Exploring Graduate Programs in Criminal Justice: All You Need To Know
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Introduction to Criminal Justice
Did you know that there are an estimated 3.9 million employees in the U.S. criminal Justice System? We must say that it takes unique qualities to spend an entire career in criminal justice. To quote Dave Grossman, you must be “able to survive and thrive in an environment that destroys 98% of the population”.
Are you up for the risks and rewards of a lifelong criminal justice career? Then, consider enrolling in one of the best graduate programs for criminal justice.
With a graduate degree, you can be more and do more. Be more by becoming a respected leader in your field. Do more by being a change agent.
What is the field of criminal justice in the first place? The criminal justice field is among the pillars of safety and stability in society. Law enforcement, the courts of law, and corrections are among its key components.
Why earn a graduate degree in criminal justice? Every candidate has their own reasons, but the benefits include:
- Gain valuable insights into the systemic issues affecting crime and justice
- Learn advanced knowledge and research skills in shaping best practices and policies
- Take advantage of career advancement positions toward being a change agent
- Teach the next generation of criminal justice and criminology professionals
- Boost your effectiveness as a public advocate for restorative justice, among other issues
Indeed, a graduate degree in criminal justice opens doors to opportunities for growth. The road won’t be easy, but the rewards will make it worthwhile.
Choosing a Criminal Justice Graduate Program
Graduate programs for criminal justice are a dime a dozen because of the field’s popularity. When choosing from these programs, be sure to give it careful thought – no impulsive decisions.
Accreditation and Reputation
Always check for the colleges’ regional accreditation and their validity. Regional accreditation means the college meets standards of academic quality. This is also an assurance of credit transferability and financial aid access. Graduate school admission also rests on your bachelor’s and master’s degrees being awarded by regionally accredited colleges.
The Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences grants programmatic accreditation. Only a few undergraduate and graduate programs are on ACJS’ endorsed list.
Look into the universities’ reputations. Graduates from reputable universities are most likely to have a competitive edge for jobs. Employers recognize the academic quality and rigor of prestigious universities. As such, they associate competence and confidence with their graduates.
Program Length and Cost
Graduate programs in criminal justice have varying completion times. Full-time programs enable candidates to earn the degrees in 2-3 years. Part-time programs take longer, say, 4-5 years.
The longer you’re in graduate school, the higher your cost of attendance. If possible, choose full-time programs since these can be completed faster.
Check for financial aid options because graduate study is an expensive undertaking. The average cost of a master’s degree ranges from $56,000 to $75,000 for a two-year program. For a doctorate, it’s $133,340 on average, and it’s possible to incur an $80,590 loan debt.
Specializations and Faculty Expertise
With criminal justice being a broad field, specializations in graduate degrees are welcome. Specializations include homeland security, cybercrimes, and emergency management.
Check the faculty members’ professional credentials. Look for doctorate degrees and extensive work experience in their field of expertise.
Curriculum and Flexibility
Understand the curriculum and student learning outcomes. Equal emphasis on theory and practice is best. Check that the courses are in line with contemporary principles and practices.
If you’re a working professional, consider online programs. Their flexible schedules and convenient access accommodate busy lifestyles.
Research Opportunities
Meaningful research is at the heart of the best criminal justice graduate programs. Check for the research opportunities offered.
Internships and Field Experience
Theoretical knowledge gets a boost with practical experience. This is possible through field experience, including internships. These can be in-person or virtual internships.
Alumni Network and Career Services
Student success also rests on the strength of the student support services and alumni connections. Look for these vital aspects, too.
Top Graduate Programs in Criminal Justice
Check out these best graduate programs for criminal justice professionals. These are all online programs for maximum flexibility and convenience for working professionals.
University of Massachusetts Lowell Online
Among the few ACJS-endorsed criminal justice graduate programs offered by UMass Lowell, Candidates complete an 11-course, 33-credit curriculum. The flexible schedule means candidates enjoy self-paced studies.
The rigorous coursework includes courses in:
- Administration of Justice
- Criminological Theory: Foundations
- Managing Justice Organizations
Candidates report that the data-driven, evidence-based curriculum prepares them for leadership positions. Graduates fill leadership positions in law enforcement agencies, among others.
Faculty members are respected experts in their fields, too.
Washburn University
Yet another ACJS-endorsed Masters in Criminal Justice program is available at Washburn University. Candidates in the 100% online program enjoy the self-paced curriculum. But the 36-credit curriculum isn’t easy either. The rigorous coursework includes:
- Research Methods
- Issues in Criminal Procedure
- Law Enforcement in the US
Both pre-professionals and criminal justice professionals are welcome to apply. Earning a master’s degree can lead to teaching positions in community colleges and training academies. Graduates also proceed to doctorate programs.
Candidates can choose between the thesis and capstone options. The start dates are in August and January.
Walden University
The MS in Criminal Justice features 48 quarter credits. Candidates choose from eight in-demand specializations:
- Behavioral Sciences
- Cybercrimes
- Emergency Management
- Homeland Security Policy and Coordination
- International/Global Criminal Justice Issues
- Law and Public Policy
- Public Management and Leadership
- Terrorism, Mediation, and Peace
Admission requires at least a bachelor’s degree, preferably in criminal justice. Candidates must prepare for the rigorous coursework. Graduates have workplace-ready skills for leadership positions, such as chief of police.
Arizona State University Online
The MA in Criminal Justice program features a 33-credit curriculum with 11 classes. Candidates gain an in-depth understanding of criminal justice to become change agents. There’s an equal emphasis on theory and application in the diverse aspects of criminal justice.
Candidates develop hard and soft skills in preparation for leadership positions. These include academic research, analytical thinking, and program evaluation skills.
Graduates become leaders in the public and private sectors. Popular job titles include profilers, sergeants, and inspectors. The degree can also lead to a doctorate.
University of New Haven
The MS in Criminal Justice program doesn’t have GRE/GMAT and entrance exam requirements. But prepare for its rigorous 36-credit curriculum with its fast-paced coursework. Core courses include:
- Administration of Justice
- Theories of Criminal Behavior
- Quantitative Applications in Criminal Justice
With year-round courses, candidates can earn the degree in two years. Asynchronous courses accommodate busy professionals.
Most candidates are in law enforcement and become supervisors after graduation. 911 dispatchers, police officers, and correction officers are the usual candidates. Tuition discounts are available for public safety personnel, including first responders.
Liberty University
If you’re looking for an excellent criminal justice doctorate, earn Liberty’s PhD in Criminal Justice degree. Candidates prepare for success in senior leadership positions. Many graduates work in criminal justice organizations within the state and federal governments. Many are also in private organizations, usually in research and academic positions.
Candidates choose from three tracks:
- Generalized
- Homeland Security
- Leadership
Applicants must have a master’s degree with at least a 3.0 GPA. Candidates complete a dissertation before graduation.
Liberty has frozen its tuition rates for over nine years. Tuition discounts are available for military-affiliated candidates and their spouses.
Pennsylvania Western University
The 42-credit Doctorate in Criminal Justice program attracts ambitious professionals. Candidates prepare for success in leadership positions in government agencies, colleges, and nonprofits. Graduates have the competencies to influence best practices in the field.
While it’s an application-centric degree, its candidates also develop advanced research skills. The combination of research and application means candidates have a unique perspective.
Candidates must complete a virtual five-day summer residency. This is followed by two years of online studies on a part-time basis. Candidates must also pass a comprehensive exam and a doctoral research portfolio.
Saint Leo University
Earn your Doctor of Criminal Justice at Saint Leo and be competitive for next-level leadership roles. Candidates expand their knowledge by choosing from these specializations:
- Education
- Homeland Security
- Human Services
Depending on your specialization, you can work in colleges, homeland security agencies, and human services organizations. But you don’t have to be limited either. This is a versatile DCJ degree that opens career advancement opportunities in diverse sectors.
Candidates can complete the 60-hour program in 3-4 years. Online courses complement the three short residencies for hands-on experiences.
Nova Southeastern University
The PhD in Criminal Justice program at NSU has a comprehensive approach to understanding criminal justice. Candidates gain an in-depth understanding of crime, too, through intensive coursework. This is a research-intensive program that prepares researchers and academicians for success.
Candidates complete 60 credits to earn the doctorate. This is a 100% online program with an August start date. Available specializations are in:
- Behavioral Science
- Criminal Justice Policy, Practice, and Leadership
- Juvenile Justice and Human Services
Candidates first tackle core courses before specialization courses and a dissertation.
National University
The Doctor of Criminal Justice program at NU doesn’t have GRE/GMAT, group work, or residency requirements. Candidates enjoy maximum flexibility and convenience for these reasons. Working professionals/candidates enjoy the flexibility of asynchronous courses, too.
This is a 54-credit program with 18 courses. The challenging courses enable candidates to develop their management and leadership skills. Available specializations are:
- Homeland Security
- Policing
- Organizational Leadership and Public Administration
Candidates can earn the DCJ degree in 36 months or less. Candidates can start new classes every Monday, too (i.e., the next start date).
What The Future Holds for Graduate Education in Criminal Justice
The increasing demand for criminal justice professionals means improved job security and stability. Now is the best time to look into graduate programs in criminal justice. Start today and take advantage of career advancement opportunities soon.
The increasing demand can be attributed to these current and emerging factors.
- Growing calls for meaningful criminal justice reforms in rehabilitation, sentencing, and police accountability
- Increasing complexity of a wide range of crimes, from human trafficking to cybercrimes
- Growth in the number and complexity of academic and research positions
In all these, criminal justice professionals with advanced degrees will meet the demand. Their sophisticated knowledge and skills are up to the task.
The influential leadership roles and their excellent compensation are come-ons, too. Here are a few examples of what you can do with an advanced degree and their average salaries.
- Professors in colleges and universities $70,000 – $160,000/year
- Policy researchers and analysts – $60,000 – $100,000/year
- Police chiefs, state and federal bureau of investigation supervisors, and other roles $75,000 – $200,000/year
- Criminal justice consultants – $100,000 – $150,000/year
What are you waiting for? Check out the best criminal justice graduate programs featured above now.
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