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Nova Southeastern University's fully online Master of Science (M.S.) in Criminal Justice helps professionals advance their expertise in law enforcement, public safety, corrections, investigations, homeland security, and criminal justice administration. As criminal justice agencies face evolving public safety challenges, technological advancements, and increasing demands for effective leadership, organizations are seeking professionals who can analyze complex issues, develop evidence-based solutions, and lead organizational change with integrity.
Designed for working professionals, NSU's flexible online program can be completed in as little as 18 months and provides advanced knowledge in criminal justice leadership, ethics, policy, organizational management, and contemporary criminal justice issues. Through live online classes, faculty mentorship, and applied learning experiences, you'll develop the skills needed to evaluate criminal justice systems, implement strategic initiatives, and address emerging challenges across today's public safety organizations.
Graduates may pursue career advancement opportunities in law enforcement agencies, corrections, government organizations, homeland security, investigations, victim advocacy, and other public safety-related fields. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, police and detective occupations are projected to generate approximately 62,200 job openings annually over the coming decade, while protective service occupations overall are expected to create hundreds of thousands of openings each year as organizations seek to replace retiring workers and meet ongoing workforce needs.
Build the leadership skills to make a greater impact in criminal justice.
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
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
Related Degrees
Looking for a degree that will allow you to better your organization or community? Check out these programs.
M.H.S. in Child Protection
Develop the critical knowledge, values, and skills necessary to respond effectively
to complex problems confronting children and families. 30 credits to complete; offered completely online.
Prepares you to:
- Give children the support they need
- Lay a strong foundation in a child’s life
- Close the gap between theory and practice
- Learn about the Master's in Child Protection
M.S. in Leadership
Dive deep into your innate leadership abilities and learn how to apply them in order
to achieve organizational team success. 31 credits to complete; offered completely online.
Prepares you to:
- Shape and motivate others
- Reach organizational goals
- Help your organization succeed
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.
