Master of Science in Criminal Justice
Become a leader in your field
Request more information now and qualify to receive a FREE Chromebook.*
*To qualify, you must enroll in the online Master of Science in Criminal Justice program and continue past the allotted drop/add period.
Why a Master of Science in Criminal Justice?
The online Master of Science in Criminal Justice program offers the flexibility that professionals need to balance family, work, and school. Designed for students who have already earned a bachelor’s degree, the program provides the knowledge and skills needed for positions in management and leadership. Individuals with this degree are prepared for careers in policy making, research, and teaching positions.
More importantly, every online student is truly part of our Keystone family which means you’ll receive the same level of personalized support online as you would if you were on campus.
Most courses are 7.5 weeks in length and the program can be completed in 1 year if attending full-time or 2 years if attending part-time.
PROGRAM BENEFITS
Learn
Learn from full-time faculty with academic and real world experience—real people who truly care about your success, and who will monitor your progress closely.
Develop
Develop a mastery of criminal justice fundamentals while acquiring the knowledge and skills to pursue a career in leadership, policy making, research, or teaching.
Connect
Develop lasting networks with your peers. These connections can lead to a promotion at your current job or even new opportunities in your career.
Why Keystone?
The Keystone College Difference
You can be confident that Keystone’s Online Degree Programs adhere to the same high standards of quality as our traditional, on-campus programs. Keystone is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. It’s ranked among the best regional colleges in the U.S., and as one of the best schools for military veterans. It’s also the oldest educational institution in Northeast Pennsylvania.
Potential Career Outcomes
Salaries for master’s in criminal justice graduates vary depending on area of interest.
Your degree will help prepare you for opportunities in these fields of employment:
- Leadership positions in police and corrections departments
- Administrative roles
- Research
- Teaching
- Security management
- Policy making
- BUSN 5100 Graduate Writing and Research (3)
- BUSN 5200 Conflict Management Skills (3)
- BUSN 6100 Ethical Leadership (3)
- CJ 5100 Policy Analysis in Criminal Justice (3)
- CJ 5150 Comparative Criminal Justice Systems (3)
- CJ 5200 Women in Criminal Justice (3)
- CJ 5250 Race, Ethnicity, Crime, and Justice (3)
- CJ 6100 Seminar in Victimology (3)
- CJ 6150 Drugs and the Criminal Justice System (3)
- CJ 6910 Critical Issues in Criminal Justice (3)
30 Total Credit Hours
Entrance requirements for the online Master of Science in Criminal Justice program at Keystone College include a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution and a 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale.* Students who enroll in the program may enter with a variety of undergraduate degrees; however, this program is an especially good fit for students with Criminal Justice, Social Science, Psychology, Business, and Forensic Science undergraduate degrees.
The Office of Admissions reviews applications on a rolling basis throughout the year. However, we recommend that you apply as soon as possible to get started on your bright new future right away! Courses begin at several convenient times year-round. Contact online admissions for the next start date.
*Students with a 2.50-2.99 will be considered for provisional admission. If accepted provisionally, students must earn a “B” or better in each of his/her first two courses to be fully accepted and remain in the program. Any additional requirements for full acceptance will be communicated to the student in writing and must be met by the date provided. Contact online admissions for questions regarding provisional admission and the next start date.
Tuition is an affordable $600 per credit hour. Alumni of Keystone College who are enrolled in a master’s degree program at Keystone College are eligible to receive a 10% discount. To receive federal financial assistance for our graduate programs, you must file a FAFSA and meet eligibility requirements. Find out more here. Our FAFSA school code is 003280.
Benefits of Keystone College
Generous Credit Transfer
If you’ve already earned applicable graduate level credits from a regionally accredited institution with a B or better, they may be accepted for transfer to Keystone. Students can transfer in up to 9 of the 30 credits required for graduation.
Convenience
Classes are offered 100% online. There are no required class or login times, and faculty and tech support are there to help you at expanded hours.
Affordability
At $600 per credit hour, you can earn a Master of Science in Criminal Justice for less than the cost of other programs at traditional brick-and-mortar institutions.