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Make the World a Safer Place
Advance your career with Nova Southeastern University's fully online Master of Science in Criminal Justice—designed for working professionals who want to build leadership expertise and complete their degree in as little as 18 months. This flexible, career-focused program prepares graduates for advancement into supervisory, management, and executive roles across law enforcement, corrections, courts, investigations, homeland security, public safety, and criminal justice administration.
Through synchronous (live) classes, experiential learning opportunities, and expert faculty mentorship, students develop advanced knowledge in criminal justice leadership, policy analysis, ethics, research, and organizational management while applying theory to real-world criminal justice challenges. Unlike many online criminal justice programs, NSU combines the convenience of online learning with meaningful engagement and practical application.
Whether your goal is career advancement, specialized expertise, leadership development, or preparation for doctoral study, NSU's online criminal justice master's degree provides the knowledge, skills, and professional network to help you excel in today's evolving criminal justice landscape.
NSU proudly offers the Valor Award 20% Scholarship for law enforcement professionals, veterans, military members, and first responders.
Go Further, Sooner
Beginning Fall 2026, students in select concentrations may take up to two doctoral-level (Ph.D.) courses as part of the master's program. Taught alongside Ph.D. students, these courses provide early exposure to advanced research, policy analysis, and scholarship. When completed within the same concentration, eligible courses may later be applied toward NSU's Ph.D. in Criminal Justice, helping qualified students accelerate their path to doctoral study. Subject to admission requirements for the Ph.D. 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
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.
