Online Master of Arts in Criminal Justice

The master's in criminal justice online prepares you to advance your criminal justice career. You’ll develop an in-depth understanding of crime, its causes and its impact on society. You’ll also gain a stronger grasp of the intent of the legal system and how it’s used in many criminal justice contexts, enabling you to successfully apply it to challenges in the field.

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Quick facts

Next start date:

Next start date: 10/11/2023


Total classes:

Total classes: 11

Weeks per class:

Weeks per class: 7.5

Total credit hours:

Total credit hours: 33

Degree questions, answered.

Have questions about the Criminal Justice (MA)? Fill out this form and we’ll get in touch!

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What do you learn in a master’s degree program?

The online master’s degree in criminal justice prepares you for a senior leadership role in both the public and private sectors of the criminal justice industry. You’ll study the larger context of crime, why it exists and its impact on society, as well as gain a detailed understanding of the concept of justice and how it’s applied.

You’ll also learn the facets of the justice system including criminology, policing, corrections and the courts. You’ll gain in-demand skills such as risk assessment and management, financial analysis and report preparation. Students can also select from a range of electives that include advanced training in program planning and management, policy analysis and program evaluation. This master's degree program will prepare you to:

  • Analyze societal and economic factors that contribute to crime.
  • Demonstrate proficiency in program evaluation, statistical analysis and academic research and writing.
  • Learn best practices and appreciate where change in the justice system is needed.
  • Synthesize research findings that address critical questions in the field of criminal justice.

The Watts College of Public Service and Community Solutions also provides certificates which criminal justice master’s students may take concurrently to specialize in the following areas:

Attend our upcoming webinar to learn more about our graduate criminal justice programs. Sign up.

Do you need a master’s in criminal justice?

 

Various criminal justice careers, such as inspector, sergeant and profiler, require different educational backgrounds. A master's in criminal justice can prepare you to compete for these types of roles. Degree requirements vary depending on the agency, job position and even location where you’re seeking employment. As a student in the master’s in criminal justice online, you'll study causes of crime, societal impacts of crime and criminal justice management concepts, all of which can make you more competitive for advanced roles in the field.

Does my master's in criminal justice 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.” That’s because ASU Online students learn from the same faculty and receive the same course content as in-person students receive.

Online criminal justice classes

You can gain additional knowledge tied to your preferred career path by selecting electives in areas such as corrections, management and policing. The program concludes with a capstone course where you can engage in a holistic academic project that ties together your educational experience and, if applicable, prior experience in the field.


Required

Applied Data Analysis in Criminal Justice


Required

Criminal Justice Planning and Program Evaluation


Required

Seminar in Criminal Justice


Required

Seminar in Criminology


Elective

Seminar in Corrections


Elective

Seminar in Policing


Elective

Seminar on Sex Crimes


Elective

Seminar on Juvenile Delinquency and Juvenile Justice


What can you do with a master’s in criminal justice?

Graduates of criminal justice master’s programs online have the educational foundation to seek leadership positions in justice organizations or in addressing issues of public safety, security, and justice reform. Advanced degrees or certifications may be required for some academic or clinical positions. Experiential requirements also may apply. Positions include but are not limited to:

Child and family services supervisor

Corrections supervisor

Court administration manager

Economic security manager

Government liaison

Homeless outreach supervisor

Intelligence analysis manager

Law enforcement supervisor

Online or cybersecurity manager

Learn from professionals in criminal justice

The impressive faculty in the Watts College of Public Service and Community Solutions are inspiring the next generation of public service leaders through real-world solutions to issues around child welfare, safety, city management, human trafficking and water scarcity. Recent 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 professionals in criminal justice

The impressive faculty in the Watts College of Public Service and Community Solutions are inspiring the next generation of public service leaders through real-world solutions to issues around child welfare, safety, city management, human trafficking and water scarcity. Recent 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.

Requirements to enroll in the master’s in criminal justice program

Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and the Watts College of Public Service and Community Solutions.

Application requirements

Additional application information

Join a college known for community solutions

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 public service programs, from public policy, to social work, to criminal justice, to emergency management, are designed to help prepare our diverse student body to make a difference in the community.

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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.

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