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With a Master’s Degree in Criminal Justice from Nova Southeastern University (NSU), you will be prepared to advance into supervisory, management, and leadership roles across criminal justice agencies and related organizations. Graduates are positioned to lead in law enforcement, corrections, courts, investigations, public safety, and criminal justice administration.
Unlike traditional online programs, we combine the flexibility of online learning with hands-on engagement, integrating experiential learning and live synchronous sessions to bridge theory and practice.
Designed for both practitioners and scholars, our curriculum prepares students for leadership roles, policy development, or future doctoral studies—equipping them with the knowledge and experience to excel in the field.
NSU is proud to offer the Valor Award 20% Scholarship for law enforcement officials, veterans, military, and first responders.
Go Further, Sooner
Beginning fall 2026, a distinctive feature of the M.S. in Criminal Justice is the opportunity to take up to two doctoral level (Ph.D.) courses as part of the master’s program. Embedded within select concentrations and taught alongside Ph.D. students, these courses offer early exposure to advanced scholarship, research, and policy analysis. When completed within the same concentration, they may later be applied toward the Ph.D. in Criminal Justice, helping students accelerate progress and transition to doctoral study. Subject to the completion of all admission requirements for the Ph.D. in Criminal Justice.
Designed for Impact and Advancement
Whether your goal is career advancement, specialization in an emerging area of criminal justice, or preparation for doctoral study, the M.S. in Criminal Justice offers a powerful combination of flexibility, rigor, and opportunity. Graduates leave the program prepared to lead, analyze, and innovate across criminal justice systems at the local, national, and global levels.
I would recommend the program in criminal justice because it gives you good insight into how the legal system works and how to apply those principles to help people.
Nefertari Bennett, Esq. | M.S. in Criminal Justice
Quick Facts
What Can You Do With a Master’s Degree in Criminal Justice?
Go on to have a rewarding career as a
- Law Enforcement Supervisor
- Corrections Supervisor or Administrator
- Probation or Parole Supervisor
- Criminal Justice Program Manager
- Public Safety Administrator
- Crime Analysis or Intelligence Supervisor
- Homeland Security or Emergency Management Coordinator
M.S. in Criminal Justice Curriculum
Prepare for a career in state law enforcement, environmental law enforcement, federal law enforcement, or specialty law enforcement with an interdisciplinary core curriculum and a concentrated degree. This master's program comprises 30 credits: 15 credits (5 courses) of core curriculum, 12 credits (4 courses) of a specialty concentration, and 3 elective credits (one course).
Learn about the different aspects of the dynamic field of criminal justice with a foundational, interdisciplinary curriculum.
Curriculum
Required Courses (15 Credits)
Credits
Concentration Tracks
Receive specialized training in behavioral science issues, and gain the knowledge and skills to work in law enforcement and criminal justice agencies. Courses are offered in conjunction with NSU's College of Psychology.
Curriculum
Choose Four Courses (12 Credits Total)
Credits
Gain the knowledge and skills to have a successful career in agencies such as Department of Juvenile Justice, Department of Children and Family Services, and others.
Curriculum
Choose Four Courses (12 Credits Total)
Credits
Receive specialized training in the burgeoning field of forensic investigation. Learn about the investigative and analysis techniques used during criminal investigations.
Curriculum
Choose Four Courses (12 Credits Total)
Credits
Open Electives (9 Credits)
Please choose four courses (12 credit hours) from any concentration or elective course.
Electives
Choose one or a combination of electives below to obtain a minimum of 3 credit hours:
One 3-credit class
Students may choose any three-credit courses within their degree program, excluding the required courses, and apply those credits toward the electives requirement.
Practicum Placement (3 credits)
Get firsthand field experience by observing multiple parts of a department or agency, performing assigned duties, and attending supplementary lectures.
Master's Thesis (6 credits)
Work with an NSU faculty member to design and conduct your own research project.
M.S. in Criminal Justice Curriculum
(Starting Fall 2026 and Beyond)
Prepare for a career in state law enforcement, environmental law enforcement, federal law enforcement, or specialty law enforcement with an interdisciplinary core curriculum and a concentrated degree. This master's program comprises 30 credits: 15 credits (5 courses) of core curriculum, 12 credits (4 courses) of a specialty concentration, and 3 elective credits (one course).
Learn about the different aspects of the dynamic field of criminal justice with a foundational, interdisciplinary curriculum.
Curriculum
Required Courses (15 Credits)
Credits
Concentration Tracks
Receive specialized training in behavioral science issues, and gain the knowledge and skills to work in law enforcement and criminal justice agencies. Courses are offered in conjunction with NSU's College of Psychology.
Curriculum
Choose Four Courses (12 Credits Total)
Credits
CJI 8210: Risk Assessment in Criminal Justice (3 credits)
CJI 8220: Family and Relationship Violence (3 credits)
CJI 8230: Specialty Courts and Therapeutic and Restorative Justice (3 credits)
CJI 8240: Predatory Crimes and Trauma (3 credits)
CJI 8250: Children and Adolescents in the Criminal Justice System (3 credits)
Gain the knowledge and skills to have a successful career in agencies such as Department of Juvenile Justice, Department of Children and Family Services, and others.
Curriculum
Choose Four Courses (12 Credits Total)
Credits
Receive specialized training in the burgeoning field of forensic investigation. Learn about the investigative and analysis techniques used during criminal investigations.
Curriculum
Choose Four Courses (12 Credits Total)
Credits
Students may select any four M.S. concentration courses listed above OR select any two M.S. concentration courses from above and two Ph.D. in Criminal Justice concentration courses from the list below. The number of Ph.D. courses in the degree should not exceed two courses.
Curriculum
Elective Courses
Curriculum
Complete one of the following elective courses:
Credits
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Admission Requirements
Ready for the Next Step?
We’re thrilled you’re applying to NSU’s M.S. in Criminal Justice program.
Applications for admission are accepted online and on a rolling basis for all graduate programs throughout the calendar year.
Have the following items ready to submit with your online application:
- $50 application fee
- Transcripts from all schools attended
Applicants who have attended foreign universities or colleges are required to have their academic credentials evaluated for U.S. institutional equivalence. Please visit the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services for more information. International students are encouraged to contact the Office of International Student Services at (954) 262-7240 or 844-701-3925, ext. 27240, or by email at intl@nova.edu, or visit the Office of International Students and Scholars.
