Online Master of Arts in Criminal Justice
Earn an online Master of Arts in criminal justice from Arizona State University to elevate your career in justice leadership. This program offers a deep understanding of the causes and impacts of crime and how the legal system is structured to respond. You’ll examine challenges in the justice system and gain the skills to drive positive change through policy and program reform.
Quick facts
Next start date: 08/21/2025
Total classes: 11
Weeks per class: 7.5
Total credit hours: 33
Prepare for leadership roles in criminal justice
Will my diploma say ‘online’?
No, Arizona State University’s diplomas don’t specify whether you earn your degree online or in person. All diplomas and transcripts simply say “Arizona State University.”
Criminal justice master’s courses
The curriculum offers advanced training in theory and research related to the U.S. justice system, with courses in strategic planning, policy evaluation and data analysis. You’ll also complete electives based on your interests in areas such as corrections, homeland security, juvenile justice and policing. The program concludes with a capstone project where you’ll apply your knowledge to reduce crime through a policy or program in a criminal justice agency.
The jobs a criminal justice master’s equips you for
Earning this degree prepares you for supervisory or management roles in agencies across all levels of the justice system. Opportunities include court administration, probation and parole supervision, pretrial services, law enforcement and veterans services. In the private sector, you may lead in areas such as cybersecurity, risk management and more.
Note: Some academic or clinical roles may require additional education, experience or certification beyond this degree.
Common career paths include:
Learn from faculty at the forefront of research and impact in criminal justice
The impressive faculty in the Watts College of Public Service and Community Solutions inspire the next generation of public service leaders through real-world solutions to issues in areas such as child welfare, safety, city management, human trafficking and water scarcity. Faculty highlights include:
- Fellow of the Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences
- Fellow of the American Psychological Association
- Member of the National Academy of Public Administration
Learn from faculty at the forefront of research and impact in criminal justice
The impressive faculty in the Watts College of Public Service and Community Solutions inspire the next generation of public service leaders through real-world solutions to issues in areas such as child welfare, safety, city management, human trafficking and water scarcity. Faculty highlights include:
- Fellow of the Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences
- Fellow of the American Psychological Association
- Member of the National Academy of Public Administration
How to apply
Applicants to the Master of Arts in criminal justice program must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and the Watts College of Public Service and Community Solutions.
Nationally recognized public service programs
The Watts College of Public Service and Community Solutions is a comprehensive public service college dedicated to addressing social problems through teaching, research and service. Our programs, which range from public policy and social work to criminal justice and emergency management, are designed to prepare graduates to make a difference in their communities.
#2
best graduate homeland security and emergency management programs, according to U.S. News & World Report.
#2
in the U.S. and #7 in the world for hospitality, leisure, sport and tourism, according to the Center for World University Rankings.
Top 5
Master of Nonprofit Leadership and Management in the nation, according to U.S. News & Report.
Top 10
best online master's in criminal justice programs for veterans, according to U.S. News & World Report.
Tuition calculator
Use our calculator to estimate your full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Keep in mind that most of our students receive financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs. Learn more.
Tuition calculator
Use our calculator to estimate your full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Keep in mind that most of our students receive financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs. Learn more.
You might also be interested in
Graduate
Public Safety Leadership and Administration – Executive Fire Administration (MA)
Starts 08/21/2025
Learn more
Graduate
Public Safety Leadership and Administration – Executive Police Administration (MPSLA)
Starts 08/21/2025
Learn more