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:

• Want to gain entry to the criminal justice field in an upper-level position
• Presently work in criminal justice and seek to broaden their knowledge base and skills, or work in another area of the system
• Aspire to teach criminal justice courses
• Wish to obtain a PhD in the field

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.

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:

• Work as a criminal researcher
• Rise in the ranks of the police force
• Work in prison administration
• Serve as a state or federal probation officer
• Teach criminal justice through a community college or professional organization
• Work as a crime victims' advocate

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:

• What are your career objectives? A campus or online master's program preparing students to enter a PhD program and work in academia differs significantly from a degree program designed to groom students to work as criminal justice professionals.
• Would you benefit from mentorships, on-the-job training, or career counseling? If you intend to switch careers through your campus or online Master's in Criminal Justice, you may want to find schools that combine research with practicums or offer strong teacher/student mentorships, networking opportunities, and career counseling services.
• Do you have specific personal needs that are relevant to your graduate study? Keep a list of any elements--time to degree, program cost, distance from home, etc.--that you may need to take into account when choosing a campus or online master's degree.
• Campus or online? Deciding on a campus or online master's degree in criminal justice can significantly narrow your options as you begin your research.

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:

• U.S. News & World Report ranks more than 30 graduate schools in criminology.
• The Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences offers a list of criminal justice programs it has certified.
• Both the U.S. Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation offer online databases you can search by accreditation agencies and accredited institutions.
• WorldWideLearn.com enables you to browse master's programs organized in the following categories: online degrees by level or subject, and campus degree programs by location, level or subject.

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:

• Corrections
• Education
• Federal criminal justice
• Investigations
• Law enforcement
• Social services

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

• Crime analysis and mapping
• Criminal profiling
• Crisis and emergency management
• Domestic terrorism and hate crimes
• Gender, race, and crime
• Mental health and criminal justice
• Sex offenses and offenders
• Substance abuse

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:

• Do instructors have PhDs or impressive experience working as criminal justice professionals?
• Is the program well established? If it is new, does it seem comparable to other programs and have clear requirements and a stated orientation or philosophy?
• What is the program's reputation among professionals working in criminal justice?
• How well canthe program prepare you to meet your career objectives?
• Is the program competitive?
• Does the program prepare students for good jobs?

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

• Web sites. Begin your research with schools' Web sites, which usually offer an abundance of information about program requirements, faculty expertise, graduate placements, admission requirements, and more.
• Campus visits. Campus visits can give you valuable first-hand information about graduate schools in criminal justice. If you decide to earn a master's degree online, ask the school to put you in touch with faculty and current students.
• Academic journals. Academic journals can show you which institutions the leading scholars are coming from and can familiarize you with research in the field.

• American Journal of Criminal Justice
• American Journal of Police
• Criminology
• Crime and Delinquency
• Journal of Criminal Justice
• Journal of Criminology and Criminal Law
• Justice Quarterly
• Police Quarterly

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:

• Statement of purpose or letter of intent
• 2 to 3 letters of recommendation
• Official transcripts from each institution attended
• GRE
• Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), if required
• Application fee

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.

• First, fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form. This form is required for obtaining federal aid.
• Some programs offer fellowships and scholarships to graduate students. This aid is often based on merit and can include teaching assistantships and tuition waivers.
• Corporations and private foundations offer a variety of sponsorships, research grants, scholarships, and loans.
• Federal and state government agencies offer scholarships and loans that can be either merit- or need-based.

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:

• Reading academic journals
• Attending academic and professional conferences, such as the annual conference of the National Institute of Justice
• Joining academic and professional associations, such as the Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences and American Society of Criminology

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.

Sources

• Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences, ACJS Academic Certification Frequently Asked Questions
• Criminology and Criminal Justice Research: Organization - Future Trends, Law Library
• Michigan State University School of Criminal Justice, A History of Police Education in the United States
• "Security Education - Past, Present and the Future," by Dennis Giever, Security Journal, 2007
• Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania, Criminology and Criminal Justice Frequently Asked Questions
• UMass Lowell Continuing Studies, Online Master's Degree in Criminal Justice
• University of Cincinnati, Online Master of Science in Criminal Justice
• University of Maryland Department of Criminology and Criminal Justice, Traditional Master's Degree Program