Program Overview

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Overview of the Online Master of Arts in Criminal Justice

The Online Master of Arts in Criminal Justice program offered by Arizona State University is designed to elevate careers in justice leadership. This program provides a deep understanding of the causes and impacts of crime and how the legal system is structured to respond. Students examine challenges in the justice system and gain the skills to drive positive change through policy and program reform.

Program Details

• The program consists of 11 classes, each lasting 7.5 weeks.
• The total credit hours required for completion are 33.
• The next start date for the program is 01/12/2026.

Degree Questions Answered

The program is designed to prepare students for leadership roles in criminal justice settings across the public and private sectors. Advanced knowledge gained from this program can also help students transition from local or state-level positions to competitive roles in federal agencies.

Career Opportunities

Upon graduation, students will have the expertise to:

• Assess societal and economic factors contributing to crime and identify areas for change.
• Demonstrate proficiency in program evaluation, statistical analysis, and academic research.
• Design research projects that address key issues in criminal justice and synthesize findings to guide practice and policy.
• Evaluate crime reduction strategies using data analysis, planning, and assessment tools.
• Examine and apply theoretical perspectives on criminal behavior and justice system operations.

Criminology vs. Criminal Justice

Criminology focuses on the psychology of criminal behavior, while criminal justice addresses the processes and operations of the U.S. legal system. Graduate studies in either field offer a foundation in crime and justice, but the right path depends on the student's career goals.

Specialty Options

Students can pair the Master of Arts in Criminal Justice with a graduate certificate by applying their elective credits toward the required coursework. Available graduate certificates include:

• Corrections management and leadership
• Crime analysis
• Homeland security
• Law enforcement administration

Curriculum

The curriculum offers advanced training in theory and research related to the U.S. justice system, with courses in strategic planning, policy evaluation, and data analysis. Students will also complete electives based on their interests in areas such as corrections, homeland security, juvenile justice, and policing. The program concludes with a capstone project where students apply their knowledge to reduce crime through a policy or program in a criminal justice agency.

Core Courses

• Applied Data Analysis in Criminal Justice
• Criminal Justice Planning and Program Evaluation
• Seminar in Criminal Justice
• Seminar in Criminology

Elective Courses

• Internship
• Seminar in Corrections
• Seminar in Policing
• Seminar on Homeland Security

Faculty and Research

The faculty in the Watts College of Public Service and Community Solutions inspire the next generation of public service leaders through real-world solutions to issues in areas such as child welfare, safety, city management, human trafficking, and water scarcity. Faculty highlights include:

• Fellow of the Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences
• Fellow of the American Psychological Association
• Member of the National Academy of Public Administration

Admission Requirements

Applicants to the Master of Arts in Criminal Justice program must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and the Watts College of Public Service and Community Solutions. Eligible applicants must have earned a bachelor's or master's degree in criminology or criminal justice or another closely related field from a regionally accredited institution, with a minimum of a 3.00 cumulative GPA in the last 60 hours of their bachelor's program or in an applicable master's program.

Application Requirements

All applicants must submit:

• Graduate admission application and application fee
• Official transcripts
• Two letters of recommendation
• A written statement outlining educational and career goals, as well as long-term professional development strategy

Tuition and Financial Aid

Students can estimate their full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid using the tuition calculator. Most students receive financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs.

Career Paths

Earning this degree prepares students for supervisory or management roles in agencies across all levels of the justice system. Opportunities include court administration, probation and parole supervision, pretrial services, law enforcement, and veterans services. In the private sector, students may lead in areas such as cybersecurity, risk management, and more.

Common Career Paths

• Child and family services supervisor
• Corrections supervisor
• Court administration manager
• Economic security manager
• Government liaison
• Homeless outreach supervisor
• Intelligence analysis manager
• Law enforcement supervisor
• Probation/parole/community supervisor

Accreditation and Rankings

The Watts College of Public Service and Community Solutions is a comprehensive public service college dedicated to addressing social problems through teaching, research, and service. The college's programs are designed to prepare graduates to make a difference in their communities. Rankings include:

• #2 best graduate homeland security and emergency management programs, according to U.S. News & World Report
• #2 in the U.S. and #7 in the world for hospitality, leisure, sport, and tourism, according to the Center for World University Rankings
• Top 5 Master of Nonprofit Leadership and Management in the nation, according to U.S. News & Report
• Top 10 best online master's in criminal justice programs for veterans, according to U.S. News & World Report

Additional Programs

Students may also be interested in other graduate programs, including:

• Emergency Management and Homeland Security (MA)
• Public Safety Leadership and Administration (MPSLA)
• Public Safety Leadership and Administration – Executive Fire Administration (MA)
• Public Safety Leadership and Administration – Executive Police Administration (MPSLA)