Yes. The “Master of Science” will be granted by the University of Louisville and represented as such on the diploma.
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Cassie Thompson
Online Enrollment Counselor
Online Master of Science in Criminal Justice
The online Master of Science (MS) in Criminal Justice degree is designed for professionals within the legal system who want to advance their career or strengthen their knowledge.
Advance your criminal justice career with an online master's in criminal justice from the University of Louisville (UofL). This forward-thinking program, offered through the College of Arts & Sciences, emphasizes ethics, responsibility, and social dynamics in the criminal justice system. Learn from award-winning faculty with extensive expertise in all facets of criminal justice, including justice administration, theories of crime and delinquency, legal issues, as well as advanced statistics and research methods. Strengthen your knowledge and skills to take the next step in your career.
Academic Year Tuition
Online MS in Criminal Justice Program Highlights
- Advance your leadership career and expand your expertise with courses in ethics, history, personnel management, corrections, cybercrime, juvenile justice, international terorrism, and with electives addressing capital punishment, violent crime, domestic violence, criminal justice in media, substance abuse and more!
- Transfer up to 6 credit hours of graduate courses from accredited universities.
- Skip the GRE – not required for admission.
- Take classes 100% online and access learning tools from anywhere.
- Complete your degree in just three intensive semesters with year-round courses and 8-week terms.
START YOUR APPLICATION REQUEST INFORMATION
100% ONLINE COURSES
Complete your degree on your own time through fully online and accelerated classes
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36 CREDIT HOURS
Earn your degree in 12 courses: 5 core, 6 electives and 1 professional research paper.
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8 WEEK TERMS
Accelerated 8-week courses, help you balance your education, career and personal life.
"Getting a master’s degree in criminal justice helps you elevate yourself in whatever trajectory that you’re in. Learning the leadership skills, and the legal parameters and ethical parameters within criminal justice, certainly will put you ahead of those who don’t have that."
CHERIE DAWSON-EDWARDS, PH.D.
DEPARTMENT CHAIR, ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR
CRIMINAL JUSTICE
Holistic Admissions Approach Online MS in Criminal Justice,
Unlike many graduate programs, the online criminal justice master's at UofL does not require GRE test scores for admission. We believe that relevant work experience, community involvement, strong letters of recommendation and a clear professional goal statement are more important than standardized test performance alone.
By evaluating applicants based on their demonstrated passion, commitment to the criminal justice field and interpersonal skills, we aim to build a diverse cohort poised to drive positive change in the justice system. Our holistic admissions approach assembles students eager to strengthen their knowledge and skills in ethics, administration, legal issues and research methods.
What Will I Learn as an Online MS in Criminal Justice Student?
The expertise you’ll develop as a student in the criminal justice master’s program will enable you to become an advocate of justice. You’ll develop a deeper understanding of ethics, history, personnel management, corrections, cybercrime, juvenile justice, international terrorism and more. Specific expertise gained from the program includes:
- Comprehensive understanding of the interrelationships of all the various components – as well as the social and political issues – related to the criminal justice system.
- Awareness of the effects of constitutional provisions, statutes, ordinances and judicial decisions on justice administration and criminal justice management.
What Can I Do with an MS in Criminal Justice?
Some of the career opportunities available to master's in criminal justice graduates are:
- Criminal investigator
- Criminal records manager
- Crime prevention specialist
- Correctional treatment specialist
- Corrections officer supervisor
- Court case manager
- Emergency management director
- Juvenile justice supervisor
- Police chief; Police commissioner
- Probation and parole officer; supervisor
- Security planning manager
- Special agent
- Victim advocate
Relevantly, the 2019-2029 occupational outlook for police officers and detectives is expected to grow 5% nationwide, which is faster than the average national occupation growth rate and have a median annual salary of $67,290 (bls.gov). The occupational outlook for probation officers and correctional treatment specialists within the same timeframe is expected to grow 4% nationwide, which is as fast as the national average and has a median annual salary of $55,690 (bls.gov).
Online MS in Criminal Justice Application Deadlines
| Priority Deadline* | Term | Start Date |
|---|---|---|
| July 1 | Fall I | August |
| September 1 | Fall II | October |
| December 1 | Spring I | January |
| February 1 | Spring II | March |
| April 1 | Summer | May/June |
Note: We admit students on a rolling basis. The preferred deadlines help you complete the application process on time, be notified of acceptance and enroll before the term begins. We review applications as they become complete, and admit students for a specific term up to the day classes start. We recommend you work on and submit your complete application well in advance of the preferred deadline, as obtaining transcripts and other materials may take more time.
For more information on the admission and application process, please contact our Online Learning Enrollment Counselor at 800.871.8635 or by email at online@louisville.edu.
How to Apply for the Online Master of Science in Criminal Justice
- Start your application for graduate admission
- Submit $65 non-refundable application fee
- Upload required materials*
- Request official transcripts from all previously attended colleges and universities. Transcripts are only accepted directly from the institution(s) by email: gradadm@louisville.edu (recommended) or mail: University of Louisville, Graduate School, 2211 S. Brook St., Louisville, KY 40292.
- Create a financial plan
START YOUR APPLICATION REQUEST INFORMATION
Online Master of Science in Criminal Justice Admissions Requirements and Materials
To be considered for admission, applicants must have:
- a bachelor’s degree or its equivalent from an accredited institution
- a minimum undergraduate GPA of 2.75 on a 4.0 scale (applicants who do not meet the minimum GPA may inquire about conditional acceptance)
Required application packet materials include:
- two letters of recommendation from individuals who can speak to the applicant’s academic or professional capabilities
- an original essay identifying the applicant's background, professional interests and goals. The essay should be 300-500 words and should allow the faculty to better understand the applicant's motivation and the potential for graduate work.
*Your Application Portal:
Once you have started the graduate application, you can check the status and review any additional checklist to-do items. Log in to your application using the email address you used to apply for admission and your password. Your checklist items may include additional materials or documentation that facilitate a smooth admissions process. You will also have access to important contact information and next steps after an admissions decision is made.
Online MS in Criminal Justice Courses
The online Master of Science in Criminal Justice is a 36 credit hour program that requires 15 credit hours in core criminal justice courses, 18 credit hours in electives and one professional research paper (worth 3 credit hours), offered 100% online. Courses are delivered asynchronously, in 8-week terms.
Online MS in Criminal Justice Core Courses
| Courses | Credit Hours |
|---|---|
| CJ 621 The Criminal Justice System | 3 |
| CJ 625 Legal Aspects of Criminal Justice Management | 3 |
| CJ 643 Theories of Crime and Delinquency | 3 |
| CJ 649 Applied Statistics in Criminal Justice | 3 |
| CJ 650 Research Methods | 3 |
| Total Core Credits Required | 15 |
| CJ 699 Thesis | 3 |
Online MS in Criminal Justice Elective Courses
| Courses [choose 6] | Credit Hours |
|---|---|
| CJ 500 Crime and Criminal Justice in the Cinema | 3 |
| CJ 505 International Terrorism | 3 |
| CJ 507 Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design | 3 |
| CJ 509 Crime Analysis | 3 |
| CJ 510 Managing Conflict, Change and Justice | 3 |
| CJ 516 Juvenile Justice Issues | 3 |
| CJ 517 Gangs in America | 3 |
| CJ 519 Domestic and Family Violence | 3 |
| CJ 520 Capital Punishment | 3 |
| CJ 521 White Collar Crime | 3 |
| CJ 522 Serial and Mass Murder | 3 |
| CJ 523 Race and Gender Issues in Criminal Justice | 3 |
| CJ 530 Introduction to Homeland Security | 3 |
| CJ 531 Covert Operations in Policing | 3 |
| CJ 576 Managing Organization Performance | 3 |
| CJ 578 Criminal Justice Leadership | 3 |
| CJ 580 International Service Learning: Criminal Justice Seminar | 3 |
| CJ 596 Seminar in Criminal Justice | 3 |
| CJ 597 Ethics in Criminal Justice | 3 |
| CJ 602 Criminal Justice History | 3 |
| CJ 605 Police and Society | 3 |
| CJ 606 Personnel Management in Criminal Justice System | 3 |
| CJ 607 Seminar in Law and Justice | 3 |
| CJ 609 Economic Analysis of Crime | 3 |
| CJ 610 Theoretical Foundation of Corrections | 3 |
| CJ 611 Critical Issues in Corrections | 3 |
| CJ 612 Criminal Justice Administration: Police | 3 |
| CJ 613 Advanced Comparative Criminal Justice | 3 |
| CJ 614 Seminar in Policing | 3 |
| CJ 626 Emergency Management | 3 |
| CJ 627 Computer and Cyber Crime | 3 |
| CJ 630 Critical Infrastructure Protection and Resilience | 3 |
| CJ 644 Seminar in Juvenile Justice | 3 |
| CJ 652 Constitutional Issues in Criminal Justice | 3 |
| CJ 653 Communities and Crime | 3 |
| CJ 655 International Perspectives on Violence | 3 |
| CJ 656 Crime Mapping | 3 |
| CJ 665 Special Topics in Justice and Criminology | 3 |
| CJ 670 Directed Studies/Readings | 3 |
| CJ 690 Practicum | 1-6 |
START YOUR APPLICATION REQUEST INFORMATION
Course Descriptions
Online MS in Criminal Justice Networking and Partnerships
Online MS in Criminal Justice Student Organizations and Involvement
Lambda Alpha Epsilon and Alpha Phi Sigma stream all of their meetings as well as their lunch and learns. Visit our website to learn of any additional new ways that you, as an online student, can be connected with our on-campus students and faculty.
Partnerships/Practicums for Online MS in Criminal Justice Students
The Department of Criminal Justice faculty actively engage in community service. These partnerships provide opportunities for internships and networking that enhance the student experience.
- Metro Louisville Government
- Alcohol Beverage Control
- Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco,
Firearms & Explosives - Anne Braden Institute of Social Justice
- Center for Women and Families
- Administrative Office of the Courts
- Crime Analysis/Real Time Center
- Drug Enforcement Agency
- Department of Corrections
- Federal Bureau of Investigation
- International Service Learning Program
- Jefferson County Public Schools
(JCPS) Advisory Board for Public Safety - Kentucky Department of Criminal Justice Training
- Kentucky Department of Insurance Fraud Investigation
- Office of Homeland Security
- Kentucky Court of Justice
- Kentucky Derby Festival
- Kentucky State Police
- Louisville Metro Police Department
- Medical Examiners Office
- Public/Private Security/Loss Prevention
- Restorative Justice
- Think IR
- UL Police Department
- U.S. Marshal Service
- U.S. Postal Inspectors
- U.S. Secret Service
Department Grants
Our faculty has been awarded research grants totaling more than 4.5 million dollars. Granting agencies include:
- Vanderbilt University
- John Jay College
- Office of the Attorney General-Kentucky
- Kentucky Administrative Offices of the Courts
- DHHS Department of Homeland Security
- Kentucky Department of Juvenile Justice
- University of Maryland
- U.S. Department of Justice
- Kentucky Department of Corrections
- National Institute of Justice
- Louisville Metro Police Department
Department of Justice Professional Organizations
The faculty are active members in the following professional organizations:
- National Sheriff's Association
- Midwest Criminal Justice Association
- NSA-Education
- NSA-Cyber Security
- European Society of Criminology
- Southern Criminal Justice Association
- American Society of Criminology
- Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences
- American Correctional Association (ACA)
- International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP)
- Kentucky Bar Association
- Louisville Bar Association
- Alpha Phi Sigma
- Society for Study of Social Problems
- Kentucky Council on Crime and
Delinquency - American Bar Association
- Kentucky Association of Chiefs of Police
- American Criminal Justice Association
The Online MS in Criminal Justice Team
Featured Online MS in Criminal Justice Faculty
Online MSCJ FAQ
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Will I earn my degree from UofL?
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Is UofL's MS in Criminal Justice program accredited?
Yes, the University of Louisville is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACSCOC).
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When can I begin this program?
This program offers 5 starts per year: 2 in Fall, 2 in Spring and 1 in Summer.
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Is tuition assistance (TA) available for active-duty military?
Yes, TA is currently available for active-duty military at the rate of $250 per credit hour (subject to change without prior notice).
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How long is the master's degree in criminal justice?
Our master's degree in criminal justice is 36 hours and can be completed in a little as three intensive semesters with year-round courses and 8-week terms.
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What are the different fields of criminal justice?
The main fields within criminal justice include law enforcement, courts/law, corrections, victim advocacy, homeland security, legal studies and forensic science
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How many credits are required for an MS in Criminal Justice?
A master's in criminal justice from UofL requires completion of 36 graduate-level credit hours. You can check out our Courses tab for more info.