Webster University Online
and In Person
Credit Hours Required
Adapt to the evolving world of criminal justice
Gain essential skills for a high-demand field with a Master of Science in Criminal Justice from Webster University. Take classes online and in person and complete your degree within two years. Graduate with the knowledge and preparation to:
- Apply theories of crime to the extent, causes, and prevention of crime, the process of criminalization, and the practices and reforms of the criminal justice system, in the U.S. and around the world.
- Identify quantitative and qualitative methods to analyze crime and crime control systems.
- Articulate the ways issues of diversity affect the operation of criminal justice organizations and actors, including differences in race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, sex, gender and age.
Why the MS in Criminal Justice?
Designed for criminal justice professionals
The nature of crime—in the U.S. and around the world—has changed dramatically over the past few decades. And with heightened concerns of 21st-century terrorism, along with the challenges found in the world of cyberspace, the demand for criminal justice professionals continues to rise. Gain the knowledge and experience to advance in an in-demand career that needs compassionate, ethical, detail-oriented professionals like you leading the charge.
Enhance your skills for today's world
As the field of criminal justice changes, Webster helps you stay ahead. Our MS in Criminal Justice puts an emphasis on helping you enhance your technical knowledge, critical-thinking skills, decision-making processes and analytic capabilities.
- Leverage your technical talents and skills so you can predict and prevent crime and victimization.
- Keep up with the latest practices and reforms of the criminal justice system, both nationally and globally.
- Develop the necessary ability to understand how diversity issues, such as race and gender, and socioeconomic issues affect the operation of criminal justice organizations and the populations they serve.
Classes built for the future of criminal justice
You must complete 36 credit hours to graduate with your MS in Criminal Justice.
Customize your Criminal Justice degree to fit your needs by selecting a minor, graduate certificate or dual-degree option: MA in National Security Studies/MS in Criminal Justice.
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Convenient and flexible options for your life
Balance your education with work and life commitments. Learn on your schedule with a mix of online and in-person classes. Military credits easily transfer. Choose how quickly you want to finish with part-time and full-time options. Plus, no prerequisite classes or pre-testing are needed. Classes for this program are available at the following campuses:
- Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri
- Webster University Online
Advance your career in criminal justice
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, overall employment of law enforcement professionals is projected to grow at least 7% from 2020 to 2030. Graduate with your MS in Criminal Justice prepared for positions like:
Cybercrime Investigator
Median annual salary
(National, May 2020)
Criminal Investigator
Median annual salary
(National, 2020)
Federal Agent
Median annual salary
(National, 2020)
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
Achieve personal and professional success
Support every step of the way
Webster is committed to your success, and you'll never be alone as you pursue your MS in Criminal Justice.
- Enrollment coaches help you navigate the application, financial aid and enrollment process so you can start your classes with confidence.
- Faculty members provide personalized support, thanks to Webster's intentionally small classes.
- Tutors and other academic support staff can help you tackle particularly tough assignments and classes.
An education nationally recognized for quality
Earn your MS in Criminal Justice from Webster, a private, nonprofit university accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC)—and a designated military-friendly school.
Learn from experts in the field
Collaborate with professors who have years of experience as law enforcement professionals. Our faculty have real-world connections and on-the-job knowledge. They serve as mentors who are willing and eager to support your career goals.
Hear from one of our professors
"Courses in the criminal justice program are designed to give students the academic background they need to solve problems in crime and criminal justice. Students have designed proposals to improve prison conditions for marginalized populations—such as transgender prisoners, improve police officer training in use of force or handling domestic violence cases, and reduce particular kinds of crime, such as human trafficking, gang violence, and white collar crime."
- Danielle MacCartney, PhD
Associate Professor, Sociology
Associate, Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies
Fellow, Institute for Human Rights and Humanitarian Studies
College of Humanities and Social Sciences
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