Master of Science in Criminal Justice

Next Term Application Deadline

08.08.2025

Total Credits

Next Term Starts

08.25.2025

Active Military & Veteran Scholarship

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*This program is now enrolling for Summer 2025.

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Active Military & Veteran Scholarship

You could be eligible for up to $2500 per semester. Learn more today.

Our online Master of Science in Criminal Justice program approaches the study of crime and criminal justice from an interdisciplinary perspective, drawing insights from sociology, criminology, psychology, and law.

Our MS in Criminal Justice program prepares students to be leaders in the criminal justice field through experience-based learning, best practice approaches and field collaborations. The program is designed for criminal justice professionals seeking to advance their career to the next level. This MS in Criminal Justice program delivers a comprehensive understanding of how conceptual and theoretical frameworks apply to real-world situations in a wide range of criminal justice career paths.

The University of Cincinnati’s online Master’s in Criminal Justice program is ranked 12th best in the country by U.S. News & World Report (2024). OnlineMaster’sDegrees.org (OMD) also ranks this program as the 14th best, citing overall quality, affordability, and commitment to student success. Between 2018 to 2022 the program had a 93% first term retention rate, meaning that 93% of new students returned for their second semester.

UC Online_ CJ Program Wendy Stiver 2 Min Cut [v1] (1) (1)

What is Criminal Justice?

The University of Cincinnati’s online criminal justice master’s program is designed to achieve several core objectives:

Provide students with the conceptual and research skills needed to undertake advanced analyses of crime and the criminal justice system
Furnish law enforcement, corrections and court practitioners with knowledge of justice administration, social science perspectives of human behavior, policy analysis and criminal justice theory
Train those who will become leaders in the criminal justice system by providing the skills needed to upgrade levels of professional practice, improve standards, initiate fresh perspectives and act as agents of change
Prepare social scientists to pursue careers in university and research settings
Equip graduates with the knowledge and skills needed to pursue advanced leadership roles in a range of law enforcement and criminal justice disciplines

Fraternal Order of Police Member Scholarship

Fraternal Order of Police members and their dependents are eligible for an exclusive scholarship for the online Master of Science in Criminal Justice program. Contact an Enrollment Services Advisor to find out more.

UC Advantage & Special Opportunities

Ten total courses (30 semester hours) — graduate in as few as two years of dedicated part-time study or one year of full-time study. Take only one course at a time in the part-time program or two courses at a time in the full-time program. Access courses and assignments any time, 24 hours a day, from any computer in the world. Curriculum that combines cutting-edge theory with real-world application

Career Opportunities

Former students have found our online Master’s in Criminal Justice degree to be useful in obtaining a wide range of employment with the criminal justice system.

Careers

FAQs

Can I complete the program part-time?

Programs can be completed full-time or part-time. Many programs are set up to be part-time, with most containing fewer than 10 credit hours in any given semester. We know you have a lot going on, so want to make sure that school can fit into your schedule. Note: There are some exceptions.
Will my degree say UC Online?

No. your degree will be conferred by the University of Cincinnati, which will also be reflected on your transcripts and degree.
Is Federal Financial Aid (Title IV) available?
Yes. Many of our students qualify for some type of financial aid.

Sources of aid:
- Tuition Reimbursement
- Military Benefits
- FAFSA
- Scholarships