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Graduate degrees offer substantial benefits to those willing and able to enter the program. Pursuing an advanced degree in criminal justice will generate opportunities for advancement to professionals working in the field. These advanced positions are accompanied by higher salaries and a higher level of job satisfaction. Even though they realize the benefits which will result from the completion of the program, many professionals find they are unable to take the extended time off of work necessary to complete a graduate degree. Online degree programs offer the answer to this quandary. Working professionals can complete their degree without having to sacrifice employment and therefore, their financial stability to do so. Of greatest concern for most prospective graduate students are the cost and quality of the programs.

Below is a list of the online master degree programs in criminal justice which have been deemed the best value for the money.

1. University of North Carolina-Pembroke

The University of North Carolina at Pembroke is one of the 17 schools counted among the University of North Carolina and has earned recognition for their efforts to ensure success for all their students. Through their distance education programs, the University of North Carolina strives to provide educational opportunities to all segments of the population. The university recognizes the impediment daily responsibilities can be to allowing an individual to fulfill educational goals. The distance learning programs offered by the university permit students to fulfill their educational goals in an established school with a high quality program. The Master of Public Administration degree with a concentration in criminal justice offered at the university can be completed through online courses and is considered among the top values for the cost. The program requires students complete 36 credit hours; 18 in required core courses and 18 in a concentration as well as earning 3 credits for a professional paper.

The Master of Public Administration program prepares students to assume leadership roles in public organizations, non profit institutions and governmental offices by providing managerial education and a broad understanding of the institutions and how they function. The curriculum emphasizes research, theory and application of skills and knowledge. The criminal justice concentration program was developed to advance the careers of professionals and public management administrators in the criminal justice field. Students complete coursework in core courses relevant to the area of public administration such as organizational behavior, analytical methods, public institutions and processes, principles of budgeting and finance and leadership and administration in public affairs. Additional courses to be completed to satisfy the criminal justice concentration include victimology and criminal justice, criminal justice agencies and the judiciary, image management and media relations for criminal justice and public service agencies, threat management for criminal justice and public service agencies.

2. Troy University

Troy University was founded in 1887 originally as a teaching college. The college evolved into an accredited university which offers a range of degree programs from which students can select an option which correlates with their interests. Troy University endeavors to prepare students for professional positions in the criminal justice field. The criminal justice degree program offered at Troy University offers a thorough curriculum which develops the abilities of students to analyze, evaluate and comprehend the justice system and the associated issues, communicate effectively and the ability to contend with and develop solutions for the array of problems in the criminal justice environment. The goal of Troy University is to provide the juvenile justice field with well educated and qualified candidates to fill the rapidly increasing available positions.

The Master of Criminal Justice degree program at Troy University includes coursework in all areas of the criminal justice field. Students are required to complete 12 credits in the required courses: principles of administration, current trends in criminal law, seminar in the administration of justice and court administration. Eighteen elective credits must also be completed from the listing of specialized courses relevant to the field including criminological theory, probation, pardons and parole, current issues in corrections, statistics, administrative law, research methods and seminar courses. The online management delivery system is blackboard; again, among the most popular programs used by distance learning colleges.

3. Fort Hays State University

Fort Hays State University’s award winning program in criminal justice is offered through their virtual college and is fully accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. The online programs offered through the Universities virtual college include eighteen bachelor and ten master degree program as well as certificate programs. The distance learning evolved into the virtual college in 1999. The university strives to provide affordable quality educational programs to students and is committed to ensuring the academic and future professional success of their students. The dedication of Fort Hays to a high quality degree program accounts for their reputation as a successful education.

The Master of Liberal Studies with a concentration in criminal justice offers a customized program tailored to each students needs. The program explores the breadth of the justice studies while incorporating the range of liberal studies. The comprehensive curriculum for the justice studies program prepares students for positions in the fields of corrections, juvenile justice, security, law enforcement and in the courts. Theory and practical skills are incorporated into the coursework. Students develop effective communication skills based on current technologies and etiquette, analytical and critical thinking skills and acquire the knowledge necessary to fully understand the justice field. Students must complete ten credits of core classes in liberal studies and eighteen credits in justice studies. Three credits are designated for a seminar course, internship or thesis.

4. New Mexico State University

New Mexico State University’s Criminal Justice Department was founded in 1962 and offers a long standing tradition of academic excellence. The department of criminal justice provides students with an interdisciplinary program which spans the breadth of the discipline. Graduates of the program continue into professional positions within the criminal justice field in both the private and public sectors. The University offers an online Master of Criminal Justice degree to extend the opportunity to students who may not otherwise be able to accomplish this educational goal. Admission into the program is competitive and challenging, with a limited number of spaces available. The online criminal justice program curriculum is identical to the program for traditional classroom students and is taught by the same faculty members.

The master of criminal justice degree program provides a rigorous curriculum which prepares students for a career in the field. Students have the option of pursuing three curriculums; a focused coursework option, project option or thesis option. The focused coursework option requires students to complete 36 credits; six in methods and policy, nine in theory of criminology, diversity and ethics, twelve elective credits and nine minor credits. The thirty three credit project option requires six credits in methods and policy, nine credits in theory, six electives, nine minor credits and the completion of a project to be approved by a faculty committee assembled by the student which demonstrates the student’s ability to combine theory, method and policy in relation to criminal justice. The thesis option also requires the six methods and policy credits, nine theory credits, twelve elective credits and the completion of a thesis.

5. University of West Florida

The University of West Florida’s Master of Science in Administration degree with a specialization in criminal justice has earned recognition for the quality of the degree program. The program provides students with training in management and leadership to prepare them for professional positions in the public and private sectors. The business aspect of the program ensures students are prepared for positions in any setting. The program can be tailored to suit the educational and career goals of the individual. Students enrolled full time can complete the program in as little as four semesters. The courses are taught by faculty members with experience in the field, research and teaching. Students learn to analyze and initiate changes in criminal justice institutions, identify areas of conflict and effectively alleviate them, and to utilize research and theory.

The curriculum for the Master of Science online degree program provides an interdisciplinary experience which trains students to become leaders in any professional criminal justice setting. The University offers a fast track BA MSA option where students admitted to the program are permitted to complete the BA degree with nine less credits. While completing the MA portion, the nine credits are applied towards both. Students are required to complete core classes in business subjects. Required courses include managerial economics, e-Business systems, management skills and applications, financial management, marketing and management and organizational behavior. Students who successfully complete the program are prepared to continue on to complete their doctorate degree or a professional degree such as in law.

6. Eastern Kentucky University

The Department of Correctional and Juvenile Justice Studies at Eastern Kentucky University offers, among their numerous online programs, a superior online master degree program. Recognizing the vast professional employment opportunities available in the criminal justice, juvenile justice and corrections fields, the program is designed for the benefit of adult professionals seeking to advance their education and careers. The University offers a range of programs in the criminal justice; juvenile justice and correction disciplines which are intended to meet the varying needs of the population. Emphasis is placed on developing professionalism and increasing the knowledge base of the students to ensure they will be prepared for advanced positions in the field. The faculty members are respected experts in the areas they teach and offer the benefit of educational, professional and research experience and offer a high level of knowledge to their students.

The curriculum for the Master of Science in Correctional and Juvenile Justice studies is centered on these particular areas of the criminal justice discipline and requires a total of 30 credit hours for completion. The specialized degree program concentrates on the theories, concepts and issues specific to juvenile justice and adult corrections. Students will complete 24 hours in core courses and 6 hours on a thesis or electives. Courses will include the areas of administration of corrections and juvenile justice, correctional and juvenile justice interventions, law and ethics and understanding crime, delinquency and correctional programs. The online program allows students to choose electives geared towards their specific interests and career goals to ensure their needs are met. The University utilizes the user friendly, popular Blackboard software for the majority of their courses. Students are able to interact with their peers and professors through discussion boards and chat rooms. Instructional videos, lectures and power point presentations are the instruction methods most commonly used by the teaching faculty.

7. America Military University

American Military University is an accredited member of the American Public University System and provides educational opportunities to civilian and military individuals. Accreditation was granted through the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association and the Distance Education and Training Council. The Master of Arts in Criminal Justice program was created to prepare graduates for leadership positions in any of the justice related fields and settings. All aspects of criminal justice are explored including any relevant recent issues which arise. The American Military University endeavors to provide a comprehensive and current criminal justice program. Their experienced faculty members are leaders in the field, having worked within the Department of Homeland Security, the Departments of State and Defense, the FBI and CIA and of corporations. Tuition for the entire program is under $10,000.00.

The Master of Art in Criminal Justice curriculum was developed to meet the needs of an increasingly security conscious nation. The coursework encompasses the areas of terrorism, security, criminal law, criminal justice and juvenile/ delinquent behavior. Students review methods of addressing security issues and discuss and develop appropriate responses and countermeasures. The University requires students to complete 36 credit hours of coursework. Students have the option of tailoring their educational program towards their interests through focuses study. Core Courses include criminal justice ethics, research methods in criminal justice and security, police administration, criminal law, criminal justice processes. Eighteen hours must be completed in the core courses and fifteen hours in major requirements which includes international crime, sexual exploitation of children, deviant behavior and negotiations: crisis and hostage.

8. California University of Pennsylvania

California University of Pennsylvania, founded in 1852, is accredited by the Commission on Higher Education of the Middle States Association of Colleges and School and possesses a number of program based accreditations and offers a long standing history of academic excellence. California University’s Global online initiative provides an extensive range of distance learning degree and certificate programs available around the world and completely through online coursework. The mission of California University is to provide the highest quality programs to prepare graduates for positions within their fields and opportunities for advancement. The asynchronous courses permit students to tailor their programs around their working schedules. And the interactive and easy to navigate online curriculum incorporates all of the course requirements to complete the degree.

The Master of Science in Legal Studies Criminal Justice is an interdisciplinary program which combines the study of the American justice system and the civil justice systems. The accelerated program incorporates both theory and practice in order to prepare graduates for advanced positions as leaders in the criminal justice field or the academic realm. Areas of study include policing, law corrections, investigations. Students can choose the thesis or non-thesis option. Courses include law and public policy, law and ethics, law, civil liberties and the constitution, law and legal method, financial investigations, criminal justice organization and management, US Homeland Security, polygraph and lie detection and terrorism, threat and vulnerability analysis and protection.

9. Michigan State University

The school of Criminal Justice at Michigan State University was ranked as one of the top programs in the nation. In addition to this distinction, Michigan State also earned a ranking as best value for the online Master of Science in Criminal Justice Degree program offered. The program focuses on the current climate of the criminal justice community and the future of the field. The University stays current on continuously evolving and advancing areas such as DNA technology, computer security and identity theft. With the increasing domestic and global security concerns, the need for trained, qualified professionals in the criminal justice field is increasing and is expected to continue in this trend for many years into the future. The university strives to prepare their graduates to fulfill the needs of the criminal justice community.

The Master of Science in criminal Justice degree program was the first to be offered on the internet by Michigan State University, beginning in 1998. Since then, the program has continued to evolve to ensure the university provides their students with the most current and relevant criminal justice theories, research, skills and knowledge. Students have the option of following the general Masters in Criminal Justice degree curriculum or choose from a specialization in security management or international. To complete the degree, students must attain 30 credits. Courses include crime causation, prevention and control, design and analysis in criminal justice research, criminal justice management seminar, quantitative methods in criminal justice research and policy analysis under conditions of change. The tuition of the program is around $15,600.

10. Touro University International

Touro University offers a fully accredited student centered educational experience focused on working adult learners. The University strives to provide affordable, high quality degree programs with the most current, relevant and proven information available. The degree programs are flexible and convenient. They can be tailored to suit individual scheduling needs and educational and career goals. The university teaches their students the skills they need to be successful in the job market. The master degree programs trains students to become successful and effective leaders. Graduates of Touro University are prepared for advanced positions in their professional fields. The faculty members are highly skilled and educated individuals with an aptitude for teaching and experience in the business realm.

The Master of Business Administration Degree with a concentration in criminal justice provides a thorough and rigorous curriculum. Foundational business courses ensure students develop an understanding of important theories and the appropriate application in real world situations. Students are immersed in business courses which emphasize the advancing technologies and increasingly global environment. Upon completion of the program, graduates will be able to apply business concepts and knowledge in a criminal justice institution, effectively and appropriately communicate, and make effective management and analytical decisions when needed. The criminal justice specialization will prepare students to be effective in an advanced or management position within the criminal justice environment. Courses include managing criminal justice administration, public policy and criminal justice management and criminal justice systems.