Master in Criminal Justice (Online)
Advance your career in law enforcement with our online Master in Criminal Justice.
About this Program
Ready to take your criminal justice career to the next level? The University of Mississippi's online Master of Criminal Justice program is designed for ambitious law enforcement professionals that want to positively impact their communities.
Here's what sets our program apart:
- Designed for busy professionals. Earn your degree entirely online, at your own pace.
- Flexible and customizable. Tailor your coursework to your specific career goals.
- Learn from the best. Gain insights from nationally recognized experts in criminal justice.
- Fast-track your advancement. Complete the program in just one year.
- Unlock your full potential in law enforcement. Get started today!
Depending on your career goals, you can choose between the Criminal Justice emphasis and the Homeland Security and Emergency Management emphasis.
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Program Information
Program Type
Master's Program
Area of Study
Social Sciences, Law, and Policy
School
Duration
1 Year
Degree
Master of Criminal Justice
Program Location
Emphases
Criminal Justice Leadership;
Homeland Security and Emergency Management
Required Credit Hours
30
Application Deadline
Explore Everything the MCJ Has to Offer
The Masters of Criminal Justice has two unique emphases that you can choose from, Criminal Justice Leadership and Homeland Security and Emergency Management.
- Both emphases are designed for professionals wanting to excel in their field.
The Criminal Justice Leadership Emphasis
The Criminal Justice Leadership emphasis at Ole Miss is specifically designed for experienced law enforcement professionals like you who are ready to climb the ranks. We recognize the valuable experience you already bring to the table.
Our program goes beyond theory, honing your existing practical knowledge and equipping you with the advanced skills you need to:
- Influence policy and top-level decisions. Gain the expertise to shape the future of your agency.
- Navigate ethical challenges. Develop the critical thinking skills to make sound decisions in complex situations.
- Become a transformative leader. Inspire and empower your team to create a positive impact on your organization and community.
The Homeland Security and Emergency Management Emphasis
The Homeland Security and Emergency Management emphasis at Ole Miss is designed for law enforcement leaders that thrive in challenging situations. When disaster strikes, well-trained and dependable leaders are absolutely necessary to help guide communities through crisis. Our programs prepares you to help your community when they need it most.
The Homeland Security and Emergency Management emphasis at UM is a great choice to advance your career. Here's why:
- Explosive Demand. The need for skilled emergency management and homeland security professionals is growing rapidly.
- Career-Ready Education. We studied market trends to ensure our program equips you with the in-demand skills for success.
- Next-Gen Leaders. Become part of a new generation of criminal justice professionals prepared to protect and serve.
The Criminal Justice Leadership emphasis starts with a core curriculum of four essential courses. These courses aren't just theory—they're designed to immediately boost your practical knowledge in areas crucial for criminal justice leadership, management, and making critical decisions.
- Then, you'll choose at least three electives to dive deeper into your chosen emphasis. This focused track equips you with the targeted expertise you need to excel in supervisory and leadership roles.
The program culminates in a two-course capstone project (6 credits). This project allows you to apply your knowledge to a real-world challenge in your chosen field, showcasing your critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Criminal Justice Leadership Emphasis Capstone Project
Before graduating, you'll put your knowledge to the test by tackling a real-world issue in criminal justice leadership through a capstone project.
This project will allow you to:
- Conduct in-depth research on a topic of your choice.
- Analyze and interpret data to develop actionable insights.
- Showcase your findings in a comprehensive and authoritative paper.
This culminating experience will not only prove your mastery of the subject matter but also position you as a thought leader with a unique perspective to contribute to the field.
- Your capstone project is your chance to make a lasting impression. To ensure its quality and rigor, you must complete this course with a grade of B- or above. This high standard ensures that our graduates are well-prepared to make a significant impact in their chosen careers.
The Homeland Security and Emergency Management emphasis starts with a core curriculum of four essential courses, designed to equip you for success in both emergency management and homeland security.
- Once you've mastered the fundamentals, you'll choose four electives that align with your career goals in either emergency management or homeland security. This flexibility allows you to specialize in the area that most interests you.
The program culminates in a two-course capstone project (6 credits). This project allows you to apply your knowledge to a real-world challenge in your chosen field, showcasing your critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Homeland Security and Emergency Management Emphasis Capstone Project
Before graduating, you'll put your knowledge to the test by tackling a real-world issue in Homeland Security and Emergency Management through a capstone project.
This project will allow you to:
- Conduct in-depth research on a topic of your choice.
- Analyze and interpret data to develop actionable insights.
- Showcase your findings in a comprehensive and authoritative paper.
This culminating experience will not only prove your mastery of the subject matter but also position you as a thought leader with a unique perspective to contribute to the field.
- Your capstone project is your chance to make a lasting impression. To ensure its quality and rigor, you must complete this course with a grade of B- or above. This high standard ensures that our graduates are well-prepared to make a significant impact in their chosen careers.
Find Courses in the Master in Criminal Justice
What does Criminal Justice look like in the job market?
Average base salary for Intelligence Analysts and Crime Reduction Managers in 2023.
Average base salary for Senior Fraud Investigator in 2023.
Average base salary for Forensic Analysts in 2023.
Average base salary of Cyber Crime Investigators in 2023.
What jobs can you get with a Masters in Criminal Justice?
- Deputy Chief
- Border Patrol Agent
- Disaster Services Supervisor
- Supervisory Criminal Investigator
- Disaster Response Manager
- Marine Interdiction Agent
- Emergency Operations Manager
- Director of Public Safety
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Next Steps
Explore Affordability
We have a variety of scholarships and financial aid options to help make college more affordable for you and your family.
Apply to the University of Mississippi
Are you ready to take the next step toward building your legacy?