Become a leader in public safety with a Master of Science (MS) in Criminal Justice. This online degree program gives you the know-how to apply the latest research, leadership strategies, and criminological theories for effective decision-making in the U.S. justice system. Whether you're looking to advance your career in local law enforcement, aiming to work for a federal government agency, or want to help set public policy, a master's in criminal justice can help you gain the skills you need to be a leader in today's ever-changing criminal justice field.

Students may either pursue a general track ideal for those who want to craft their own focus through elective classes or choose between concentrations in public safety administration or advanced counterterrorism and homeland security. The master's in criminal justice online degree is a 36-credit program that focuses on management, leadership, data analysis, and budgeting skills. Depending on your electives, your criminal justice program may also touch on business law and ethical business practices.

Through your courses in the master in criminal justice online program, you'll:

- Learn what administrators, managers, and other leaders in today's criminal justice system need to know

- Learn from experts with years of experience in the field, bringing credibility and relevance to your education

- Gain a stronger understanding of finance, accounting, and the economic systems in which cyber and financial crimes are growing

Graduates will be prepared for a wide range of careers and advancement opportunities. You'll come away with the skills you need to stand out during the hiring process in both the public and private sectors. You'll learn key skills, including Resource planning, consensus building, ethical leadership, and business management.

The curriculum for the master in criminal justice online has been designed by working criminal justice professionals and is taught by faculty members with years of practical experience. Take, for example, Dr. Sheryl Victorian, a police chief and SNHU instructor with nearly a quarter-century of law enforcement experience. In 2021, she was named Chief of Police of the Waco, Texas police department, after serving, in various leadership roles, for 28 years with the Houston, TX police department. Beyond being highly qualified, Victorian brings a fearless commitment to exploring, discussing, and actively taking part in some of the most pressing law enforcement issues of our time specifically, police-community relations.

"In order for us to build trust in our communities, we need to build relationships," Victorian said. "We need their help and their support. I think it's incumbent on the police department to be proactive in building those relationships."

In her local community, that means finding opportunities to engage with the public. One way she did this was through the Houston PD's Positive Interaction Program, which invites city residents to a station house each month to learn about various aspects of the department. This gives residents a chance to meet and build relationships with local law enforcement and start a dialogue addressing specific concerns they have within their neighborhoods.

She is just one of many faculty members who finds a way to leverage their experiences in a meaningful way for students. Others, who have backgrounds in the NYPD or the FBI, add their own lens to critical conversations about criminal justice. Many courses also include field-authentic assignments with videos, simulations, national data, and role-playing exercises. The program's capstone course allows students to work on relevant research projects with law enforcement or other agencies, ensuring real-world experience prior to graduation.

"I'm really proud of the way SNHU has developed their courses to be more realistic and more helpful," said Mark Evenson, former chief of police in Brentwood, CA, and adjunct faculty member in SNHU's criminal justice program. "They do a much better job preparing people for careers in criminal justice than other schools that I've seen.

Part of our mission to expand access to quality higher education means removing the barriers that may stand between you and your degree. That's why you can apply at any time and get a decision within days of submitting all required materials with no GRE or GMAT required. Master's degree candidates must also submit a personal statement. Students with an undergraduate GPA below 2.75 are eligible for provisional acceptance. To apply, use the online application.

$150 Graduation Fee, Course Materials ($ varies by course)