Criminal Justice Online
Enhance your impact in practice or administration.
Ready to Get Started?
Request InfoCriminal Justice, M.S. Overview
The University of West Florida’s online M.S. in Criminal Justice helps you pursue advancement in the practice or administration of criminal justice, or to pursue doctoral-level studies. You’ll learn more about theory, administration, research and data analysis from a dynamic faculty made up of prominent scholars and professionals.
Earning your master’s degree can help you pursue a wide variety of rewarding careers at the federal or state level. Whether you’d like to enter federal law enforcement, crime analysis, private security, college-level teaching or a leadership position, there are several doors that open to you with an M.S. in Criminal Justice. That’s what makes it such a useful credential for an array of professionals.
Exceptional funding opportunities are available for qualified students, and you can apply for Graduate Assistantships positions at the Department of Criminology and Criminal Justice. Courses are offered in both synchronous and asynchronous formats. You’ll also be able to choose between an area paper or internship to complete the M.S. in Criminal Justice.
Candidates for This Program Include:
- Working professionals seeking career advancement in a criminal justice field
- Students who have recently completed a bachelor’s in criminal justice, criminology or a related field
- People interested in starting an academic career in criminal justice
You Will Be Able To:
- Describe and critique the various theoretical explanations of crime, delinquency, and criminal justice
- Interpret, design, and apply scientific research using appropriate methods
- Describe and evaluate the structures and processes of the CJ organizations
- Critically evaluate the operations and functions of criminal justice and the causes and consequences of crime
- Author logical, articulate, and structurally sound papers and oral presentations
Courses and Requirements
UWF’s online M.S. in Criminal Justice includes a total of 33 credit hours. It requires completion of the following courses with a grade of C or higher
Criminal Justice Required Core (12 credit hours)
- CCJ 6061 - Criminological Theory
3 Credit Hours
Criminological Theory
Examines criminological theories with emphasis on the origins and applications of relevant theoretical approaches to crime and criminally deviant behavior. Addresses theoretical concepts and propositions of most (though not all) of the major criminological theories, the related empirical research that has tested these theories, and the corresponding policy implications. (may not be repeated for credit)
- CCJ 6008 - Criminal Justice Theory
3 Credit Hours
Criminal Justice Theory
Analyzes the theoretical perspectives associated with the policies, organizations, decisions, and operations of criminal justice systems, agencies, and individuals. Examines classical and contemporary research in criminal justice. (may not be repeated for credit)
- CCJ 6704 - Research Methodology
3 Credit Hours
Research Methodology
Covers issues related to research methods and data analysis as they are applied in the field of criminal justice and criminology. Explores scientifically acceptable inquiry and how to conduct empirical research in criminology and criminal justice. Evaluates methodological and ethical issues related to crime and criminal justice research. (may not be repeated for credit)
- CCJ 6705 - Analysis of Quantitative and Qualitative Data
3 Credit Hours
Analysis of Quantitative and Qualitative Data
Prerequisite: CCJ 6704 Methods and techniques for diagnostics, management, and analysis of criminological and criminal justice data in both quantitative and qualitative nature. Statistical theory and research design issues specific to criminological and criminal justice analyses are covered along with hands-on computer experience using computerized statistical programs such as SPSS. (may not be repeated for credit)
- CCJ 6061 - Criminological Theory
- CCJ 6745 - Policing and Society
3 Credit Hours
Policing and Society
Analysis of classical and contemporary readings designed to examine the unique position, organization, and challenges of policing a complex society. Also explores the future of policing. (may not be repeated for credit)
- CCJ 6006 - Criminal Justice Administration
3 Credit Hours
Criminal Justice Administration
(may not be repeated for credit) This course focuses on the principles of organization, administration, and function of criminal justice agencies. These agencies include law enforcement, the courts, and corrections. The course includes an examination of management approaches and problems in criminal justice, including the planning and evaluation techniques and the use of information systems.
- CCJ 6021 - Penology
3 Credit Hours
Penology
(may not be repeated for credit) Examines classical and contemporary readings in corrections. Uses historical and philosophical contexts to critically assess contemporary correctional issues and introduces students to the importance of data-driven policy promoting critical evaluation and debate.
- CJL 6521 - Courts and Society
3 Credit Hours
Courts and Society
(may not be repeated for credit) Analyzes the role of courts in American society; examines the various influences on judicial organization, process, and decision making; and explores the impact of courts within society and the criminal justice system.
- CCJ 6745 - Policing and Society
Option 1
- CCJ 6946 - Criminal Justice Internship
3 Credit Hours
Criminal Justice Internship
(may not be repeated for credit) Internship in field of criminology and criminal justice intended to give field observation and experience. This internship is a cooperative effort between the criminal justice program at the University of West Florida and public or private community agencies. The purpose of the internship is to give students the opportunity to apply their education to actual work situations. The student works under the supervision of an agency professional. Course requirements include a research component.
- Two CCJ, CJC, CJE, CJL, CJJ, or DSC Electives
- Three Unrestricted Electives
Option 2
- CCJ 6910 - Criminal Justice Area Paper
3 Credit Hours
Criminal Justice Area Paper
(may not be repeated for credit) Under the direction of the faculty, the student prepares a comprehensive analysis of a topic within criminal justice. The paper will include a critical and comprehensive review of the literature related to the chosen topic. The paper may include a research proposal and/or presentation of research findings.
- Two CCJ, CJC, CJE, CJL, CJJ, or DSC Electives
- Three Unrestricted Electives
- CCJ 6946 - Criminal Justice Internship
Admission Requirements
To be considered for admission into the University of West Florida’s online M.S. in Criminal Justice, you must have a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, criminology or a related field from an accredited institution. Other criteria for admission are outlined below.
- Undergraduate institutional GPA
- Academic preparation as demonstrated by quality and relevance of undergraduate degree major
- Submission of a personal statement written by the applicant, which outlines his/her future career goals in criminal justice and how the degree will help them to achieve the goals. Additional contents of the statement include the applicant’s academic preparation, work history, volunteer experience, activities, and honors or awards received.
- Submission of one letter of recommendation from a current/past professor of the applicant OR two letters of recommendation from supervisors or professional colleagues familiar with the applicant’s ability to succeed in a graduate program
- Submission of a resume or a CV
How to Apply
To apply for admission to this program, you first need to submit an application for graduate admission (plus a $30 application fee) and be accepted for admission into the University of West Florida. Review application deadlines. In addition, you must:
- Submit official transcripts confirming a bachelor’s degree from an institution whose accrediting agency is included on the list of UWF approved accrediting agencies
Have questions about this program or the admissions process? Contact our graduate admissions team at gradadmissions@uwf.edu.
Costs & Financial Aid
| Component | Cost | Total* |
|---|---|---|
| In-state Tuition | $384.60 per credit hour | $12,691.80 |
| In-State Tuition with Maximum Transfer Credits (Up to 6) | $384.60 per credit hour | $11,922.60 |
| Full Out-of-State Tuition | $1,044.24 per credit hour | $34,459.92 |
| 90% Out-of-State Tuition | $478.83 per credit hour | $15,801.39 |
Tuition waivers cover up to 90% of the non-resident portion of your tuition and are available to non-Florida residents (including international students) admitted to online programs and registered for online courses in active pursuit of that degree or certificate. You must pay all other assessed tuition and fees. Review Tuition Waiver Information to learn more.
Time to completion varies by student, depending on individual progress. Fees are charged per semester unless otherwise noted. This program takes up to two semesters to complete, depending on course availability.
Refer to UWF Cost of Attendance Estimates and Financial Literacy for more information on UWF costs and financial aid.
* Tuition and fees are subject to change.
Alabama Differential Out-of-State Tuition
Residents of Alabama are eligible for Alabama Differential Tuition, a reduced out-of-state tuition rate. For more information and to verify residency status for tuition purposes, new undergraduate students should contact the Office of Undergraduate Admissions and new graduate students should contact the Graduate School. Currently enrolled students (undergraduate and graduate) should contact the Office of the Registrar.
Active Duty Military
All active-duty members of the Armed Forces who are residing or are stationed outside the state of Florida shall have all (100%) out-of-state fees waived by the university. Contact the Military and Veterans Resource Center (MVRC) to apply for the Active Duty Military Out-of-State Waiver.
UWF Short-Term Financial Assistance
The University of West Florida provides eligible students with an alternative to paying the full amount of tuition, housing and meal plans at the beginning of each term in the form of an installment payment plan or a short-term loan.
Military Students
UWF is a Military FriendlyⓇ School proudly serving active-duty U.S. military members and veterans. As UWF has been a participant in the Yellow Ribbon Program since 2011, you could be eligible to receive free tuition with your military benefits.
See How We Can Serve YouFinancial Aid
Funding your college education should not empty your wallet. We offer various financial aid options for our online students, including loans, scholarships and grants for degree-seeking students.
Learn More About Financial AidCareer Outcomes
When you complete the online M.S. in Criminal Justice, you can pursue a variety of careers within the field.
* Salary and job outlook information from the Bureau of Labor Statistics and PayScale.
First-Line Supervisors/Managers of Police and Detectives
First-line supervisors and managers of police and detectives oversee law enforcement staff. They are responsible for training and scheduling staff, along with other forms of support. These supervisors and managers earn an average base salary of $99,410.
Security Managers
Security managers supervise staff and ensure security standards, policies and procedures are followed. They can work in a wide range of industries. Security managers earn an average base salary of $76,719.
Federal Agents
Federal agents (special agents) enforce laws at agencies including the FBI, DEA and CIA, among many others. Their responsibilities can vary greatly depending on the agency, job title and role (such as an investigator, background investigator, counterintelligence specialist, etc.). Federal agents earn an average base salary of $87,091.