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.
10 Best Master's in Criminal Justice Online Programs
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.
| Job | Median 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 |
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
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
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.
How Much Money Will You Make With a Master's in Criminal Justice?
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 Time1-2 years*
Required Course Credits30-45 credits
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.
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.
