Program Overview

Master's Degree in Criminal Justice

Why Earn Your Criminal Justice Degree at Saint Leo University?

Become an agent of change with a Master's in Criminal Justice. Saint Leo University’s innovative Master of Science in Criminal Justice program enhances the effectiveness and professionalism of both aspiring and active law enforcement professionals. Taught by practitioners with extensive experience in the field, students will examine leading edge strategies to keep citizens and communities safe in today’s ever-changing world.

Master's in Criminal Justice Program Details

As a criminal justice graduate student at Saint Leo, you will study ethical standards in the administration of justice, insights into criminal behavior and activity, effective leadership principals and practices, public policy making processes, criminal law, professional regulations, and civil liability, application of new and emerging technologies, and more.

Next Level Grad Award

At Saint Leo University, we believe that investing in our students is an investment in our community, so we are committed to helping qualifying students finance their education through the Next-Level Grad Award. This award offers substantial cost savings to our graduate students.

Specialization Options

Saint Leo University offers specialization options for criminal justice students. You can customize your degree to match your passions by choosing one of the following concentrations.

• Master's Degree in Criminal Justice - Behavioral Studies
  • Education Center Online
  • Behavioral Studies teaches how criminal behavior and the criminal code interact, as well as how behavioral disorders impact individuals and criminal behavior.
• Master's Degree in Criminal Justice - Corrections
  • Education Center Online
  • Corrections is designed to provide a better understanding of complex issues of offenders, trends of the 21st century and the problems associated with recidivism.
• Master's Degree in Criminal Justice - Criminal Investigations
  • Education Center Online
  • Criminal Investigations introduces students to violence, sexual deviance, environmental and juvenile crimes.
• Master's Degree in Criminal Justice - Critical Incident Management
  • Education Center Online
  • Critical Incident Management teaches law enforcement skills to manage complex global risks and disasters.
• Master's Degree in Criminal Justice - Forensic Science
  • Education Center Online
  • Forensic Science provides the opportunity for you to gain the knowledge required to assist with operations during incidents in which forensic science is a factor through modern, hands-on instruction.
• Master's Degree in Criminal Justice - Legal Studies
  • Education Center Online
  • Legal Studies provides students with a well-rounded understanding of legal procedures and how the judicial system operates within the civil and criminal domain.

Learn Your Way: Online, On Campus, or Near You

• What are the on-campus facilities like?
  • Students who pursue their degrees at Saint Leo’s main campus near sunny Tampa Bay, Florida, join a community of enthusiastic learners just like them.
• What are the benefits of earning your criminal justice degree online?
  • Saint Leo University’s online learning experience provides a well-rounded education with the flexibility to tailor your course of study to meet your individual needs.
• Are education centers near you offering criminal justice degree programs?
  • You may also choose to pursue your degree through one of our education centers, which merge a traditional in-person education with the flexibility to match your lifestyle.

Career Outlook

• What skills you will learn?
  • Computerized databases
  • Ethical standards in the administration of justice
  • Human resource management
  • Fiscal resource management
  • Personnel law, civil liability, and substantive and procedural laws
  • Information resources and systems
  • Policymaking
  • Organizational leadership in criminal justice agencies
• How will you gain real experience?
  • Hands-on learning
  • Internships
  • FBI National Academy Associates
  • Experienced faculty
• What can you do with a master's in criminal justice degree?
  • Graduates are prepared for administrative positions in law enforcement, corrections, the courts, private security and security-related positions at the local, state or federal government levels.
• What are the top criminal justice degree jobs?
  • Career | Growth | Salary
    • Law enforcement officer | 7% (As fast as average) | $67,290 per year
    • Forensic Science Technician | 16% (Much faster than average) | $60,590 per year

College of Arts, Sciences, and Allied Services

• Saint Leo’s College of Arts, Sciences, and Allied Services offers students a holistic education that lays a strong foundation for critical and independent thinking. The curriculum is designed to help students broaden their horizons and build valuable skills sought by employers. From biology to sociology, the College offers 17 high-quality and flexible programs on campus, online, and through our education centers.

Student Stories

• "Saint Leo's online MBA program in Supply Chain Management provided me the opportunity for flexible learning alongside other supply chain professionals in my industry. With this MBA, I expanded upon educational and professional abilities within the field of Supply Chain Operations."
  • Paige Holt - MBA Student specializing in Supply Chain Management
• "Learning ignites my passion to seek and find information that intrigues my soul, spirit, and mind. Education at Saint Leo University has had an extremely positive influence on my life and my development as a person. It has made me more confident and enabled me to steer into my destiny. Saint Leo University has provided me with different learning experiences that has enabled me to branch out and work with people effectively. It has helped me develop a great amount of self-discipline and, aside from teaching me some very important life skills, Saint Leo University has opened many doors for my future."
  • Karen Sislava Reyes - MASTER OF SCIENCE IN ACCOUNTING
• "As a graduate now pursuing my masters of science in accounting, I’m even more thankful for how well Saint leo equipped me and not just educationally but as a leader, student, and even on a personal level. It is truly a privilege to have been taught by professors whose efforts go beyond the classroom.”
  • Tayhana Taylor - Undergrad Bachelor of Science- Accounting
• "Saint Leo University has truly been a stepping stone for me. When I entered this university 4 years ago, I was unaware of what I’d be like when I left. Now, 3 weeks away from graduating, I am so thankful that I was a student here. Your time at Saint Leo University is what you make of it, and Saint Leo students are provided with so much opportunity to succeed."
  • O'shea Williams - Bachelor of Arts Developmental Psychology
• "Saint Leo is not just an academic institution, it’s a formation institution. Saint Leo embraced me for who I am, showed faith that I could be my best, and solidified the light that was shining within me."
  • Charles Onyeneke ’17 - University Campus, Theology
• "As a child, my great-grandmother taught me how to pray and to lean on God. Saint Leo inspired us all to learn with compassion and reminded me to keep the faith."
  • Brent Patterson ’21 - Center for Online Learning, Religious Studies

News

Accreditation

• Saint Leo University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award associate, bachelor’s, master’s, specialist, and doctoral degrees.