Online Master of Arts in Criminal Justice (MA)
Examine how leaders in the criminal justice field navigate the complex relationship between law enforcement, courts, and corrections. This online master’s degree program from American Public University (APU) equips students with advanced knowledge of the crime control theories and practices that shape public safety operations.
Courses examine national and local security issues, and learners discuss how law enforcement, courts, and corrections implement effective countermeasures. APU’s online environment fosters interactive learning through weekly discussions that engage classmates, many of whom are peer professionals. Faculty members further enrich the curriculum as they share insights from their prior and current real-world experience in law enforcement agencies, government, private organizations, the military, and corrections facilities.
NOTE: This program is not designed to meet the educational requirements for professional licensure or certification in any state. This program has not been approved by any state professional licensing body and does not lead to any state-issued professional license.
Students may complete this master’s degree program with either a comprehensive exam or one of two capstone projects:
- CMRJ698 Comprehensive Examination in Criminal Justice. Students complete an exam that requires the completion of four shorter papers, each addressing a topic or question directly related to the program’s core and major courses.
- CMRJ696 Capstone – Theory to Practice. This final capstone course focuses on the application of criminal justice theory to pillars of the criminal justice system. Students complete two long-form, research papers that address criminal justice theories.
- SSGS696 Master’s Project Capstone Seminar. This final course allows students to address issues of public importance that are related to their own career or profession. The format of this creative project will be proposed by the student and approved by the instructor.
Learn more details about all three final-course options by visiting the course catalog.
Criminal Justice Program Concentrations
Students select from several concentrations, each comprised of core courses designed to provide specialized knowledge. Content examines real-world practices within the legal system and the public safety field.
Select a concentration to learn more.
About the Concentration
A general concentration allows you to take courses across a number of areas of study within your program based on your own interests.
Program Objectives
About the Concentration
Layers on business skills required for effective leadership and management in criminal justice organizations. Covers concepts of accounting principles, financial tools, and economic analysis for effective managerial decision making, while exploring the role of decision-making models and tools for resolving business problems.
Program Objectives
Upon successful completion of this concentration, the student will be able to:
- Develop an understanding of accounting principles, financial tools and economic analysis in order to develop effective decision making skills necessary for an effective manager.
- Compare and contrast the skills to effectively utilize decision making models and tools in order to resolve complex business problems.
- Devise an understanding of the most successful methods of operating management, statistics, research, and management science.
- Synthesize the skills necessary to formulate effective leadership skills and competencies in criminal justice management.
About the Concentration
Probes emergency management principles and theory, including hazard analysis, mitigation, planning, communication, response, recovery, terrorism, and the capabilities and limitations of the emergency management system. Covers effective interagency cooperation at the federal, state, and local levels.
Program Objectives
Upon successful completion of this concentration, the student will be able to:
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Develop an understanding of emergency management principles and theory.
- Synthesize the public law, regulation, and policies that either facilitate and/or restrict emergency management.
- Devise an understanding of hazard analysis, mitigation, planning, communication, response, recovery and terrorism.
- Summarize the knowledge needed to develop interagency cooperation, what the shortfalls are within interagency efforts and what the principles are for effective inter-organizational behavior and action.
- Compare and contrast the capabilities and limitations of the emergency management system.
Gain a Career-Relevant Education in Criminal Justice
This online Master of Arts in Criminal Justice program offers a comprehensive exploration of the U.S. justice system and the forces that shape it. You will examine criminology theories, study crime prevention tactics, and review the ethical frameworks that define law enforcement practices. You’ll also:
- Distinguish between the major systems of criminal justice and how the functions of police, prosecution, courts, and corrections interface
- Analyze biological and psychological theories and philosophies of criminal behavior as they influence modern developments in punishment, sentencing, and corrections
- Evaluate definitions, objectives, and issues of new or emerging criminal threats such as terrorism and how they compare and contrast with traditional criminal behavior theories
- Assess the rule of law and changes to it as it pertains to direct and indirect influence and impact on social reactions to crime, corrections, and victims of crime
Coursework explores the organizational, legal, and policy frameworks that guide operations across criminal justice agencies. Students examine how law enforcement, courts, and corrections systems collaborate to uphold public safety at both the national and local levels.
This master’s degree helps prepare graduates to pursue various career opportunities, including roles as:
- Private detectives or corporate investigators, who conduct internal investigations and compile evidence for legal or business purposes
- Agency administrators and supervisors, who lead investigative or patrol units, oversee training and performance, and apply data analysis to make informed decisions
- Probation, parole, and correctional treatments specialists, who develop case plans, monitor compliance, and connect clients to rehabilitation and reentry services
- Fraud investigators or corporate compliance officers, who examine potential fraud or policy violations and coordinate with legal and regulatory authorities
This master’s program explores how criminal justice agencies operate and interact across the U.S. legal system. Coursework examines the relationship between public policy, law enforcement, and public service, helping students apply criminology theory to practice.
As they study the systems shaping the U.S. justice system, students learn how to:
- Differentiate between the three pillars of the criminal justice system to understand how agencies collaborate to enforce the law
- Evaluate theories of criminal behavior to identify social, psychological, and public policy factors influencing crime and rehabilitation
- Analyze emergent threats to strengthen preparedness and response across homeland security and public policy
- Assess statutory and constitutional changes to determine how evolving laws impact policing, corrections practices, and victims’ rights
“ My graduate degree in criminal justice gave me a well-rounded education that I use every day. From forensics to hostage negotiation, there isn’t one class I’ve taken that hasn’t been useful in the field. ”
Browse Core Courses from APU’s Criminal Justice Program
All course requirements for Online Master of Arts in Criminal Justice (MA)
Connect with Others Who Share Your Interests While You Pursue Your Criminal Justice Degree
Criminal justice students are encouraged to connect with faculty and peers outside of class through organizations like the University’s Criminology Club and Alpha Phi Sigma Honor Society. These groups hold regular meetings and welcome new members who share an interest in understanding the role of science in criminal justice organizations. Participants discuss myriad topics including crime prevention, forensic psychology, and the behavioral patterns of criminal offenders.
Learn more about these communities and other student communities at APU.
Welcome to your Online Learning Environment.
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Everything you need is right on the Navigation Bar, giving you quick access to every part of your online class — including:
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Course Tools – easily access helpful tools for success.
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Discussion Threads – connect in meaningful conversations with peers and faculty, and share insights on what you’re learning.
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You’ll also have access to the Richard G. Trefry Library, which provides students, faculty, and staff with thousands of licensed materials to support your success.
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Myclassroom.apus.edu.
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Our University is committed to offering a high-quality, affordable education to all students. Low-cost tuition rates and University grants help reduce out-of-pocket expenses for students pursuing this Criminal Justice Master of Arts at APU.
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Earning a degree is a valuable investment, but it needs to fit into your budget. Our tuition estimator can help you estimate your tuition and fees, so you can plan a manageable path to your educational goals. For full details, please refer to the financial aid cost of attendance (COA). This estimate does not include course materials, supplies, equipment, software and other expenses such as lab fees. You may eligible for partnership grants through your employer. Speak with your admission representative for more details.
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APU makes it easy to earn credit for the work you’ve already done. We accept transfer credits from prior college coursework, professional training, exams, and certifications. We’ll evaluate your transcripts at no cost and help you maximize eligible credits so you can save time, reduce costs, and stay focused on reaching your education goals sooner.
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We’re committed to making quality education accessible and affordable. APU participates in federal financial aid programs, including grants and loans for those who qualify. Our Financial Aid Office can provide personalized guidance to help you understand your options, complete required forms, and make an informed decision about paying for your education.
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In addition to federal financial aid, some APU students choose to explore private education loans or external scholarships to help fund their studies. We encourage all students to first complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine eligibility for federal student aid before considering private options. Be sure to research lenders carefully, compare terms, and understand your rights and responsibilities as a borrower.
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- No Entrance Exams No GRE or GMAT required for master’s programs
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- All APU master's degree/graduate certificate programs require a bachelor’s degree (or higher) from an institution whose accreditation is recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA®). Please read all graduate admission requirements before applying to this program and be prepared to submit the required documentation.
- There is no fee to complete the APU admission application for this program. View steps to apply.
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Learn More About APU’s Online Master’s Degree Program in Criminal Justice
Yes, students may apply transfer credits toward this criminal justice master’s degree program. APU awards academic credit for prior education and real-world experience, including:
- Professional training
- Public safety training
- Military service and education
- Government training
Students may also receive credit through the University’s Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) program or by passing College Level Examination (CLEP) or DSST tests. Please see the University’s transfer credit policy webpage for complete information.
You might choose to earn a master’s in criminal justice to gain deeper knowledge of the roles police, court systems, and corrections play in:
- Crime prevention
- Criminal justice policy development
- Criminological theory
- Homeland security
- Intelligence analysis
Additionally, master’s-level students may participate in research projects to further advance their education and explore how justice issues impact society and public service.
This master’s program culminates in a capstone course where students integrate the knowledge and skills gained throughout their studies. Students may choose between two options:
- Completing two thesis-style papers applying criminal justice theory to the system’s pillars
- Writing four shorter papers demonstrating their grasp of topics examined throughout the program
With more than 200 career-relevant degrees and certificates, APU makes online education accessible and affordable.
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The University reserves the right to accept or deny credits according to policies outlined on our University website. Please see the University's transfer credit policy webpage for complete information.
The Preferred Military Rate is $250 per credit hour for undergraduate and master's-level courses. This rate is available to all U.S. active-duty servicemembers, National Guard members, Reservists, and military families, including parents, spouses, legal partners, siblings, and dependents.
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