Criminal Justice Graduate Programs

Online criminal justice graduate programs allow you to remain in your current job while you are earning your degree, which offers greater flexibility and convenience than traditional on-campus programs.  Degree programs are available in juvenile justice, justice administration, and general criminal justice. A MS in criminal justice will prepare those entering the workforce and current professionals looking for an alternative specialization with advanced skills in criminology, forensic psychology, criminal justice research, and advanced behavioral studies.

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Importance of Accreditation

As you research the available online criminal justice graduate programs, accreditation is one of the most important aspects to focus on. This step should not be taken lightly, because a lack of accreditation may prove your degree worthless or of little value if the program is not properly accredited.  The purpose of accreditation is to certify that education made available by institutions of higher learning meets satisfactory levels of quality. A few of the accrediting agencies to look for include the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA), the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCA), the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC), and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACSCOC).

Career Choices

The Bureau of Labor Statistics forecasts job growth of 11-17 percent in the next 10 years due to an increased demand for public safety and crime prevention. While a bachelor’s degree is typically enough for entry into the field, a degree from one of the accredited criminal justice graduate programs is required for those professionals wanting to join a specialized justice agency. Graduates generally seek positions with the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Central Intelligence Agency, the Secret Service, the Border Patrol, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms.  In addition, graduates pursue careers in justice administration, juvenile justice, or law enforcement.

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The criminal justice industry is popular career choice because the work is challenging, there are a wide variety of working environments, and there is a sense of personal responsibility associated with the profession.  A MS in Criminal Justice will allow you to stand above your peers for some of the higher level, specialized positions in the industry.