CU’s affordable online justice studies 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: 7/3/2023
Course Length: 8 Weeks
Estimated Length: 2 Years
M.S. Justice Studies Overview
The fully online justice studies 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 justice studies 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 has an emphasis on social justice and integrates ethical, Christian teaching practices.
Furthermore, you can choose from two tracks to tailor your degree to better suit your needs: criminology or public service leadership and social justice. With the criminology track, you will investigate the leading research methods used within the field, the contemporary issues regarding criminology and advanced criminology theory. The public service leadership and social justice track explores organizational leadership, how criminal justice affects and works in a diverse society, the theories concerning community and social reform and the various research methods used for community change.
Campbellsville University is fully accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
Course Map
The online justice studies degree from Campbellsville University consists of 36 credit hours—15 credits of core curriculum courses, 18 credits in either track, plus an elective course. The program can be completed within two years.
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- CJ 500: Leadership in a Diverse Society
- CJ 562: Research Methods
- CJ 544: Introduction to Statistics
- CJ 525: Social Stratification
- CJ 505: Ethics and Leadership in Criminal Justice Organizations
All students are required to complete a thesis.
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- CJ 520: Contemporary Issues in Criminology
- CJ 530: Advanced Criminology Theory
- CJ 600: Applied Thesis I
- CJ 601: Applied Thesis II
- CJ 622: Research Methods for Community Change
- CJ 635: Law and Society
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- BA 617: Organizational Leadership
- CJ 518: Criminal Justice in a Diverse Society
- CJ 521: Theories of Community and Social Change
- CJ 575: Advanced Correctional Theory and Practice
- CJ 580: Special Topics
- CJ 622: Research Methods for Community Change
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- BA 620: Finance Management
- BA 614: Human Resource Management
- CJ 550: Victimology
- CJ 585: Serial Killers
- CJ 620: Seminar in Criminal Justice
- CJ 625: Policing and Immigration
- CJ 630: Crime Control and Environmental Design
- SOC/CJ 542: Race and Ethnic Relations
- SWK 615: World Problems & Advocacy
With department approval, students can take an upper level BA, SOC, or PSY course to fulfill the elective requirement
Admissions Requirements
To apply to Campbellsville’s justice studies program, prospective students must submit or complete the following:
- Complete the online application
- Official Transcript Request Form (via Adobe Sign). In most cases, this will allow us to request your transcripts on your behalf.
- 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 sports management with a GPA of 3.0 in sports management 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 Justice Studies 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 justice studies degree costs $432 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.
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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.
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A maximum of 12 credit hours from a regionally accredited college or university can be transferred into this program.
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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 Justice Studies
Graduates of Campbellsville’s justice studies 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 CU Online?
Focused on Your Growth
Our well-rounded education in the arts and sciences is central to our goal of fostering your personal and professional growth.
Faith-Based Education
Founded in 1906 as a Christian university, we welcome diverse perspectives and prepare students to become Christian servant leaders.
Affordable and Convenient
Campbellsville seeks to provide an affordable education for its students. Our online degree programs are in a convenient format, so you can study whenever and wherever you want.
Accreditation
Campbellsville University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award certificates, associate, baccalaureate, master's and doctoral degrees. Contact the Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097 or call 404-679-4500 for questions about the status of Campbellsville University.
Benefits of Learning Online
Campbellsville University offers several dynamic online degrees so that students can continue their education and hone their skills. Campbellsville’s online campus has been recognized as one of the best by numerous outlets. The institution’s faculty members have real-world experience in their fields, so students can get a glimpse of working in their prospective career. Students can also conveniently fit online coursework into their busy schedules.
Frequently Asked Questions
Still have questions? Visit our Frequently Asked Questions page for more information.
- Yes. We offer a generous transfer policy for our online degree programs. Visit our Transfer Students page for more information.
- Yes. You will have to complete the FAFSA form, and we will then determine your eligibility for any financial aid. Visit our financial aid page to learn more about your options, which include scholarships and grants.
- You can apply to our 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.