10 Affordable Online Master's in Criminal Justice Degrees 2025

A master's degree in criminal justice is a top choice for students interested in pursuing high-level roles in security, law enforcement, corrections, and court systems. Graduates of these programs can also start top careers in research and academia.

If you want to pursue a master's in criminal justice but desire a virtual program with an affordable price tag, you're in luck. Schools across the country offer low-cost graduate programs you can complete from home. Keep reading to learn where to find the most affordable online master's degree programs in criminal justice.

What Is an Online Master's Degree in Criminal Justice?

An online master's in criminal justice is a graduate degree designed for students seeking a high-level understanding of criminology, digital forensics, homeland security, and corrections without traveling to the campus for class. Core courses and electives in online programs deliver the same quality learning experiences as on-campus programs and are often taught by the same faculty.

After completing online criminal justice master's programs, students can go on to start or advance existing careers in various sectors of the criminal justice system. Graduates can also qualify for doctoral degree programs.

How Much Does an Online Master's Degree in Criminal Justice Cost?

The cost of an online master's degree in criminal justice varies depending on the school you attend, your residency (in-state vs. out-of-state), and your enrollment status (part-time vs. full-time). However, it's possible to find very affordable programs costing less than $500 per credit, including degrees at Lamar University and Texas A&M International University. There are also scholarships for online students that can further reduce costs.

Cheapest Online Master's in Criminal Justice Programs

Do you want to take your criminal justice expertise to the next level? Explore the list of schools below to discover some of the nation's most affordable online master's in criminal justice programs.

1. Lamar University

Lamar University offers an online Master of Science (MS) in criminal justice program for current law enforcement and criminal justice professionals seeking upper-level staff, administrative, and management positions in federal security agencies. Coursework explores the criminal justice system, homeland security, police and constitutional law, and more.

Students interested in this 12-month program must hold a bachelor's degree in criminal justice or a related field. Applicants without an undergraduate degree in this field or substantial work experience may be admitted with special approval.

• Estimated tuition cost: $360 per credit hour
• Financial aid: Eligible students interested in reducing costs can pursue federal student aid.
• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

2. Texas A&M International University

Students interested in graduate study at Texas A&M International University can find an MS in criminal justice degree designed for completion in as few as 12 months. This 36-credit program for aspiring detectives, homeland security officers, and fraud investigators explores the criminal justice system, criminological theory, and advanced social research.

To enroll, students need a bachelor's degree and a professional resume. Applicants with an overall GPA below 2.5 must also submit a 200-word personal statement describing their academic and professional background.

• Estimated tuition cost: $367 per credit hour
• Financial aid: Students may qualify for scholarships and other financial assistance to make their degrees more affordable.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

3. John Jay College

The Master of Arts (MA) in criminal justice at John Jay College prepares students for top careers through coursework covering criminology, policing, corrections, and quantitative research methods. Enrollees who want to focus their studies can specialize in criminology and deviance, criminal law and procedure, policing, or terrorism studies.

All courses in this program are offered 100% online with no scheduled meeting times. Graduate admissions requirements include a bachelor's degree and an undergraduate GPA of 3.0.

• Estimated tuition cost: $470 per credit hour (in-state); $565 per credit hour (out-of-state)
• Financial aid: John Jay College offers scholarships, loans, and veterans benefits to eligible students
• Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)

4. Texas State University

Texas State University offers an online Master of Science in Criminal Justice (MSCJ) degree with an executive concentration designed for students who want to deepen their knowledge of public administration, criminal justice research, and criminal justice ethics. This 30-credit program is associated with the Advanced Law Enforcement Rapid Response Training (ALERRT) Center and the Texas School Safety Center (TxSSC).

Flexible scheduling and multiple start dates help students earn their degree in 14 months. To enroll, students need a bachelor's degree in criminal justice or a related field and a 3.0 GPA. GMAT and GRE scores aren't required.

• Estimated tuition cost: $499 per credit
• Financial aid: Eligible students can make their degree more affordable with scholarships, work-study programs, and loans.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

5. Colorado Christian University

Colorado Christian University is home to a 36-credit online MS in criminal justice focused on concepts such as criminal profiling, mental health, juvenile crime, and resolutions to ethical dilemmas in criminal justice. Enrollees take courses one at a time in five-week blocks, making it possible to finish in as little as 15 months.

This program offers an optional emphasis or stand-alone graduate certificate in campus, event, and organizational safety. To gain admission, students need a bachelor's degree and a 2.5 GPA.

• Estimated tuition cost: $543 per credit hour
• Financial aid: Eligible CCU students can make learning more affordable with scholarships and other financial aid.
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

6. Liberty University

At Liberty University, students can choose from over 600 online programs, a dozen of which can prepare students for careers in criminal justice or related fields. Degree options include an MS in criminal justice, with specialization options in:

• corrections management
• cybercrime investigation
• forensic psychology
• homeland security
• law enforcement leadership
• legal studies
• public administration
• restorative justice

The school also offers an MS in public safety with a specialization in criminal justice, an MA in human services counseling with a specialization in criminal justice, and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) with a specialization in criminal justice administration.

Online programs at Liberty are flexible and affordable, and offer perks like multiple start dates and a generous transfer policy to expedite degree completion. To help students excel in their programs, Liberty offers academic advising, library access, writing help, and other support services.

• Estimated tuition cost: $580 per credit hour (full-time); $645 per credit hour (part-time)
• Financial aid: Liberty University students reduce costs with help from scholarships and financial aid.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

7. University of Colorado Denver

In the University of Colorado Denver's 39-credit online Master of Criminal Justice (MCJ) program, learners prepare for leadership roles in public policy and criminal justice by exploring key concepts in law enforcement, victim advocacy, and emergency management. Specializations in areas of study like crime analysis help students target specific careers.

Students are required to complete five core courses and a thesis or applied research capstone project. An internship with local, state, or federal criminal justice is included for learners with no previous criminal justice experience.

• Estimated tuition cost: $613 per credit hour (in-state); $736 per credit hour (out-of-state)
• Financial aid: Eligible enrollees can reduce tuition and fees with financial aid and scholarships.
• Accreditation: HLC

8. Southern New Hampshire University

At Southern New Hampshire University, students seeking leadership roles in public safety can get the training they need in the online MS in criminal justice program. This 36-credit degree explores ethical leadership in criminal justice, criminology and public policy, and data-driven decision-making in criminal justice. Concentrations are available in advanced counterterrorism and homeland security, as well as public safety administration.

Criminal justice courses are delivered in 10-week sessions and are available around the clock. To support enrollees, SNHU offers tutoring, library access, academic advising, and more.

• Estimated tuition cost: $659 per credit hour
• Financial aid: Graduate students can use federal financial aid and scholarships to make learning more affordable.
• Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)

9. University of Arizona Global Campus

The University of Arizona Global Campus offers a 100% online, 39-credit MS in criminal justice designed for working professionals seeking a flexible learning format. Enrollees prepare for roles in the criminal and social justice field through coursework exploring criminal justice policy, criminology theory, and comparative criminal justice systems.

In this program, students can choose from specializations in homeland security and law enforcement and corrections administration. To gain admission, students need a bachelor's degree and a minimum 2.0 GPA.

• Estimated tuition cost: $740 per credit hour
• Financial aid: Students can use scholarships and federal financial aid to reduce the cost of tuition and fees.
• Accreditation: WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)

10. National University

National University's MS in organizational leadership with a specialization in criminal justice is a flexible online program with year-round enrollment options. In addition to coursework exploring decision-making, leadership development, and ethics, criminal justice students complete coursework in organized crime, criminal justice foundations, and current issues in law enforcement.

Students seeking admission can qualify for direct entry with a bachelor's degree in business. The evaluation track enables students without a business background to enroll after completing specific courses.

• Estimated tuition cost: $869 per credit hour
• Financial aid: Eligible students can apply for scholarships and federal student aid to make their degree more affordable.
• Accreditation: WSCUC

How We Rank Schools

Our team thoroughly vetted the schools in this ranking list to verify that each has met the following criteria for delivering a quality educational experience:

• Accreditation: Each school is accredited by a nationally recognized organization, such as the HLC or the NECHE.
• Affordability: We selected schools offering low tuition rates or scholarships and other financial aid to reduce costs.
• Program reputation: These institutions have a reputation for delivering quality online and on-campus degree programs.

What To Expect From an Online Master's Degree in Criminal Justice Degree

In online master's degree programs, criminal justice students explore criminal behavior, police procedures and investigations, criminal justice policies, and more as they prepare for top careers in criminal justice. To graduate, learners must complete a specific number of credit hours (commonly 30 to 39 credits) and sometimes a final project like a capstone or thesis.

Coursework is usually delivered in a synchronous (set class times) or asynchronous (no schedules) online format and completed in less than two years. Common specializations for online criminal justice master's degrees include forensic psychology, criminal law, digital forensics, and homeland security.

FAQs About Low-Cost Online Master's in Criminal Justice Programs

If you're ready to pursue a low-cost master's in criminal justice online, read on. The following FAQs can answer questions you may have before taking the next step.

Is an Online Master's in Criminal Justice Worth It?

Yes, an online master's in criminal justice is worth it. Students can enjoy flexible scheduling and the ability to study from anywhere with internet access while growing the professional knowledge and skills needed to qualify for and excel in top roles in the criminal justice field.

How Long Does It Take To Get an Online Criminal Justice Master's Degree?

Students often complete online criminal justice master's programs in a little less than two years. However, some schools help learners complete their studies in 12 months. To expedite degree completion, consider programs with accelerated courses (e.g., five- to eight-week terms), generous transfer policies, and the ability to earn credits for prior learning.

What Can You Do With a Master's in Criminal Justice Degree?

A master's degree in criminal justice helps students qualify for Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in criminal justice and Doctor of Criminal Justice (DCJ) programs. Learners can also pursue master's in criminal justice jobs in law enforcement, corrections, homeland security, research, academia, and beyond. Common roles include:

• FBI agent
• criminal justice researcher
• homeland security analyst
• legal analyst
• college professor
• correctional counselor
• detective
• DEA agent

What Is the Highest Paid Job in Criminal Justice?

One of the highest-paying roles for students who have earned a master's degree in criminal justice is a detective (or criminal investigator). According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual wage for these roles is $93,580, which is nearly double the average for all occupations.

Are There On-Campus Requirements for an Online Master's Degree in Criminal Justice?

Many online criminal justice master's programs have no on-campus requirements. Students complete all coursework from any location with an internet connection. However, there are exceptions. For example, the University of Colorado Denver's online MCJ program includes a three-credit-hour internship that students with no previous criminal justice experience complete at a local, state, or federal criminal justice agency.

Discover Online Criminal Justice Degrees

Take the next step toward a rewarding criminal justice career by exploring the accredited degree programs on Learn.org. Contact schools directly to discover ways they can help you achieve your career goals.