Master's Degree in Criminal Justice
Why Earn Your Criminal Justice Degree at Saint Leo University?
Become an agent of change with a Master's in Criminal Justice. Saint Leo University’s innovative Master of Science in Criminal Justice program enhances the effectiveness and professionalism of both aspiring and active law enforcement professionals. Taught by practitioners with extensive experience in the field, students will examine leading edge strategies to keep citizens and communities safe in today’s ever-changing world.
Ranked among the nation's most military-friendly institutions by G.I. Jobs and Military Advanced Education magazines, Saint Leo University has been educating professionals with their Master's in Criminal Justice for more than three decades.
Learning Experience:
Education Center Online
Est. Time to Complete:
2 years
Credit Hours:
36 hours
Master's in Criminal Justice Program Details
As a criminal justice graduate student at Saint Leo, you will study ethical standards in the administration of justice, insights into criminal behavior and activity, effective leadership principals and practices, public policy making processes, criminal law, professional regulations, and civil liability, application of new and emerging technologies, and more.
Learn Your Way:
Online, On Campus, or Near You
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What are the on-campus facilities like?
Students who pursue their degrees at Saint Leo’s main campus near sunny Tampa Bay, Florida, join a community of enthusiastic learners just like them.
Criminal justice students enjoy plenty of engaging learning opportunities both inside and outside the classroom, as well as exciting departmental events.
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What are the benefits of earning your criminal justice degree online?
Saint Leo University’s online learning experience provides a well-rounded education with the flexibility to tailor your course of study to meet your individual needs. We know our students have lives outside school, and we seek to meet them where they are. Online students can count on receiving excellent academics as well as opportunities for hands-on learning.
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Taking online classes has afforded me the opportunity to learn while maintaining a job. They give me some flexibility to study at times that work more cohesively with my schedule and allow me to utilize resources such as the library 24 hours a day.
Bentley Streat | Hayes,
Are education centers near you offering criminal justice degree programs?
You may also choose to pursue your degree through one of our education centers, which merge a traditional in-person education with the flexibility to match your lifestyle. Education centers offer eight-week academic terms as well as evening and weekend classes.
Specialization Options
Saint Leo University offers specialization options for criminal justice students. You can customize your degree to match your passions by choosing one of the following concentrations.
Master's Degree in Criminal Justice - Behavioral Studies
Education Center Online
Master's Degree in Criminal Justice - Corrections
Education Center Online
Master's Degree in Criminal Justice - Criminal Investigations
Education Center Online
Master's Degree in Criminal Justice - Critical Incident Management
Education Center Online
Master's Degree in Criminal Justice - Forensic Science
Education Center Online
Master's Degree in Criminal Justice - Legal Studies
Education Center Online
Career Outlook
No matter which learning experience you choose, you will receive plenty of professional development opportunities, industry knowledge from expert professors, and support from the Saint Leo community. All this together means that you will be ready for a successful career or continued studies upon graduation.
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What skills you will learn?
- Computerized databases;
- Ethical standards in the administration of justice;
- Human resource management;
- Fiscal resource management;
- Personnel law, civil liability, and substantive and procedural laws;
- Information resources and systems;
- Policymaking;
- Organizational leadership in criminal justice agencies
How will you gain real experience?
Hands-on learning
In a capstone course, you’ll address an important problem or launch a program initiative related to the administration of criminal justice.
Internships
Find an internship close to home or work, or with federal agencies such as the U.S. Secret Service, U.S. Customs, Drug Enforcement Administration, U.S. District Court and Florida Department of Law Enforcement.
FBI National Academy Associates
Saint Leo is an approved educational partner by the FBI National Academy Associates.
Experienced faculty
Learn from the best. Saint Leo faculty have served as local and federal agents, chief deputies, detectives and FBI advisors, and are leading experts on all the skills you need to advance to the next stage of your career: interrogation, non-verbal communication, hostage negotiation, and international sex and organ trafficking.
What can you do with a master's in criminal justice degree?
Graduates are prepared for administrative positions in law enforcement, corrections, the courts, private security and security-related positions at the local, state or federal government levels.
What are the top criminal justice degree jobs?
| Career | Growth | Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Law enforcement officer | 7% (As fast as average) | $67,290 per year |
| Forensic Science Technician | 16% (Much faster than average) | $60,590 per year |
From the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2020.
College of Education & Social Services
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Saint Leo University’s College of Education and Social Services couples a transformative liberal arts tradition with highly specialized training in the education and social services fields. Through close faculty mentorships, practical field internships, and applied learning experiences, we prepare students for careers in education, social work, criminal justice, and human services. Our faculty remain active in their respective fields as researchers and practitioners, giving students close access to a wealth of real-world knowledge and experience.
With the ever-changing needs of today's students, we provide flexible degree programs. These include programs at University Campus and education centers with evening and weekend options, as well as online offerings. These degree programs are grooming the next generation of educators and social service specialists—a new breed of professionals with the talent and resolve to make a difference in the world.
