Master of Science

Criminal Justice

FIND YOUR PROGRAM

Step 1Step 1 of 2

Which program are you interested in? *

How would you like to attend? *

First Name *

Last Name *

*Required Field Step 1 of 2

Step 2

Zip Code: *

Phone *

Email *

May we text you? *

Yes No

By clicking Get Started below, I consent to receive recurring marketing/promotional e-mails, phone calls, and SMS/text messages from Johnson & Wales University (JWU) about any educational/programmatic purpose (which relates to my inquiry of JWU) at the e-mail/phone numbers (landline/mobile) provided, including calls or texts made using an automatic telephone dialing system and/or artificial/prerecorded voice messages. My consent applies regardless of my inclusion on any state, federal, or other do-not-call lists. Consent is not a condition for receipt of any good or service. Carrier charges may apply. Terms and conditions apply.

« Previous Step 2 of 2

Request info

Upcoming Start Dates

August 25

October 20

Apply Now

JWU Online > Academics > Master’s > MS Criminal Justice

PROGRAM DETAILS

2 Years

to complete your degree

Online

career-focused curriculum

7 or 15

week course length

19:1

student to faculty ratio

Program Overview

Resourceful and compassionate professionals are needed in our justice system; take your place among them with a Master of Science in Criminal Justice from Johnson & Wales University. Our online master’s degree in criminal justice program combines criminological and organizational theory with policy and practice to help prepare you for leadership roles in the field. The coursework for this online degree program is academically rigorous to help you develop a comprehensive understanding of the public and private sides of today’s criminal justice landscape.

This program is offered in collaboration with JWU’s John Hazen White College of Arts & Sciences.

What You'll Learn

Demonstrate how criminological theory informs public policy and shapes the operation of the American criminal justice system.
Use management theory to evaluate the operation of a criminal justice agency and suggest policy changes to improve the operational effectiveness of the organization.
Articulate the importance of cultural and global diversity in creating a fair and just criminal justice system.
Apply moral philosophy to professional and ethical decision making in the field of criminal justice.
Utilize team leadership skills that include collaboration, problem solving, ethical awareness and appreciation of diversity to address problems faced by criminal justice agencies.
Communicate appropriately and effectively within various organizational contexts, employing appropriate technologies to organize and present information to address a range of audiences and purposes.
Analyze, evaluate and synthesize original criminal justice research that utilizes the scientific method and appropriate sampling, measurement and data collection techniques; evaluate proper data presentation, considering the ethics and politics of reporting.

Ready to pursue a career in law enforcement and the justice system with a Master of Science in Criminal Justice from Johnson & Wales University? Take the next step. Start your application today.

Tuition & Fees

At Johnson & Wales University, we believe a high-quality education should help you reach for your career goals, so we are constantly working to provide competitively-priced college tuition.

Scholarships Available for Eligible Students

Resources for Paying for College

Scholarship Opportunities

Learn how you may qualify for a scholarship, including our 20% Graduate Success Scholarship.

View Scholarships

Financial Aid Options

Applying for financial aid doesn’t have to be a chore. We can help. Explore all your financial aid options today.

View Financial Aid

Online MS CRIMINAL JUSTICE Sample Courses

Coursework for your criminal justice master’s degree online program will offer a comprehensive review of the criminal justice system — courts, corrections and law enforcement. Through five core classes and your choice of five electives, you’ll have the opportunity to cover juvenile justice, investigative research methods and inquiry, counterterrorism, emergency management, crime prevention, technology for criminology and more! Take a look at some options of courses you could take.

Criminal Justice Core Courses

Course Title
Advanced Administration of Criminal Justice
Contemporary Criminology and Crime Prevention
Criminal Justice Ethics and Diversity in a Global Environment
Research and Inquiry

Criminal Justice Elective Courses

Course Title
Juvenile Justice Issues
Social, Community and Restorative Justice
Counterterrorism
Homeland Security

Please note that some courses may be 15 weeks long. For the most up-to-date and complete course listing information, as well as full course descriptions, visit our catalog.

Admissions Requirements

Are you ready to take your criminal justice career to the next level? Making your mark protecting and serving could be easier than you think, especially with a criminal justice online master’s degree from Johnson & Wales Online. We start with a dedicated online admissions associate who will work with you one-on-one to guide you through the process and answer all your questions, from tuition costs to financial aid to career services. We cap it off with a free application for your online master’s degree and no GRE or GMAT requirements.

If you already hold an undergraduate degree and you’re ready for more, click the button below to get started today!

Admissions

Why Johnson & Wales University?

Prepped for the Professional World

We work with industry-leading employers to ensure career-relevant curriculum is at the core of every educational experience we offer. And we pack each program with skill-building opportunities and experience-based learning to help you be career-ready upon graduation.

Personalized Support

We are committed to your success – both academically and professionally. From dedicated academic advisors to career services to tutoring help, we offer one-on-one support throughout your educational journey with us.

Learning on Your Schedule

We help working professionals like you overcome obstacles to learning. That means providing the flexibility of online degree programs as well as a range of student services to provide the tools and support you need to succeed in class and throughout your career.

Backed by Student Approval

Based on a 2024 EdSights survey of JWU Online students, three out of four students would recommend JWU Online to a friend. Most notably, JWU Online achieved a Student Voice Score (SVS) of 65, far surpassing the national private 4-year institution average score of 3. To learn more about our SVS, which measures our students' overall satisfaction with JWU Online, visit out EdSights Student Voice Score page.