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Program at a Glance

Program
Online Master's
College(s)
College of Community Innovation and Education
36
Credit Hours
Most Innovative University 2022

Shape the future of the judicial system.

Make a difference within the evolving field of criminal justice. From local to federal levels, communities depend on the effectiveness of the criminal justice system. Be the voice that defends safety, solves big problems and ensures the system is progressive and fair.

With an online master’s in criminal justice from UCF Online, you’ll stand out as a leader in the field. You’ll learn to leverage the dynamic forces that shape our criminal justice system and apply them to real-world circumstances. With a deep understanding of the nature of crime, criminal justice theory and more, you’ll create a defining career for yourself.

An advanced public service degree is more valuable than ever, and UCF Online gives you the tools you need to spearhead change. You can complete your degree in as little as two years, and you’ll have the support of a dedicated Success Coach along the way. As a graduate of the program, you will be prepared to transition into a role that has a direct impact on the criminal justice landscape. Get started today to earn your MSCJ today.

Criminal Justice (MS), Public Administration (MPA) Dual Track

For students interested in the intersection of criminal justice and public administration, UCF Online offers a Criminal Justice MS, Public Administration (MPA) dual degree track. The dual degree track is comprised of 51 credit hours — 11 core courses (33 credit hours), two research methods and statistics courses (6 credit hours), two electives (6 credit hours) and a two-course capstone experience (6 credit hours). Upon completing this dual degree program, students will possess the skills and analytical techniques required to have successful careers in the public administration and criminal justice fields.

Police officer and K-9

Highlights

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#11 Best Online Graduate Criminal Justice Programs according to U.S. News & World Report
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Focuses on issues such as management, administrative and criminal justice theory, basic research methods, and descriptive statistics
No GRE icon
No GRE required

Application Deadlines

Spring
December 1
Summer
April 1
Fall
July 1

Ready to get started?

Course Overview

The Nature of Crime

This course provides an overview of major dimensions of crime in the U.S.; epidemiology of crime, costs of crime, and typologies of crime and criminals.

This course is designed to familiarize students with the causes and consequences of public policy with an emphasis on criminal justice policy.

Explore the theory and research on complex organizations are applied in criminal justice settings. Alternative organizational goals, structures, staffing patterns, management styles and planning strategies are examined.

Skills You'll Learn

  • Understand and analyze complex policies with influence and impacts on criminal justice.
  • Navigate the complexities of criminal justice organizations.
  • Influence the future of the criminal justice system using data.

Career Projections

20,800

Annual Job
Openings

2.20%

Job Growth
Between
2019 - 2029

Source: Lightcast™ . 2023

Career Opportunities

  • Criminal Profiler
  • FBI Agent
  • Law Enforcement Officer
  • U.S. Marshal
  • Police Detective