In this article, we profile the 30 best online master's in criminal justice degree programs from private, non-profit colleges and universities in 2018.
Private, non-profit colleges offer a range of benefits. From small class sizes to academic rigor, private colleges and universities provide students with quality programs at the graduate level. To compete with public universities, private schools now offer online master's programs in popular disciplines like criminal justice. This is an overview of the best online master's in criminal justice degrees from private institutions.
Ranking the Best Master's in Criminal Justice Degree Online Programs
We looked at approximately 65 private non-profit colleges and universities listed by the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) College Navigator that offered online master's in criminal justice degree programs. We confirmed the schools were regionally accredited and had received regional, national, or program rankings from a major publication like U.S. News and World Report. We then listed the schools according to raw affordability.
Below are the resulting selections for our 30 best online master's in criminal justice from private non-profit colleges in 2018.
#30 – Boston University
Online Master of Criminal Justice
Boston, Massachusetts
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $49,886
Boston University's 40-credit online master's in criminal justice degree program is designed for those who want to advance in the field of criminal justice. This 20-24 month program offers two concentrations so that students may tailor their degree toward personal interests or career goals. These concentrations include cybercrime investigation and cybersecurity or strategic management. All classes are delivered online and include analytical methods, criminal justice administration, criminology, forensic behavior analysis, policing in a democratic society, white collar crime, and victimology. Admission requires an earned bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university. Boston University is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as the 37th best national university in the country. Also, the school's online graduate criminal justice programs are ranked #4 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.
#29 – Northeastern University
Online Master's in Criminal Justice
Boston, Massachusetts
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $24,258
Northeastern University's online criminal justice master's program is available entirely online and designed with working professionals in mind. Online classes mirror the on-campus counterparts and include administration of justice, contemporary issues in criminal justice policy, criminal justice capstone, criminological theory for criminal justice leaders, legal decision making and leadership, and research methods. Full-time and part-time completion options are available, and the program takes approximately two to three years to complete. Northeastern is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as the 40th best national university, 67th best value school, and one of our top private colleges to offer online criminal justice programs.
#28 – Keiser University
Online Master's in Criminal Justice
Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $23,164
Keiser University's online master's in criminal justice is designed for students with a four-year bachelor's degree from an accredited institution and who have satisfactory undergraduate academic performance and GRE or MAT scores. The program may be completed at one of several Florida campuses or online. A total of 36 credits are required, including courses in management and administration, professionalism and ethics in criminal justice, seminar in court systems, and theory in criminology and criminal justice. Keiser is a top ranked private institution with accredited graduate programs. U.S. News and World Report ranks the school as the 52nd best regional university in the South and the 42nd best value school. The online graduate criminal justice programs have earned recognition.
#27 – Albertus Magnus College
Online Master's in Criminal Justice
New Haven, Connecticut
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $20,904
Albertus Magnus College offers a 33-credit online criminal justice master's degree program designed for students who have completed appropriate undergraduate work applicable to criminal justice studies. Two unique concentrations allow students to tailor their degree toward areas of interest like correctional studies or juvenile justice. Through the online program, students take one to two classes every eight weeks while working at their own pace. These courses include criminal justice ethics, issues in correctional supervision, research methods and statistics, and the history of corrections in America. Admission to the program requires a bachelor's from a regionally accredited college or university with a minimum GPA of 3.0. U.S. News and World Report ranks the school as the 116th best regional university in the North.
#26 – DeSales University
Online Master's in Criminal Justice
Center Valley, Pennsylvania
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $19,560
DeSales University's online criminal justice programs include the Master of Arts in Criminal Justice and choice of two concentrations: Digital forensics and investigative forensics. A total of ten courses, thirty credits, are required for the completion of the program. These courses include advanced criminology, ethics in criminal justice, issues in criminal law, policing in America, and research methods and evaluation. The program may be completed on a part-time or full-time basis. Admission requires applicants hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university and have a background in criminal justice. DeSales is ranked by major publications like U.S. News and World Report as the 64th best regional university in the North and 42nd best value school. The online graduate criminal justice programs are also recognized.
#25 – Nova Southeastern University
Online Master's in Criminal Justice
Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $19,175
Nova Southeastern University's online criminal justice degrees include the MS in criminal justice. This interdisciplinary program prepares students through the core curriculum and offers several concentrations so that areas of interest may be explored. These concentrations include child protection and juvenile justice, legal perspective in criminal justice, substance abuse, and strategic community planning. Students may also elect to complete a practicum and master's thesis. Nova Southeastern is ranked by major publications like U.S. News and World Report as the 198th best national university. Also, the online graduate criminal justice programs are ranked #26 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.
#24 – Southern New Hampshire University
Online Master's in Criminal Justice
Manchester, New Hampshire
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $18,810
Southern New Hampshire University's online criminal justice programs include the MS in criminal justice, which can be completed entirely online. The program offers flexible courses and two concentration options so that students may tailor their degree toward areas of interest. These concentrations include advanced counterterrorism and homeland security and public safety administration. Admission to the program requires no GMAT or GRE test scores, but students must have an earned bachelor's degree from an accredited institution. Acceptance decisions are made on a rolling basis throughout the year. Some of the courses offered include courts and judicial process, ethical leadership in criminal justice, and introduction to organizational conflict management. The school is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as the 86th best regional university in the North and the #1 most innovative institution.
#23 – Chaminade University
Online Master's in Criminal Justice Administration
Honolulu, Hawaii
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $18,600
Chaminade University offers accredited online criminal justice degrees, including the master's in criminal justice. Three program concentrations are offered so that students may tailor their degree to meet career goals or personal interests. These concentrations include the correctional track, generalist track, and law enforcement. Classes are kept small, and the accelerated pace helps students complete a course in just ten weeks. The program may be completed in 18 to 24 months. Some of the courses offered include agency administration, correctional administration, ethics in criminal justice and public administration, law enforcement, research methods, and survey research methods and statistics. Chaminade is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as the 40th best regional university in the West and 42nd best value school.
#22 – Saint Ambrose University
Online Master of Criminal Justice
Davenport, Iowa
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $16,300
Saint Ambrose University's online master's in criminal justice program is a 100% online program designed with working professionals in mind. The program prepares students for the next level of employment in security, corrections, law enforcement, and human services fields. All classes are delivered online and include advanced criminal justice research methods, advanced criminal justice statistics, applications of criminal justice writing, criminological theory, and justice planning and leadership. Admission requires an earned bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university and two letters of recommendation. St. Ambrose is a regionally ranked private institution. In fact, U.S. News and World Report ranks the school as the 26th best regional university in the Midwest and the 37th best value college.
#21 – Dallas Baptist University
Online Master's in Professional Development – Criminal Justice
Dallas, Texas
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $16,208
Dallas Baptist University's online criminal justice master's degree program is a unique design that allows students to earn a master's in professional development while completing a concentration in criminal justice. This interdisciplinary approach gives students broad-based knowledge in areas of leadership, education, business, and criminal justice studies. Classes are delivered online and include crime and community, crime and drug problems and control, ethical issues in law enforcement, research methods in criminal justice, and selected topics in criminal justice. Dallas Baptist is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as a top national university.
#20 – University of New Haven
Online Master's in Criminal Justice
West Haven, Connecticut
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $15,860
University of New Haven's online criminal justice degrees include the master's in criminal justice. This 100% online program is designed for working students who want to complete a graduate degree around their current responsibilities. All classes are delivered online and include criminal justice management, leadership issues in policing, mental health and the law, research methods in criminal justice, quantitative applications in criminal justice, and theories of criminal behavior. Each term is six to 7.5 weeks, and the entire 36 credits may be completed in just two years. Admission to the program does not require the GRE or GMAT. The institution is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as the 94th best regional university in the North and 55th best value school. Also, the online graduate criminal justice programs are ranked #24 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.
#19 – Mercer University
Online Master's in Criminal Justice and Public Safety Leadership
Macon, Georgia
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $15,857
Mercer University's online criminal justice degrees include the master's in criminal justice and public safety leadership. This entirely online graduate degree program offers eight-week course sessions that can be completed in as little as 16 months. These courses include 30 semester hours with classes in application and statistic design, history of corrections and jails, leadership and ethics in public safety, nature of crime and justice in the 21st century, and research analysis. Admission to the program requires an earned bachelor's from an accredited institution and MAT or GRE scores no more than five years old. Mercer is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as the 133rd best national university and 39th best value school in the nation.
#18 – University of Providence
Online Master's in Organizational Leadership – Criminal Justice
Great Falls, Montana
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $14,650
University of Providence offers graduate online criminal justice programs that allow students to earn a master's in organizational leadership with a concentration in criminal justice. This online program requires no traveling or on-campus meetings but is designed for individuals with busy daytime schedules. Classes are taught by the same professors who instruct on campus. These courses include government and non-profit organization, law and courts in the justice administration, law enforcement at all levels of government, and security in private sectors. Admission requires an earned bachelor's from an accredited institution and official transcripts. The institution is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as the 22nd best regional college in the West.
#17 – Trine University
Online Master's in Criminal Justice
Angola, Indiana
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $14,520
Trine University offers online criminal justice degrees designed for working professionals. The online master's in criminal justice is a one-year accelerated program for individuals who hold a bachelor's degree in a related discipline. Curriculum consists of 13 courses, all of which are delivered online. These courses include applied statistics for criminal justice, criminology, law and public policy, planning and program evaluation, research and writing for professional success, seminar in law and social control, and the American system of justice. Trine is ranked by major publications like U.S. News and World Report as the 23rd best regional college in the Midwest and 34th best value school.
#16 – Lewis University
Online Master's in Criminal Justice
Romeoville, Illinois
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $14,410
Lewis University's online criminal justice degrees are designed for working students and include the master's in criminal justice. The 36-credit hour program can be completed entirely online and includes courses that emphasize both management theory and criminal justice. These courses include criminal justice administration and management, fiscal management in criminal justice agencies, homeland security and defense, issues of juvenile crime, research methods, role of law enforcement in homeland security and defense, and white collar crime. Admission requirements include an earned bachelor's from an accredited institution, and undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or better, and two letters of recommendation. Lewis is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as the 23rd best regional university in the Midwest and the 42nd best value school.
#15 – Colorado Christian University
Online Master's in Criminal Justice
Lakewood, Colorado
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $13,407
Colorado Christian University's online master's in criminal justice degree program is designed for working students who require an online learning environment. This 36-credit hour program features courses that are typically completed in five-week blocks. The entire program is designed to be completed in just 15 months, although students may extend the completion time as needed. Classes are kept small to encourage individualized learning, and courses include criminal law and procedure, emergency preparedness, human resources management in criminal justice, management of criminal investigations, organizational systems and change management in criminal justice, and research methods for criminal justice professionals. Colorado Christian is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as a top regional university in the West.
#14 – Tiffin University
Online Master's in Criminal Justice
Tiffin, Ohio
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $12,600
Tiffin University offers accredited online criminal justice programs, including the master's in criminal justice with a concentration in criminal behavior. This 33 credit hour program offers online classes that require no travel to campus. Courses include advanced psychological assessment theory, contemporary criminal justice issues and trends, introduction to forensic psychology, mental health law, research design and analysis, and statistical application in criminal justice. There are also four related concentrations that students may choose from, including crime analysis, forensic psychology, homeland security administration, and justice administration. Tiffin is accredited and ranked by major publications like U.S. News and World Report. In fact, U.S. News ranks the school as the 93rd best regional university in the Midwest.
#13 – Johnson and Wales University
Online Master's in Criminal Justice
Providence, Rhode Island
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $12,498
Johnson and Wales University offers online criminal justice master's programs, including the master's in criminal justice. This completely online degree program combines criminological and organizational theory with policy and practice to help students prepare for leadership roles in criminal justice and related fields. The program consists of eleven-week courses, all of which may be completed online. These courses include advanced administration of criminal justice, contemporary criminology and crime prevention, criminal justice ethics and diversity in a global environment, criminal justice research methods, and juvenile justice issues. The program moves at a fast pace and may be completed in just 15 months. Johnson & Wales is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as the 64th best regional university in the North and 65th best value school.
#12 – National University
Online Master of Criminal Justice
La Jolla, California
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $11,232
National University offers accredited online criminal justice programs like the Master of Criminal Justice. This completely online graduate degree is designed for working students who desire to work in leadership criminal justice roles. All classes are delivered online and include advanced criminological theory, advanced research methods, criminal justice theory and practice, critical issues, legal issues in criminal justice, research project and thesis, and security management and planning. To be eligible for the program, students must hold an earned bachelor's from an accredited institution. National University is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as a top regional university in the West. Also, the online graduate criminal justice programs are ranked #15 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.
#11 – Xavier University
Online Master's in Criminal Justice
Cincinnati, Ohio
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $10,920
The online master's in criminal justice program at Xavier University is one of the most affordable programs on our list. The program is designed for students interested in studying theory and practice in criminal law, law enforcement, and criminal justice in the private sector. Courses are fully online and full-time and part-time completion options are available. Some of the required courses include government and non-profit accounting, law and justice, research and planning in criminal justice, and sociology of crime and delinquency. To add to the convenience of the program, six start dates are offered per year. Many graduates enter doctoral programs or law schools following the completion of the degree. Xavier is a top-ranked private school, ranked by major publications like U.S. News and World Report. In fact, U.S. News ranks the school as the 5th best regional university in the Midwest.
#10 – Faulkner University
Online Master of Justice Administration
Montgomery, Alabama
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $10,380
Faulkner University offers a completely online master's in justice administration designed for college graduates or professionals looking to advance their current careers. The program consists of ten online courses that each run five weeks in length. Students take one class at a time and may complete the degree in just 14 months. Some of the required courses include administration of justice, comparative criminal justice, corrections, justice writing, law and justice, and policing in America. Admission to the program requires applicants hold a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution and a minimum GPA of 2.5 or better. Faulkner is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as the 106th best regional university in the South. Also, the online graduate criminal justice programs are ranked #20 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.
#9 – McKendree University
Online Master's in Criminal Justice
Lebanon, Illinois
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $9,662
McKendree University's online criminal justice degrees include the master's in criminal justice program, designed to provide students with the knowledge needed to successfully advance their criminal justice careers. The 36-credit hour program requires four core classes and eight electives. Courses are available entirely online and include advanced studies in criminal justice, criminological theory, research in criminal justice – data analysis, and research in criminal justice – methods and concepts. Admission to the program requires an earned bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution, official transcripts showcasing a 3.0 GPA, and three letters of recommendation. McKendree is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as the 73rd best regional university in the Midwest and 44th best value school.
#8 – Saint Leo University
Online Master's in Criminal Justice
Saint Leo, Florida
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $9,630
Saint Leo University offers an online master's in criminal justice degree through the School of Education and Social Services. This 100% online degree program helps prepare students for careers in criminal justice, corrections, law, and social services. Classes are taught by the same university professors who instruct on campus. These courses include ethical issues in criminal justice administration, leadership applications in criminal justice, legal issues in criminal justice administration, public policy making in criminal justice, and research methods in criminal justice. A total of 36 credits are required to complete the program. Saint Leo is accredited and ranked with major publications like U.S. News and World Report as a top regional university in the South. In fact, the school is ranked #23 for best value schools and #61 for best regional universities in the South.
#7 – Missouri Baptist University
Online Master's in Criminal Justice
Saint Louis, Missouri
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $9,405
Missouri Baptist University's online criminal justice programs include the 36-credit hour master's in criminal justice that takes 12-24 months to complete. The program is 100% online and designed to accommodate the busy schedules of law enforcement personnel. All classes are delivered online and taught by university instructors. These classes include civil remedies in criminal justice, criminal justice and the mental health systems, criminal justice planning, foundations of criminological theory, diversity issues in criminal justice, and police innovations. Admission requires an earned bachelor's from an accredited institution. The school is accredited and ranked by major publications like U.S. News and World Report as a top regional university in the Midwest.
#6 – Concordia University
Online Master's in Criminal Justice Leadership
Saint Paul, Minnesota
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $8,550
Concordia University's online criminal justice master's program consists of 36 credits that can be earned entirely online. This fully online degree program is designed for busy adult students who are interested in earning their master's degree in criminal justice but require the flexibility of attending classes on their own schedules. Each course runs seven weeks in length and includes accessing criminal justice resources, administration of criminal justice, contemporary issues in criminal justice leadership, correctional design, and legal and legislative issues. Applicants must present official transcripts from a regionally accredited institution showcasing an earned bachelor's degree with a cumulative GPA of 3.0. Concordia is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as the 106th best regional university in the Midwest. Also, the online graduate criminal justice programs have earned recognition.
#5 – Liberty University
Online Master's in Criminal Justice
Lynchburg, Virginia
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $8,430
Some of the most affordable online criminal justice programs can be found at Liberty University. The 100% online master's in criminal justice program is designed to provide students with advanced training in criminal justice and professional administration. The program consists of 36 total credit hours and an optional thesis. There are also several cognates, which allow students to customize their master's degree toward areas of interest or to meet career goals. These cognates include forensic psychology, general studies, homeland security, and public administration. Liberty requires applicants hold a bachelor's degree from a regionally or nationally accredited institution with an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or better. U.S. News and World Report ranks Liberty as a top national university and its online graduate criminal justice program #38 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.
#4 – Wilmington University
Online Master's in Administration of Justice
New Castle, Delaware
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $8,190
Wilmington University's online criminal justice programs include the master's in administration of justice offered by the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences. This completely online program also offers three specializations designed to help students tailor their degree to meet career goals. These specializations include criminal behavior, homeland security, and leadership and administration. Classes are taught by university professors and include criminal justice ethics, criminological theory, managing diversity, research methods in criminal justice, and technology for modern policing. Wilmington is ranked by major publications like U.S. News and World Report as a top national institution and offers one of the most affordable programs on our list.
#3 – Mount Mercy University
Online Master's in Criminal Justice
Cedar Rapids, Iowa
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $6,996
Mount Mercy University's online criminal justice master's is both accredited and affordable. The program is solution-oriented and designed for those interested in advancing or launching a career in corrections, law enforcement, parole, probation, or related fields. Applicants are accepted year-round, with February and August start dates. While students are required to hold an earned bachelor's degree from an accredited institution, no entrance exams are needed. The program offers classes in five and ten-week sessions, and these courses include civil liability in criminal justice, community partnerships for public safety, homeland security, and special needs and treatment in criminal justice. Mount Mercy is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as the 54th best regional university in the Midwest and 21st best value school.
#2 – Columbia College
Online Master's in Criminal Justice
Columbia, Missouri
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $6,585
Columbia College's online master's in criminal justice program is primarily designed for practitioners in the field of criminal justice who are interested in enhancing their skills and strengthening their knowledge of the filed. As part of the graduate degree completion plan, management tracks are also offered so that students may tailor their program toward career goals. These specialty tracks include corrections administration, law enforcement administration, and management. All courses are delivered online and include current issues and future directions in criminal justice, legal and ethical issues in criminal justice, legal aspects of criminal justice management, and research design. The school is accredited and ranked with U.S. News and World Report as a top regional university in the Midwest. Also, the online graduate criminal justice programs have been ranked #15 out of more than 1,200 programs surveyed by U.S. News.
#1 – University of the Cumberlands
Online Master's in Criminal Justice Administration
Williamsburg, Kentucky
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $5,970
The most affordable online master's in criminal justice program on our list is offered by the University of the Cumberlands. This 100% online program is designed to accommodate both pre-professional students and those already working in criminal justice careers. Admission requires a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college or university with a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. Courses are delivered online and include criminological theories in justice administration, ethical issues in justice administration, foundations in justice administration, leadership fundamentals, legal issues in justice administration, research and design, and statistical applications in justice administration. The school is ranked by major publications like U.S. News and World Report as a top national university. Also, U.S. News lists the online graduate criminal justice programs #11 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.
BMD Staff
November 2017