Take the Next Step to Advance Your Criminal Justice Career
At the University of New Haven, we know how vital a graduate degree can be to career advancement, which is why we’ve built a program customizable to your career goals, whether your goals are higher-ranking positions or pivoting to careers within government agencies.
Our 100% online Master of Science in Criminal Justice program consists of 30 credit hours, including a wide range of elective courses unique to your interests. This program is ideal for working law enforcement and adjunct professionals as it offers no set schedule, 24-hour access to classes and course materials, built-in deadlines to help keep you on target, and rolling starts every six weeks.
If you’re looking to make a lasting impact on your career, join us and earn your master’s degree from our expert faculty in just two years!
Benefits of a Master of Science in Criminal Justice for Police Officers
The demand for highly qualified candidates in the criminal justice industry continues to see growth due, in part, to increased globalization, terrorism, and security needs. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, police and detective positions are projected to grow by more than 50,000 jobs between 2020-2030. With this increase in job opportunities comes a steep rise in competitiveness for leadership, federal law enforcement positions, and specialized criminal justice professionals. A Master’s in Criminal Justice gives you a competitive edge in this new job market.
Quick Facts
- Format: 100% online
- Est. Time to Complete: as little as 24 months
- Total Credits: 30-credit
- Designed for working professionals
- Tuition Discounts Available
- No GRE or GMAT is required to apply
Start your application today!
U.S. News and World Report has ranked our program #1 in its list of the Best Online Master's in Criminal Justice Programs, both overall and for veterans. Read More.
Envision Your Future
The information below is designed to show the many possible careers you could pursue with your major. The research is provided by Encoura, the leading research and advisory firm focused exclusively on higher education. It includes median national salaries and industry growth projections over the next decade. Click here to view the full report.
$87K
Detectives and Criminal Investigators
2% Growth 2021-2030
$73K
Transit and Railroad Police
4% Growth 2021-2030
$93K
First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives
5% Growth 2021-2030
Selected Courses and Programs
Our online, 30-credit-hour Master’s of Criminal Justice Program covers a core curriculum of modern theories and research methods relevant to the industry. These courses are offered in short 6-7.5-week terms and account for 12 credit hours.
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Administration of Justice
A study of all the steps of the criminal justice system, from the time the accused is arrested until sentencing to a correctional facility. May be waived for students with a recent undergraduate degree in criminal justice.
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Theories of Criminal Behavior
A survey of theories relating to the scope and nature of the crime problem. Consideration of the problems of deviancy including social norms deviancy, mental disturbances, juvenile crime, and the various possible and actual responses to deviancy. Various approaches to the problem of rehabilitation.
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Research Methods in Criminal Justice
An introduction to quantitative and qualitative methods used in criminal justice for research and policy analysis. Students will become familiar with basic types of research designs, survey research methods, evaluation methods.
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Quantitative Applications in Criminal Justice
An introduction to quantitative applications in the field of Criminal Justice. Basic descriptive and inferential statistics. Topics include measurement scales, measures of central tendency, measures of dispersion, data distributions, sampling, probability, hypothesis testing, Chi Square, Z-test, T-Test, and Analysis of Variance models. Students will also be introduced to the use of SPSS for data analysis.
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Full List of Courses and Learning Outcomes for Criminal Justice, M.S.
The University of New Haven offers a wide variety of in-depth courses that create a transformational educational experience for our students. To view the complete list of courses you'll take while pursuing a Masters of Science, check out the Academic Catalog:
Additional Concentrations Available:
- Crime Analysis
- Police Behavioral Studies
- Leadership and Management
Awards & Recognition
Learn from professors who are dedicated to your success.
Our faculty are leaders and innovators in their fields, bringing both deep professional experience and academic rigor to the classroom.
Student Testimonials
The online, Criminal Justice Master of Science Program at the University of New Haven is a rigorous but manageable program. Its great because you are afforded the opportunity and flexibility of working a job while pursuing a graduate degree, without having to meet at a physical location. It is challenging but success through this program is possible with the help of your professors and virtual classmates.
- Amber Okafor, Graduate Student
New Haven’s online Master’s CJ Program has been a great experience and I’ve learned a lot so far. It’s given me an interest in an academic career in higher education. I can work at my own pace and get the right help when needed. The criminal justice system is very complex and a rapid expanding field in which I would like to grow and develop academically and professionally in order to serve my community.
- Raymond S. Camacho, Security Officer, Newport Grand Casino, Newport RI
Whether or not this is your first time taking courses online, the University of New Haven has made the online Master’s in Criminal Justice degree program very conducive to my lifestyle. The staff and advisors have been very helpful throughout orientation making sure I was comfortable with understanding the nuances of navigating blackboard. The Professors exceed expectations and have a vast knowledge of the Criminal Justice system, which made the University Of New Haven the best and only choice for me.
- Joseph F Cusano, Emergency Department Technical Associate, Yale-New Haven Hospital
Nationally Recognized Center for Career Development
All University of New Haven students have access to the many resources available through the University’s Career Development Center, which has been named one of the best in the nation by The Princeton Review.
From career assessments, networking, and job shadowing to on-campus interviews and salary negotiation, the Career Development Center provides the skills and connections to identify a meaningful career and an opportunity to pursue your passion.
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Upcoming Events
Various Dates
Next Steps
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Admission Requirements
An advanced degree from the University of New Haven will help you take your career to the next level. Each program offers convenient scheduling, personalized attention, and state-of-the-art facilities.
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Financial Aid Opportunities
The University of New Haven Graduate School is an excellent value with reasonable tuition. Of course, you will still have bills to pay and the Financial Aid office can help.
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