Program Overview

Master's in Criminal Justice (MCJ) Degree

At a Glance

• Offered as: Master's
• Format: 100% Online
• Credits: 30
• Avg. Time to Completion: 2 Years
• College/School: College of Arts & Sciences

Program Overview

In Widener's master of criminal justice (MCJ) program, you'll sharpen effective analytical and research skills, learn from experienced leaders and practitioners in the field, and find unique opportunities to nurture a rewarding career in criminal justice.

MCJ Degree Topics

• Why crime occurs
• Operation of criminal justice agencies
• Data analysis
• Ongoing challenges faced by the criminal justice system

MCJ Degree Options & Curriculum Requirements

Master's Thesis Track

• Begin with foundational courses in the nature of crime, organizational behavior in the criminal justice system, research methods, and crime and the law.
• Complete four electives in your area of focus as you develop a unique empirical research project.
• View the course catalog for curriculum and coursework requirements for the MCJ degree, master's thesis track.

Comprehensive Exams Track

• Begin with foundational courses in the nature of crime, organizational behavior in the criminal justice system, research methods, and crime and the law.
• Choose six graduate electives (see Specializations or choose your own).
• Sit for a series of three exams on criminal justice theory, research methods, and one additional area of specialization of your choice.
• View the course catalog for curriculum and coursework requirements for the MCJ degree, comprehensive exams track.

Capstone Course Track

• Begin with foundational courses in the nature of crime, organizational behavior in the criminal justice system, research methods, and crime and the law.
• Work closely with a faculty member to prepare a research paper, policy paper, or develop an undergraduate course.
• View the course catalog for curriculum and coursework requirements for the MCJ degree, capstone course track.

Public Administration Specialization

• Take courses in public policy, purposeful leadership, HR management, and ethics and legality in a 100% online and synchronous format.
• Designed to fit within the credit requirements for those taking comprehensive exams, not for students writing a thesis.
• View the course catalog for curriculum and coursework requirements for the public administration specialization.

White Collar Crime Specialization

• Develop expertise in fraud analysis and forensic accounting with a specialization in white collar crime.
• Offered in conjunction with Widener's School of Business Administration.
• Designed to fit within the credit requirements for those taking comprehensive exams, not for students writing a thesis.
• View the course catalog for curriculum and coursework requirements for the white collar crime specialization.

More MCJ Program Options

Dual Degree in Criminal Justice & Psychology (MCJ/PsyD)

• Pursue a career that requires clinical experience in the psycho-legal aspects of criminal justice.
• Graduate prepared to negotiate psycholegal issues, policy issues related to legal institutions, and administrative demands unique to courts and other criminal justice systems.

Start with a Certificate with the Option to Advance into the MCJ

• The criminal justice certificate is designed to provide an introduction to criminal justice topics for those interested in entering the field and for established professionals looking to advance their careers.
• After completion of the certificate program, you can apply to the master's program, and if admitted, all courses seamlessly transfer to the MCJ degree requirements.

Career Outlook & Outcomes for Criminal Justice Students

Industry Growth

• Employment of substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors are expected to increase by 22% by 2031, much faster than the average for all occupations, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics' Employment Projections.

Potential Careers

• Law enforcement (local, state, and federal)
• Probation/parole officer
• Substance abuse and behavioral disorder counselor
• Victim's advocate

Recent Employers

• George W. Hill Correctional Facility
• Delaware Valley Intelligence Center
• Montgomery County Adult Probation
• Delaware County Juvenile Probation

Why Study Criminal Justice at Widener?

Build a Network of Industry Insiders

• Join various clubs and organizations, including the Criminal Justice Organization, the Alpha Phi Sigma - Criminal Justice Honor Society, and many more.
• Build relationships with accomplished guest speakers, driven classmates, engaged alumni, and expert criminal justice faculty.

Fuel Career Growth

• Start with a certificate, complete a dual degree in clinical psychology, and more.
• Pursue a certificate in local government & community change, which can be stacked towards savings in the MCJ program.

Student Stories

• Read stories from students who have completed the MCJ program.

Our Faculty

• Meet the faculty members who teach in the MCJ program.

Admissions & Aid

Admissions Information

• Admissions Requirements:
  • Completed online application
  • $35 application fee
  • Personal statement
  • Two letters of recommendation
  • Baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university
  • Official transcripts from all postsecondary schools attended
  • Minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0
• Application Deadlines: Rolling basis, no deadline to apply.

Financial Aid

• Applying for Aid as a Graduate Student: Submit your FAFSA to be automatically considered for scholarships and grants.
• Paths to Savings:
  • Employer Discounts & Tuition Reimbursement
  • 20% Discount for Widener Alumni (some restrictions apply)

Program Cost

• Master of Arts in Criminal Justice (MCJ): $870 per credit, 30 total credits, $26,100 total cost.

Next Steps to Apply

• Visit Us: Schedule a visit to Widener University.
• View Admissions Events: Attend virtual events to get to know Widener and meet with faculty and admissions staff.
• Request Information: Contact an admissions counselor with questions.
• Apply: Complete your application and submit supplemental materials.