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Guide to Master's Degree

How to Get a Master's Degree in Criminal Justice

Investigating criminal issues, preventing crime, rehabilitating criminals, understanding criminal behavior, and studying scholarly research are just a few of the topic areas that can be explored in depth through master's degree programs in criminal justice. Often delving into law, economics, sociology, technology, and other academic disciplines, a Master of Criminal Justice is a multidisciplinary degree that can open numerous career options.

Should you consider an MS in Criminal Justice? The degree is particularly suited to people who:

If you decide to earn a master's degree online or on campus, you need to select the program that offers the best fit for you. Use this guide to help with the research and application process, and get started on your educational journey.

Overview of the Master's in Criminal Justice

The study of criminal justice in the United States has existed for more than a century. Originally limited primarily to the scientific methods of police work, the discipline exploded in the late 1960s, when the Law Enforcement Assistance Administration granted over $7 billion for research, policy analysis, and police hardware, as well as the development of Law Enforcement Education Programs. Those education programs formed the basis for many of the criminal justice and criminology programs now in existence.

Today, criminal justice has come into its own as an academic discipline. Sometimes distinguished from criminology, the term "criminal justice" has traditionally been used to refer to the systems and policies within the field, including the study of policing, corrections, courts, and other real-world applications. Criminology, on the other hand, tends to fall under the social sciences and explores criminal behavior and social response to crime. There is an increasing trend, however, toward considering them one discipline, as they are inextricably related.

Master's degrees in criminal justice usually take the form of a Master of Arts (MA), Master of Science (MS), or Master of Criminal Justice (MCJ). Schools use the degree titles interchangeably. Yet, each program is typically distinct, regardless of degree title, in its requirements (thesis or practicum) and orientation (practitioner or researcher). A Master of Criminal Justice usually takes one to two years to complete.

For additional information about the study of criminal justice, visit WorldWideLearn.com.

What You Can Do with an MA or MS in Criminal Justice

A campus or online Master's in Criminal Justice can prepare students to hold high-level positions in law enforcement, investigations, corrections, forensics, courts, or social services.

After you earn a master's degree online or on campus, you might:

Criminal justice is a growing field. Whichever career path you choose, you may find an exciting array of opportunities for employment.

Researching and Applying to Criminal Justice Master's Degree Programs

Choosing the right graduate program may help ensure your academic success. If you have decided to pursue an MS in Criminal Justice, follow these steps to assess your personal needs, research your options, and identify criteria that canhelp you make the best choice.

STEP ONE: Choose a Format: Campus or Online Master's in Criminal Justice

Criminal justice degrees were some of the first offered through distance graduate education. Because higher education in criminal justice was often sought by people already working in the field, schools perceived a need for a flexible learning format that could be integrated with the life of a working professional.

Online Degrees. Today, online degrees in criminal justice abound. An online Master's in Criminal Justice is a format frequently chosen by professionals who wish to advance their education while keeping a foot in the workforce. Students can take classes during their off hours from the comfort of home. Web-based technology facilitates teacher/student interaction and peer-to-peer discussion. Students choosing to earn a degree online should be comfortable with computer technology and able to manage their time efficiently.

Campus-based Degrees. Campus master's degrees are another option for those seeking an MS in Criminal Justice. Traditionally, a campus master's degree offers the best preparation for a future PhD and a career in research or academia. A campus format may also better suit students who learn best through face-to-face interaction and live discussion.

Hybrid Degrees. A third option is a hybrid master's degree, which combines online courses with residencies. Students can benefit from one-on-one time with instructors and classmates as well as experience the flexibility offered by online courses.

Consider your career and educational objectives when deciding whether to earn a master's degree online or on campus. You may also want to take into account other factors, such as the proximity of campus schools and the time you have available for your graduate studies.

STEP TWO: Find the Right MS in Criminal Justice

1. Identify Your Goals and Educational Needs

Are you a corrections officer looking to advance in your profession? Do you want to apply current research to your work as an investigator? Identifying your goals and educational needs can help you select the master's program that is the best fit for you. Consider the following:

2. Build a List of Accredited Graduate Schools in Criminal Justice

Begin searching for accredited criminal justice programs by using the extensive resources available online. Accreditation ensures a basic level of quality in the education you receive and also guarantees that your degree will be recognized by employers and other educational institutions. You can start your search here:

3. Explore Academic Programs in Depth

The bulk of your research shouldentail gathering details for the programs that have caught your eye. There are several aspects you will want to explore. Master's degrees in criminal justice usually involve specializing in a particular area of study. Specializations can include fields tailored to a particular career, such as:

Specializations can also focus on issues in criminal justice, such as:

Choose a specialization based on your career objectives and personal interests.

When determining the quality of a campus or online Master's in Criminal Justice, ask the following questions:

Consider the program's cost, taking into account opportunities for fellowships and other school-based aid.

What are the school's admission requirements? A Master of Criminal Justice may require minimum GPA and GRE scores. Also investigate whether the school takes into account professional work experience--many criminal justice programs do.

Does the program offer any special resources for graduate students? A criminal justice program that facilitates networking with professionals working in the field could be valuable if you want to shift careers or work with a particular agency. If you intend to earn a master's degree online, make sure the school is up-to-date in its use of technology and offers some level of technical support.

Resources

STEP THREE: Apply to Graduate Schools in Criminal Justice

Once you have selected your top campus or online master's programs, begin working on applications. Give yourself plenty of time to complete them. It is easy to make mistakes when you are scrambling to meet deadlines. If you need to take the Graduate Record Examination (GRE), be advised that it can take several weeks for the results to be sent to your school.

1. Gather Application Materials
Many master's programs in criminal justice require the following:

2. Apply for Financial Aid

You should have the greatest chance of obtaining financial aid if you apply early--even before you are accepted into a master's program. Take some time to research your options.

Most schools house financial aid offices that can assist you with locating and obtaining financial assistance.

STEP FOUR: Prepare for Your Master's in Criminal Justice

Beginning a graduate degree program can be an exciting--and sometimes intimidating--undertaking. You may find it easier to enter your master's program if you take the time beforehand to familiarize yourself with current research in criminal justice and learn who's who in the field. Build your expertise--and confidence--by:

Finally, remember to keep your career objectives in mind as you embark on your new academic adventure. Visualizing your goal--a campus or online Master's in Criminal Justice and your new (or improved) career--could give you the motivation you need to stay on track with the program and obtain your degree.

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