Masters of Criminal Justice
Program Facts
College: College of Liberal & Fine Arts
Major: Criminal Justice
Degree Level: Master's
- On-Campus
- 100% Online
Credit Hours: 30-36
Duration: 18-24 Months
Tuition & Fees
Estimated costs available via the calculator.
Overview
In our complex, diverse and global world, the United States is experiencing a growing trend of Criminal Justice professionals seeking academic credentials and educational development. The Criminal Justice system is becoming increasingly data driven, and a Criminal Justice master’s degree can provide you with skills to analyze and interpret research and data. Many employers in the Criminal Justice system require a master’s degree for administration and leadership roles. A MCJ can lead to job promotions and career changes, as well as higher salaries, for Criminal Justice professionals.
Our Criminal Justice master’s degree program focuses on addressing challenges associated with protecting the community, as well as the growing complexities of the Criminal Justice system.
…We respond to the changing field to help meet our students’ needs — and the needs of your communities.
Program Benefits
- The face-to-face program in Fort Worth is an accelerated cohort format with evening classes and some optional online classes. Students learn in a group setting to develop interactive, team-based skills and connect with Criminal Justice practitioners from a variety of agencies and fields within the Criminal Justice system.
- The online degree program allows you to work from anywhere at your own pace to fit your busy schedule.
- Integrated with the curriculum is the option to earn a graduate certificate in crime analysis and grant writing with elective courses. Our master’s program also prepares you to teach undergraduate-level Criminal Justice courses, which many of our graduate students choose to do.
Courses
Our career-focused curriculum is professionally designed in collaboration with Criminal Justice field experts, with an emphasis on theoretical foundations, research methods, principles of administration, innovative thinking and analysis of the major elements of the Criminal Justice system as a whole. Study topics such as forensic science, media and crime, victimology, gender and crime, global cybersecurity, domestic and international terrorism, crime mapping, grant writing and more.
The optional thesis track is recommended if you’re considering a doctorate, such as our PhD in Criminal Justice, in the future. Thesis students will conduct an original research project as the capstone to their master’s degree, which can help you be more competitive and prepared for additional graduate studies.
Offered Concentrations
- Thesis - 36 Credit Hours
- Non-Thesis - 30 Credit Hours
Learning Outcomes
Emphasizing Criminal Justice administration, our MCJ, offered face to face in Fort Worth or entirely online, challenges you to think from different points of view for a well-rounded, relevant and high-quality graduate education. With a mix of broad academic knowledge and practical experience, you’ll develop management and leadership skills, so you can continue to make an impact in your community and advance your career.
Career Outcomes
- Law enforcement and policing
- Corrections or probation
- Judicial systems
- Private or corporate security
- Crime analysis
- Decision and policymaking
Admissions Requirements
- 2 academic/professional letters of recommendation
- Phone interview