CU’s affordable online criminal justice degree gives students the skills they need to make a positive impact on criminal and social justice.
Ranked 4th Most Affordable Among Christian Colleges in U.S.
Program Details
Next Start Date: 1/15/2025
Course Length: 8 Weeks
Estimated Length: 2 Years
M.S. Criminal Justice Overview
The fully online criminal justice degree from Campbellsville University provides you with a strong foundation in the principles and concepts of criminal and social justice so that you can advance your career. Upon graduation, you will be able to immediately apply your knowledge of the law to the real world and will have expanded your career opportunities.
Our master’s in criminal justice is ideal for the working practitioners who are currently involved in nonprofits, social advocacy and social justice positions, specifically those who focus on wrongful convictions and criminal justice reform. If you are not currently working in the field but are working toward a doctorate, you can also greatly benefit from the online program. Additionally, the curriculum offers traditional academic criminology education and teaches you about law enforcement reform.
The program offers you the opportunity to further your knowledge of the law, criminology, victimology and other subjects that are important to criminal justice. As a graduate, you can then go out into the workforce equipped with the skills to influence positive change. The curriculum integrates ethical, Christian teaching practices.
Campbellsville University is fully accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
“As a three-time graduate from Campbellsville University, having been both a traditional and online student, I can say the fully-online program was good and life-changing. I would highly recommend CU Online for anyone wanting to find their calling in life.”
– Joe Milazzo
Course Map
The online Master of Science in Criminal Justice Program is a 36 credit-hour program that requires 18 credit hours in core criminal justice courses, 12 credit hours in electives and an option to complete 6 credit hours thesis requirement or 6 credit hours in practicum with a comprehensive exam.
- CJ 505 – Ethics and Leadership in Criminal Justice Organizations (Credits:3)
- CJ 518 – Criminal Justice in Society (Credits:3)
- CJ 520 – Contemporary Issues in Criminology (Credits:3)
- CJ 530 – Advanced Criminological Theory (Credits:3)
- CJ 544 – Introduction to Graduate Statistics (Credits: 3)
- CJ 562 – Research Methods (Credits: 3)
- CJ 521 – Theories of Community and Social Change (Credits: 3)
- CJ 525 – Social Stratification (Credits:3)
- CJ 542 – Race and Ethnic Relations (Credits: 3)
- CJ 550 – Victimology (Credits: 3)
- CJ 575 – Advanced Correctional Theory and Practice (Credits: 3)
- CJ 580 – Special Topics (Credits: 3)
- CJ 585 – Serial Killers (Credits: 3)
- CJ 605 – Introduction to Program Evaluation (Credits: 3)
- CJ 611 – Program Evaluation II (Credits: 3)
- CJ 620 – Seminar in Criminal Justice (Credits: 3)
- CJ 622 – Research Methods for Community Change (Credits: 3)
- CJ 625 – Policing and Immigration (Credits: 3)
- CJ 630 – Crime Control and Environmental Design (Credits: 3)
- CJ 635 – Law and Society
- BA 614 – Human Resources (Credits: 3)
- BA 617 – Organizational Leadership (Credits: 3)
- BA 620 – Finance Management (Credits: 3)
- SWK 615 – World Problems and Advocacy (Credits: 3)
Exit Requirements:
For your exit requirements, you are to select between a thesis option and non-thesis option with a practicum and comprehensive exam.Thesis Option: 6 hours
CJ 600 – Thesis I (Credits: 3)
CJ 601 – Thesis II (Credits: 3)
CJ 699 – Thesis Continuation (Credits: 0)Non-Thesis Option: 6 hours
CJ 612 – Practicum 1 (Credits: 3)
CJ 613 – Practicum II (Credits:3)Note: Comprehensive Exam will be part of Practicum II
*Requirement that whoever is supervising their Practicum has at least a Master’s degree*
Admissions Requirements
To apply to Campbellsville’s criminal justice program, prospective students must submit or complete the following:
- Complete the online application
- All official college transcripts from each college or university previously or currently attended
- GRE exam scores – Must be taken by students with a cumulative GPA under 3.0
- Students with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 will not have to take the GRE or GMAT, nor will students who majored in criminal justice with a GPA of 3.0 in criminal justice courses
- Two letters of recommendation from current or past supervisors, professors, or other professionals who can attest to the student’s qualifications
- At least one of the recommendation letters should come from academic areas (e.g., academic advisors, major professors)
- Statement of career goals (maximum 1,000 words) stating the reason for applying to the Master of Science in Criminal Justice program and future plans with this degree
- International students: must show proficiency in English as a Second Language through the TOEFL exam (Test of English as a Foreign Language)
- The minimum acceptable score on the TOEFL is 550 for the paper-based exam, 213 on the computer-based exam, or a 79-80 on the internet-based exam.
- International transcript evaluation by WES (World Education Services) is required.
- International students who do not hold a permanent resident visa in the United States must submit evidence of financial support before an I-20 form can be processed.
Costs & Financial Aid
The online criminal justice degree costs $445 per credit hour. In order to help students afford their education, Campbellsville University’s staff is available to work with students to discover available financial aid options.
Students can fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to find out what scholarships, grants, loans and payment plans are available for them. There are numerous options available, and not all financial aid is based on need.
A maximum of 12 credit hours from a regionally accredited college or university can be transferred into this program.
Transfer Friendly: You can transfer up to 16 credits of law enforcement training from the Kentucky Department of Criminal Justice.
Campbellsville University is a military-friendly school and a proud member of the Yellow Ribbon program. Students who are currently serving at home or abroad or are veterans can further their education in a conducive online environment.
Careers in Criminal Justice
Graduates of Campbellsville’s criminal justice online program can seek numerous advanced criminal justice careers. Some of the potential career outcomes include:
- Police and detective supervisor
- Forensic psychologist
- Criminologist
- District attorney
Why Choose CU?
Campbellsville University Online seeks to provide an affordable faith-based education that fosters personal and professional growth for its students. Learning in small, 100% online classes, you'll have opportunities to connect one-on-one with expert professors who prioritize your success and value the experience you bring to the table. From day one, you'll also benefit from Campbellsville's student services, including a personal online academic advisor who will provide tailored assistance on your journey toward graduation. Access further support in the areas of mental health, career and finance, life management, technical resources and more. Finish strong with CU.
Learn MoreBenefits of Learning Online
Choosing to finish your degree 100% online means having the flexibility to study at the times and places that are most convenient for you. You'll learn from supportive, expert faculty members who are experienced in their fields and deliver the wellrounded education you need to take the next step in your career. Campbellsville is committed to the quality of its online courses and offers a dynamic selection of degree programs that are accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Frequently Asked Questions
Still have questions? We’re here to help. Visit our Frequently Asked Questions page for more information.
- Yes, you can. CU honors your educational journey with a generous transfer credit policy that empowers you to make the most of your earned credits. Upon your admission to Campbellsville University, we'll complete a transfer credit evaluation to find out how many of your credits will apply toward your degree. For more information, visit our transfer students page.
- Yes. Your first step is to complete the FAFSA form, and then we will determine your eligibility for any financial aid. Our school code is 001959. Visit our financial aid page to learn more about your options, which include scholarships and grants.
- You can apply to our 100% online degree programs through the online application form. Remember to submit official copies of your high school and/or college transcripts, along with any other required documentation that is specific to your degree program. You can visit the admissions process page to learn more about what to expect throughout the process.
Resources
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