Careers: Master of Science in Criminal Justice

April 15, 2023
33
May 08, 2023
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SUMMER 2023 NEW STUDENT SCHOLARSHIP

All incoming MSCJ students are eligible for a scholarship that will cover the tuition cost (Instructional Fee) of their first class. Contact an Enrollment Services Advisor to find out more.

Active Military & Veteran Scholarship

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

Money Icon Career Outlook

Are you someone who values community, laws and serving others? If so, a master’s degree in criminal justice may be the right fit for you.

From police executive to FBI special agent to a criminal justice policy analyst or professor, earning your Master of Science in Criminal Justice degree opens the door to a wide variety of different job opportunities stretching across a multitude of fields. The best part about completing our online Master’s in Criminal Justice program is having the ability to uphold your values by serving others throughout your career.

 

Careers

Past graduates have found our online criminal justice master’s program to be extremely valuable in obtaining a wide range of employment within the criminal justice system. Some of our alumni are currently employed in such positions and agencies as:

  • State Police Lieutenant
  • City Police Officer
  • Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)
  • Homeland Security Officer
  • Chief of Police
  • Probation Officer
  • U.S. Marshal
  • Customs and Board Protection (CBP)
  • Secret Service
  • Research Analyst for a Federal Agency
  • Drug Enforcement Agent (DEA)
  • Adjunct Professor
  • Specialized Instructor
  • Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
  • Department of Justice (DOJ)
  • Central Intelligence Agency (CIA)
  • Alcohol Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF)
  • Private Investigator
  • And many more

Criminal Justice Salaries

Because of the significant challenges inherent in many law enforcement careers, as well as the vital importance of this field to the fabric our society, many criminal justice and law enforcement disciplines tend to be well-compensated in terms of salary and benefits;  with some employers offering pay increases to those who earn an advanced degree. In addition, a master’s degree in criminal justice also gives you a competitive edge when applying for a wide variety of senior staff and leadership roles.

Student Testimonials
Terence H. - Master's in Criminal Justice
“I was a non-traditional student and I wanted to make a change in life. When I decided to go to graduate school, I chose the University of Cincinnati’s Online Masters of Criminal Justice Program for several reasons. The first reason was that many of my professors in my undergraduate program obtained their PhD in Criminal Justice from UC and they had glowing reviews of the program. The second reason was that I am a native Cincinnatian and the University of Cincinnati’s Criminal Justice program is a program that is internationally known so I wanted to be associated with that program. As an Army Reservist, I knew that my unit was going to be activated for a mobilization later that year. I chose the online option for graduate school because I knew that I could get a majority of the coursework done before I went to Iraq and I was able to take three classes while I was in the war zone. The deployment did not stop me from continuing my education while serving my country. The instructors are very knowledgeable, and they can be tough, but fair. The level of instruction is not watered down because of the online designation, an online student is getting the quality education as a student who is in the in-house program. I would definitely recommend this program to anyone who is looking for a challenge. It exceeded my expectations and I am proud of the fact that my degree came from the University of Cincinnati.”

Terence H.
Veterans Programs & Services Program Manager

Joshua Long
“I took my undergraduate degree at UC and I knew the faculty were the top in their field, so I wanted to receive advanced training from them in the Online Master's program. It was impossible for me to attend classes on campus, but I needed to continue my education. The online program was the perfect solution. I could work on my weekly assignments on my own time without worrying about child care or a long commute. It certainly helped me get ready for my job. I ended up coming back to UC in the doctoral program because of the Master's experience.”

Joshua L.
Research Assistant