service — the majority provide job security.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects a 3% growth for legal occupations. These fields will add more than 91,700 new jobs, including more than 64,500 police and detectives and nearly 38,000 paralegals and legal assistants.

How Much Does an Online Master’s in Criminal Justice Cost?

Average Annual Cost of a Master’s Degree | 2021-2022

Public Institution
$12,596

Private Institution
$29,931

Source: National Center for Education Statistics

The facts don’t lie: A master’s degree can come with a hefty price tag. Unfortunately, there are hidden college costs that can add up on top of the listed price. A list of costs that you should consider when laying out your college expenses include:

  • College fees
  • Room and board
  • Equipment and materials
  • Travel
  • Miscellaneous expenses

But not all costs have to come out of your pocket. You may qualify for financial aid and federal grants, tuition discounts, or criminal justice scholarships. Plus, an online master’s in criminal justice may provide you with additional savings or allow you to earn more money while you study.

Scholarships for Criminal Justice Majors

How Much Money Will You Make With a Master’s in Criminal Justice?

Average Base Salary by Occupation

MS, Criminal Justice
$61,000

MA, Criminal Justice
$64,000

Source: Payscale; Payscale

What is the Length of a Masters in Criminal Justice?

An online master’s in criminal justice program typically takes 1-2 years to complete and features 30-45 credits. These programs aim to attract leaders who can leverage ethics, empathy, and professional standards when making decisions.

Average Length of Time
1-2 years*

Required Course Credits
30-45 credits

*Varies depending on your school/program
What Can You Do With a Criminal Justice Degree?

Is a Master’s in Criminal Justice Degree Worth It?

The job security, above-average pay, and strong growth make a master’s in criminal justice a worthwhile investment. But you should also consider what you want to accomplish and the direction you want to take in your career. Then, decide if a master’s in criminal justice will make that easier.

Here are a few of the pros and cons to compare:

  • Cost of education vs. salary increase
  • Time spent in the program vs. advancement potential
  • Challenging studies vs. access to more specialized fields

At the end of the day, a master’s in criminal justice can grant you more opportunities and a competitive advantage over many of your peers. But it will challenge you and require a considerable amount of time, money, and effort. You have to put a value on that process yourself.

Still Looking for the Right Fit in Law? Discover Similar Degree Programs.

Fastest Online Criminal Degree Programs
Best Online Masters in Crime Scene Investigation Programs
Best Online Masters in Forensic Science Programs

Everything Else You Need to Know About a Master’s in Criminal Justice

A master’s in criminal justice gives you the qualifications and skills for many protective service, legal, and community occupations. This includes police and detective, probation officer, and paralegal roles at the entry and supervisory levels.

You can also continue your education with a doctorate in criminal justice or a law degree. This would create a path for you to become a postsecondary teacher, researcher, or lawyer.

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