Online Master's Degrees in Criminal Justice
Online master's degrees in criminal justice can serve many purposes in corrections, law enforcement and other protective service professions. Distance learning programs offer general criminal justice degrees, but for most online master's degrees in criminal justice, studies focus on one of the following fields:
- Corrections
- Education
- Investigation
- Law enforcement
- Social services
Some criminal justice degrees online offer military and federal concentrations, for students who aim to earn their livelihood by serving their country.
Coursework for online master's degrees in criminal justice
Courses involve lectures, seminars or field work, and some programs can be completed in less than two years of study. Regardless of your specialization, criminal justice degrees online typically feature certain core courses such as:
- Criminology
- Victimology
- White collar crime
- Youth crime
Other common courses cover analytical methods, research methods, applied statistics, forensic behavior analysis, and conceptual or ethical inquiries into the nature of crime and punishment. Some schools offer classes in the history and causes of terrorism. You may find seminars on law and social control, examining legal institutions and issues such as social justice.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, positions such as probation or parole officer, case manager, or correctional treatment specialist may require a master's degree in criminal justice or a related field if candidates lack experience. Look into online master's degrees in criminal justice and find out how you can take your civil or protective service career to the next level.
