MS in Criminal Justice

Explore the causes and impact of crime by studying criminal behavior theory.

Why Choose Walden’s MS in Criminal Justice?

  • Earn your degree your way with our Course-based or Tempo Competency-based options.
  • Build vital skills that you can use immediately on the job with media-rich coursework that integrates current events through innovative technology.
  • Learn from leaders like Dr. Jessie Lee, former executive director at National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives (NOBLE), with real-world professional experience in the criminal justice field.
  • Tailor your studies to your area of interest by choosing one of our specializations.

Fast Facts

Next Start Date: October 9, 2023

Transfer Credits: Up to 24 credits

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Specializations

Explore the various evolving theories and research that aim to answer the “why” behind criminal behavior. 
Learn how technology is used in the commission of various crimes such as cyberstalking, child sexual exploitation, and cyberbullying.
Gain the skills needed to confront and manage teams and aid victims in times of crisis.
Criminal innovations are constantly evolving—how can you keep pace and provide new solutions? Gain the knowledge and leadership clout you need to advance your career and the future of criminal justice.
Gain an understanding of the foundations for evaluating and creating protective measures and policies.
Study the techniques for managing public and nonprofit entities in international settings.
Explore current trends in law and policy and ethics and social justice, as well as controversies in criminal justice.
Learn how to manage unexpected change in public organizations, and how to lead, motivate, and inspire people within organizations.
Explore how terrorism policies are drafted and enforced and how ethical issues related to human rights are treated.

Two Ways to Learn

Choose the learning path that fits your life and experience. Here are the two ways to earn your degree:

Two ways to learn
Course-Based LearningThe standard, guided pace to earn your degree. Tempo LearningThe flexible pace ideal for some students.
Structured schedule Time Flexible schedule
Deadlines to make steady progress Pace Set your own pace, and speed up or slow down when needed
Pay by the course Tuition All-you-can-learn subscription fee
Faculty guide you through your courses as you earn your degree Support Faculty support when you need it and a personal academic coach
Expert Walden Faculty
Tuition Savings and Financial Aid*
Accreditation
Two ways to learn
Course-Based LearningThe standard, guided pace to earn your degree Tempo LearningThe flexible pace ideal for some students.
Time
Structured schedule Flexible Schedule
Pace
Deadlines to make steady progress Set your own pace, and speed up or slow down when needed
Tuition
Pay by the course All-you-can-learn subscription fee
Support
Faculty guide you through your courses as you earn your degree Faculty support when you need it and a personal academic coach
Expert Walden Faculty
Tuition Savings and Financial Aid*
Accreditation

*May not be available for all degree programs.

More about our MS in Criminal Justice program

Depending on your specialization, you will be prepared for a variety of career options in areas like law enforcement, courts, corrections, and probations. Possible job titles include:*

  • Border patrol agent
  • Customs agent
  • Deputy sheriff
  • Detective
  • Gang crimes investigator
  • Narcotics officer
  • Private investigator

*Career options may require additional experience, training, or other factors beyond the successful completion of this degree program.

Program Admission Considerations: All specializations require a bachelor's degree or higher.

General Admission Requirements: Completed online application and transcripts. Please note that the materials you are required to submit may vary depending on the academic program to which you apply. More information for international applicants.

 
Walden’s Enrollment Specialists are committed to helping you identify and leverage opportunities to save money on your education. Get in touch with an Enrollment Specialist today at 888-968-5331 to learn more.
Our Enrollment Specialists are ready to answer any questions you may have regarding this program. Fill out the form on this page to be contacted or call 855-203-5779.

Why earn your MS in Criminal Justice at Walden?

relevant-curriculum

Tempo Learning

The competency-based format lets you control the pace of your program.

learn-with-leaders-small

Acquire Relevant Skills

Coursework combines industry knowledge with practical skills.

exceptional-student-services

Exceptional Student Services

Benefit from our 24/7 tech support, Writing Center, career services, and more.

relevant-curriculum

Tempo Learning

The competency-based format lets you control the pace of your program.

learn-with-leaders-small

Acquire Relevant Skills

Coursework combines industry knowledge with practical skills.

exceptional-student-services

Exceptional Student Services

Benefit from our 24/7 tech support, Writing Center, career services, and more.

"Walden is a unique platform of education. They have mastered the art of nontraditional education."

Seth Barnett | Master of Public Administration (MPA) Graduate

ONGOING MILITARY OFFER:

A 15% tuition reduction for servicemembers, veterans of the U.S. armed forces, employees of the Department of Veterans Affairs, and their spouses.*

*A 15% tuition reduction is available to new students who are servicemembers, veterans of the U.S. armed forces, or employees of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). This tuition reduction is also available if you are a spouse of a servicemember, veteran, or employee of the VA. This tuition reduction cannot be retroactively applied. Tuition reductions are applicable to tuition only and do not apply toward books, materials, and other supplies or fees needed for a course.

Walden may change the tuition reduction offered hereunder at any time, but such change will not affect the tuition reduction for students who are currently enrolled at Walden and using the existing tuition reduction. All tuition reductions, grants, or scholarships are subject to specific eligibility requirements. Contact a Walden University Enrollment Specialist for details.

Walden University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission, https://www.hlcommission.org/.