Master of Arts in Criminal Justice: Program Overview

Program Overview

Emerge as a Leader in Your Field.

Prepare to thrive in careers across the criminal justice system with the Michigan State University (MSU) online Master of Arts in Criminal Justice, ranked as the No. 6 Best Online Criminal Justice Program for 2023 by U.S. News & World Report.

Prepare to thrive in careers across the criminal justice system with the Michigan State University (MSU) online Master of Arts in Criminal Justice, ranked as the No. 6 Best Online Criminal Justice Program for 2023 by U.S. News & World Report.

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You might have questions as you consider an online degree with MSU. Whether you're curious about your career outlook in criminal justice or MSU's application process, we're here to help. Fill out this form and we'll be in contact shortly.

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          Stand Out from the Competition

          In two years, you can gain the interdisciplinary knowledge and analytical skills you need to lead in a variety of criminal justice settings, from the courts and law enforcement to corrections and corporate security.

          Built on MSU’s 80-year legacy of criminal justice education, your coursework expands beyond just theory to include a focus on public policy and practice. You’ll be introduced to 21st-century innovations such as counterterrorism, law enforcement intelligence, crime control strategies, and more.

          Graduate with your master’s in criminal justice from a nationally recognized leader in the field and start or advance your career in a specialized criminal justice role.

          Career Outlook

          A master’s in criminal justice from Michigan State University can help you stand out from your competition for executive-level positions. In addition to the skills you’ll gain through coursework, prestigious internships are also available to provide direct professional experiences that hiring agencies are looking for. 

          Additionally, you can take advantage of MSU’s wide criminal justice network to find job opportunities and potential employers. Prepare for leadership roles in disciplines such as criminal investigation, cyber security, national security and emergency management. As of 2024, police supervisors earn a median yearly salary of $99,410.2

          DISCOVER CAREER OPTIONS

          Curriculum: Gain a Multifaceted Skill Set

          Through this 30-credit, 10-course program, you’ll master research techniques and apply them to crime and risk assessment, analyze contemporary issues facing today’s criminal justice system, and understand how public policies are drafted and evaluated. You’ll also develop executive-level skills in communication and technology—skills vital to effective criminal justice practice and research. This program includes a specialization in security management designed exclusively for students interested in private or government security.

          EXPLORE COURSES

          Curriculum: Gain a Multifaceted Skill Set

          Through this 30-credit, 10-course program, you’ll master research techniques and apply them to crime and risk assessment, analyze contemporary issues facing today’s criminal justice system, and understand how public policies are drafted and evaluated. You’ll also develop executive-level skills in communication and technology—skills vital to effective criminal justice practice and research. This program includes a specialization in security management designed exclusively for students interested in private or government security.

          EXPLORE COURSES

          Admissions Requirements

          The MSU School of Criminal Justice reviews applications multiple times a year. Your application must include:

          • Completed application form
          • 3.0 minimum GPA
          • Bachelor’s degree in any field (or international equivalent)
          • No work experience required
          • Personal statement
          • Three letters of recommendation
          • All official transcripts

          Apply now to further your understanding of criminal justice and learn directly from faculty who are conducting cutting-edge research.

          To see key dates and admissions deadlines visit our admissions page.

          APPLY NOW

          Tuition and Financial Aid

          This 30-credit program costs $832 per credit hour (excludes course materials and other university-imposed taxes and fees). Learn more about your many options for financial aid and support.

          LEARN MORE

          Faculty: Expertise at Your Fingertips

          Learn from faculty who have worked in the U.S. Secret Service, led police departments, and actively engaged in national and international research that directly informs criminal justice policy and practice.

          Core faculty in this program have decades of experience in the field and an advanced understanding of criminal justice. They’ve researched topics including crime reduction and analysis, white-collar and corporate crime, computer hacking and malware, and intellectual property theft.

          Our faculty includes Dr. David Carter, a nationally and internationally recognized expert known for his seminal work and author or co-author of five books on law enforcement intelligence.

          MEET YOUR FACULTY

          Why Choose MSU School of
          Criminal Justice Online?

          Flexibility, Community and Support

          As an online student with MSU, you can build strong connections with your instructors and fellow students. Benefit from high-quality curriculum and faculty support while maintaining your personal and professional commitments.

          ONLINE EXPERIENCE

          Ease and Affordability

          At MSU, we strive to make our online degrees accessible and affordable. We can connect you with many forms of financial aid, including scholarships, loans, and military benefits.

          FINANCIAL AID

          Frequently Asked Questions

          Questions may arise as you consider pursuing an online education. See our list of frequently asked questions about this degree, or call 1-833-725-1354 toll-free to speak with an MSU program manager directly.

          MORE FAQs

          The Assistant Director and a member of our Enrollment Team has recorded a short, yet informative session for students to view at their convenience. Watch here.

          You can complete this program in two years of continuous fall-spring-summer semester study.

          As a graduate of the MS in Criminal Justice, you have a variety of career options. Pursue a career as a professor, policymaker, security manager, consultant or crime analyst . To learn more about what you can do with an MS in Criminal Justice.

          MSU’s School of Criminal Justice was one of the first of its kind. For more than 80 years, we’ve been helping shape the discipline, working with criminal justice agencies to build programs that prepare graduates to make a difference in their communities and around the world.

          Though an undergraduate degree in criminal justice is preferred, you can join the MS in Criminal Justice program after having completed a bachelor’s degree in any field. While we welcome those already employed in the field, you do not have to have prior field experience to be accepted.

          You can choose to specialize in security management, focusing on the techniques used in security operations, or select four electives that suit your professional goals and interests.

          This 30-credit program costs $832 per credit, for an estimated total cost of $24,960. Cost is subject to change without notice. To learn about additional costs to consider, visit the tuition and financial aid page .

           

          SOURCES:

          1. “Best Online Master’s in Criminal Justice Programs.” 2023 U.S. News & World Report College Rankings Guide. Retrieved February 6, 2023, from https://www.usnews.com/education/online-education/criminal-justice/rankings.
          2. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. "Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2022: 33-1012 First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives." Apr. 25, 2023. Retrieved Jan. 29, 2024 from https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes331012.htm.