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The academic study of crime and society's response to it first emerged at U.S. colleges and universities in the 1950s as courses in Criminology were offered to students majoring in Sociology. More vocationally oriented programs in Police Science began appearing in the 1970s, stimulated by funds from the federal Law Enforcement Assistance Administration in response to public alarm over rising crime rates.
Today, Criminal Justice is a mature academic discipline supported by extensive scholarship regarding the causes of crime, effective law enforcement practices, correctional and rehabilitation strategies, forensic science, crime prevention and private security.
The importance of the study of Criminal Justice is reflected in the variety of Master's degree programs now available online through our accredited colleges and universities, including:
- Corrections
- Criminal Justice
- Criminal Justice (MBA)
- Crime Analysis
- Disaster Preparedness
- Homeland Security Administration
- Justice Administration
- Law
- Master of Public Administration
- Police Science
If you currently work in the criminal justice system, or want to enter this challenging and rewarding field, and have a Bachelor's degree, an online Master's degree in Criminal Justice can accelerate your career to the next level. In addition to enhancing your qualifications for supervisory positions in law enforcement, investigations and corrections, a Master's degree in Criminal Justice enables you to take advantage of the increasing demand for highly informed specialists in private and corporate security.
A Master's degree can also qualify you to teach at the post'secondary level, or to conduct training for local, state and federal criminal justice agencies.
These online Master's degree programs are designed for working adults who need maximum scheduling flexibility. A Master's degree in Criminal Justice typically requires 60 post-baccalaureate credits. Full-time students attending traditional on-campus programs usually earn a Master's degree in two years, but many students complete their Master's degree online in far less time.
Select Master Criminal Justice Degree Program:
- Justice and Security (Master's)
The Master of Science: Administration of Justice and Security degree provides the required knowledge for the student to develop competence in administering criminal justice or security programs. While d... 
- Criminal Justice (Master's)
Excel with FMU's master's of Criminal JusticeThe Master of Science in Criminal Justice program prepares students for the demanding field of the Criminal Justice system. The program curriculum provides a...
- Criminal Justice (Master's)
Colorado Tech Online's MSM degree program with a concentration in Criminal Justice is designed to help meet the emerging administrative and leadership needs of the criminal justice system. The MSM in Cr...
- Criminal Justice (Master's)
The influence of technology and the changing face of crime have magnified the need for criminal justice specialists. South University's online Master of Science in Criminal Justice program offers you an...
- Forensic Psychology (Master's)
The Master of Arts (MA) in Forensic Psychology prepares individuals to apply clinical, counseling, school, and neuropsychology skills to the provision of psychological services within the criminal justi...
- Master of Science in Security Management
The Master of Science in Security Management degree prepares individuals to assume director-level responsibilities in organizational and homeland security occupations. The curriculum was developed...
- Economic Crime Management (Master's)
The only graduate level program of its kind in the Americas, Utica’s Online Executive Master’s in Economic Crime Management provides executive-level education to Economic Crime Prevention professionals ...
- Master of Arts in Criminal Justice
This online Criminal Justice master’s degree meets the changing needs of the criminal justice community. Working professionals and those planning on entering the field will develop the professional skil...
