If you have a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, law enforcement, legal studies, or a similar major, the cheapest online criminal justice master’s programs listed below can help you build your knowledge and propel your career further. A master’s degree may not be essential for most law enforcement jobs, but they are measureless in value, especially if you desire a leadership position, a policy-making role, or simply want to improve criminal justice for everyone.
Criminal justice administration is a broad field. There are various types of degrees and many various focus areas, so you can select the exact degree that’s right for your future. From global security to justice policy to criminal psychology, there is a degree that fits your unique interests.
This database consists of 232 programs from 141 colleges and universities. With so many options, you can choose from the cheapest online criminal justice master’s programs or find a program that has the exact coursework you desire.
ARTICLE NAVIGATION: Rankings Table | Career Guide
Average Cost: $20,400
Least Expensive (In-State): Fayetteville State University (North Carolina) – $7,375
Least Expensive (Out-of-State): Georgia College & State University – $8,900
The 86 Cheapest Online Criminal Justice Master’s Programs
| Rank | School / Degree | State | Price | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Fayetteville State University | (NC) | $7,375.00 $16,830.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
2 | Georgia College & State University | (GA) | $8,900.00 | All Students |
3 | Albany State University | (GA) | $9,260.00 | All Students |
4 | Fort Hays State University | (KS) | $9,584.00 | All Students |
5 | Lamar University | (TX) | $10,260.00 | All Students |
6 | East Carolina University | (NC) | $10,426.00 $36,724.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
7 | Valdosta State University | (GA) | $10,548.00 | All Students |
8 | University of the Cumberlands | (KY) | $11,005.00 | All Students |
9 | University of North Georgia | (GA) | $11,208.00 | All Students |
10 |  East Central University | (OK) | $11,690.00 $21,770.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
11 | The University of Texas Permian Basin | (TX) | $11,730.00 | All Students |
12 | University of Central Florida | (FL) | $11,784.00 $41,462.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
13 | Fitchburg State University | (MA) | $12,150.00 | All Students |
14 | Tarleton State University | (TX) | $12,241.00 $24,841.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
15 | University of West Florida | (FL) | $12,692.00 $34,460.00 $12,692.00 | In-State Out-of-State Military |
16 | Northeastern State University | (OK) | $12,724.00 $12,760.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
17 | Texas A & M International University | (TX) | $13,212.00 $37,080.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
18 | Florida Gulf Coast University | (FL) | $13,442.00 $46,824.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
19 | Texas A & M University-Central Texas | (TX) | $13,696.00 $28,384.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
20 | University of Central Missouri | (MO) | $13,815.00 | All Students |
21 | Wichita State University | (KS) | $13,951.00 | All Students |
22 | Missouri State University | (MO) | $14,076.00 | All Students |
23 | Southern Illinois University Edwardsville | (IL) | $14,162.00 | All Students |
23 | Angelo State University | (TX) | $14,162.00 $29,282.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
25 | Troy University | (AL) | $14,250.00 | All Students |
26 | University of Arkansas at Little Rock | (AR) | $14,256.00 $11,700.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military |
27 | Weber State University | (UT) | $14,545.00 $34,213.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
28 | Georgia State University | (GA) | $14,580.00 $40,410.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
29 | New Mexico State University | (NM) | $14,652.00 $8,250.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military |
30 |  William Carey University | (MS) | $14,730.00 | All Students |
31 | Southeast Missouri State University | (MO) | $14,742.00 | All Students |
32 | University of North Alabama | (AL) | $14,850.00 | All Students |
33 | Midwestern State University | (TX) | $14,858.00 | All Students |
34 | Bowling Green State University | (OH) | $15,046.00 $15,376.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
35 | University of Nebraska at Omaha | (NE) | $15,141.00 $30,693.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
36 | Jacksonville State University | (AL) | $15,162.00 $10,002.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military |
37 | Auburn University at Montgomery | (AL) | $15,170.00 $16,520.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
38 | University of South Florida | (FL) | $15,227.00 $29,937.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
39 | Marshall University | (WV) | $15,270.00 | All Students |
40 | Austin Peay State University | (TN) | $15,780.00 $25,331.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
41 | University of Missouri-Kansas City | (MO) | $16,263.00 $23,583.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
42 | University of North Texas | (TX) | $16,418.00 $23,575.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
43 | University of Louisiana at Monroe | (LA) | $16,500.00 | All Students |
43 | Dallas Baptist University | (TX) | $16,500.00 | All Students |
45 | Missouri Baptist University | (MO) | $16,620.00 | All Students |
46 | University of Houston-Victoria | (TX) | $16,631.00 $31,751.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
47 | University of Southern Mississippi | (MS) | $16,654.00 | All Students |
48 | University of Alabama at Birmingham | (AL) | $16,710.00 | All Students |
49 | University of Southern Indiana | (IN) | $16,740.00 | All Students |
50 | Indiana State University | (IN) | $16,800.00 $21,660.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
51 | Florida International University | (FL) | $16,818.00 $36,476.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
52 | Fairmont State University | (WV) | $16,860.00 | All Students |
53 |  Concordia University-Saint Paul | (MN) | $17,100.00 $12,600.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military |
54 | Minnesota State University-Moorhead | (MN) | $17,231.00 | All Students |
55 | Lincoln Memorial University | (TN) | $17,240.00 | All Students |
56 | Trine University | (IN) | $17,250.00 | All Students |
57 | University of South Carolina-Upstate | (SC) | $17,578.00 $37,610.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
58 | University of Houston-Downtown | (TX) | $17,798.00 $31,118.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
59 | Charleston Southern University | (SC) | $17,880.00 | All Students |
60 | Averett University | (VA) | $17,930.00 | All Students |
61 | Salem State University | (MA) | $17,971.00 $21,298.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
62 | McNeese State University | (LA) | $18,074.00 $20,074.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
63 | Keystone College | (PA) | $18,100.00 | All Students |
64 | Columbia College - SC | (SC) | $18,150.00 | All Students |
65 | Lindenwood University | (MO) | $18,183.00 | All Students |
66 | Indiana State University | (IN) | $18,200.00 $23,465.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
67 | University of Alaska Fairbanks | (AK) | $18,600.00 | All Students |
68 | Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania | (PA) | $18,630.00 $20,790.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
69 | Pennsylvania Western University | (PA) | $18,768.00 $20,643.00 $15,492.00 | In-State Out-of-State Military |
70 | Bethel University - TN | (TN) | $18,970.00 | All Students |
71 | CUNY John Jay College of Criminal Justice | (NY) | $19,042.00 $22,462.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
72 | Eastern Kentucky University | (KY) | $19,080.00 | All Students |
73 | Wilmington University | (DE) | $19,084.00 | All Students |
74 | Southern University and A & M College | (LA) | $19,260.00 | All Students |
75 | Hardin-Simmons University | (TX) | $19,290.00 | All Students |
76 | The University of Tennessee - Martin | (TN) | $19,320.00 $21,060.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
77 |  Fisher College | (MA) | $19,605.00 | All Students |
78 | Methodist University | (NC) | $19,620.00 | All Students |
79 | East Tennessee State University | (TN) | $19,800.00 | All Students |
80 | University of North Dakota | (ND) | $19,802.00 | All Students |
81 | Wayland Baptist University | (TX) | $19,888.00 | All Students |
82 | University of Massachusetts-Lowell | (MA) | $19,920.00 | All Students |
83 | Mercer University | (GA) | $20,010.00 | All Students |
84 | Faulkner University | (AL) | $20,150.00 | All Students |
85 | The University of Tennessee - Chattanooga | (TN) | $20,388.00 $22,080.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
86 | Middle Tennessee State University | (TN) | $20,394.00 $29,568.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
| School / Degree | State | Price | Note | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
University of Memphis | (TN) | $20,559.00 | All Students | |
Bellevue University | (NE) | $20,570.00 | All Students | |
Boston University | (MA) | $20,720.00 | All Students | |
Kent State University | (OH) | $20,730.00 $21,030.00 | In-State Out-of-State | |
Xavier University | (OH) | $21,120.00 | All Students | |
California State University-San Bernardino | (CA) | $21,372.00 $38,004.00 | In-State Out-of-State | |
Colorado Christian University | (CO) | $21,384.00 $12,600.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military | |
Excelsior University | (NY) | $21,450.00 $10,290.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military | |
Franklin University | (OH) | $21,525.00 | All Students | |
Sam Houston State University | (TX) | $21,543.00 | All Students | |
 Liberty University | (VA) | $21,636.00 $10,000.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military | |
Washburn University | (KS) | $21,647.00 | All Students | |
Tiffin University | (OH) | $21,800.00 $10,550.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military | |
Lewis University | (IL) | $22,180.00 | All Students | |
Anna Maria College | (MA) | $22,209.00 | All Students | |
University of Colorado Denver | (CO) | $22,254.00 $26,538.00 | In-State Out-of-State | |
University of Cincinnati | (OH) | $22,353.00 $22,803.00 | In-State Out-of-State | |
Pennsylvania Western University | (PA) | $22,522.00 $24,772.00 $18,590.00 | In-State Out-of-State Military | |
Claflin University | (SC) | $22,552.00 | All Students | |
University of Oklahoma | (OK) | $22,605.00 | All Students | |
University of Wisconsin-Platteville | (WI) | $22,713.00 | All Students | |
 Southern New Hampshire University | (NH) | $22,932.00 $16,920.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military | |
Delaware Valley University | (PA) | $23,040.00 | All Students | |
Lasell University | (MA) | $23,364.00 | All Students | |
Norwich University | (VT) | $23,625.00 $19,185.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military | |
Boston University | (MA) | $24,080.00 | All Students | |
Mississippi College | (MS) | $24,200.00 $11,250.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military | |
Lynn University | (FL) | $24,250.00 | All Students | |
Saint Leo University | (FL) | $24,740.00 | All Students | |
DeSales University | (PA) | $24,870.00 | All Students | |
 Michigan State University | (MI) | $24,960.00 | All Students | |
Rowan University | (NJ) | $24,998.00 | All Students | |
Texas Southern University | (TX) | $25,000.00 | All Students | |
Western Oregon University | (OR) | $25,065.00 | All Students | |
Johnson & Wales University | (RI) | $25,260.00 | All Students | |
Saint Joseph's University | (PA) | $25,350.00 | All Students | |
Salve Regina University | (RI) | $25,695.00 | All Students | |
University of Colorado - Colorado Springs | (CO) | $25,780.00 $29,700.00 | In-State Out-of-State | |
Webster University | (MO) | $26,380.00 $14,140.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military | |
Mercyhurst University | (PA) | $26,820.00 | All Students | |
University of Michigan - Dearborn | (MI) | $28,070.00 $50,000.00 | In-State Out-of-State | |
Lenoir-Rhyne University | (NC) | $28,110.00 | All Students | |
Youngstown State University | (OH) | $28,445.00 | All Students | |
University of Louisville | (KY) | $28,476.00 | All Students | |
Nova Southeastern University | (FL) | $28,980.00 | All Students | |
Madonna University | (MI) | $29,500.00 | All Students | |
Pennsylvania State University | (PA) | $30,510.00 | All Students | |
Saint Elizabeth University | (NJ) | $31,205.00 | All Students | |
Northeastern University | (MA) | $32,352.00 | All Students | |
Albertus Magnus College | (CT) | $32,424.00 | All Students | |
University of the Incarnate Word | (TX) | $33,090.00 $7,590.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military | |
Chaminade University of Honolulu | (HI) | $33,695.00 $32,550.00 $34,350.00 | In-State Out-of-State Military | |
Texas Christian University | (TX) | $34,350.00 | All Students | |
Hawaii Pacific University | (HI) | $34,390.00 $17,470.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military | |
National University | (CA) | $34,650.00 | All Students | |
University of New Haven | (CT) | $37,980.00 | All Students | |
Roger Williams University | (RI) | $40,701.00 | All Students | |
Seattle University | (WA) | $46,819.00 | All Students | |
University of Southern California | (CA) | $54,023.00 | All Students |
Methodology for Rankings of the Cheapest Online Criminal Justice Master’s Programs
These rankings of online criminal justice master’s programs are based on our spring 2024 review of degrees. In order to calculate the total cost, we use a variety of factors including minimum required credit hours, tuition rates, and general fees. At the time of collection, the information was valid and specific to the individual program. Profiles for the same degrees found in the directory on our site may, on occasion, reflect a different cost based on editorial update schedules.
The published cost is an estimated total price for the entire degree, but actual costs will vary by student. For example, if you have transfer credits, your cost may be lower. Prerequisite courses, textbook fees, licensing requirements, financial aid, and numerous other factors can impact the price of an online criminal justice master’s degree.
We strive to create the most honest, accurate ranking system possible. Therefore, we do not accept payments from schools to be included or removed from our rankings. The rankings are open to any regionally-accredited public or nonprofit college or university that offers an online criminal justice degree. We do not include degrees from non-accredited, nationally-accredited, or for-profit schools in our rankings. We also exclude from our rankings degrees that are available less than 80% online and those that are only available to students in five states or fewer.
Program Note: In order to qualify for a ranking, the online criminal justice program must be regionally accredited. Additional programmatic accreditation is noted in the rank table. Degrees labeled with superscript 14 indicate that options for this program have changed since publication.
Why Choose One of the Cheapest Online Criminal Justice Master’s Programs?
Here are three of the top reasons to enroll in a master’s degree criminal justice online:
- Improve the criminal justice system: The criminal justice system is always evolving to meet the changing needs of society. After completing one of these criminal justice master’s programs online, you are prepared to lead this change and create a better system for everyone.
- Enhance earning potential: Income will vary depending on your experience, skills, dedication, and the specific job, but people with a master’s degree statistically earn more compared to people with a bachelor’s.
- Become a respected leader: If you desire a leadership role in criminal justice, you’ll need experience and a commitment to the profession. A master’s degree can build your knowledge and help you become a strong leader in this important field.
Program Cost for Online Criminal Justice Master’s Programs
With well over 200 programs in this database, there is a huge range of prices for these programs. Many have prices above the database average, but dozens of programs have prices far below.
The average cost for these criminal justice online master’s programs is $20,400. Most of these degrees (but not all) are completed during two years (four semesters) of study. This means a typical student can expect around $10,200 in annual prices. This cost will fluctuate depending on the school you attend, though.
The cheapest online criminal justice master’s program comes from Fayetteville State University in North Carolina. In-state students have an estimated cost of $7,375, although out-of-state students pay $16,830 for the degree.
For students from any location, the most affordable online master’s degree is the Master of Science in Criminal Justice from Fayetteville State University. This degree has an estimated price of $8,900, which is available to all students regardless of state residency.
On the other hand, some programs are priced far above the average. The least affordable online master is the Master of Science in Criminal Justice from the University of Southern California, which has an estimated cost of $54,023.
If you need an affordable price on your online master’s degree, the best option is an in-state public school. Costs vary by program, but public schools within your state usually have the lowest tuition.
Who Offers the Most Affordable Criminal Justice Program?
With over 230 online programs in this database, we can’t go over every single program. We can, however, take a brief look at the three cheapest online criminal justice master’s programs:
#1. Fayetteville State University
Degree: Master of Science in Criminal Justice
Cost: $7,374 (In-state, North Carolina)
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
This program develops skills in research, crime theory, and criminal justice management. Graduates are prepared for professional and research positions, working in a range of occupations. It also prepares students for further advancement into a doctoral program. Students can select either a thesis option, which is ideal for aspiring doctoral candidates, or a professional option, which supports immediate job placement in criminal justice leadership roles.
This program provides numerous online resources. There is help for using Canvas, the school’s online learning system. There are also online tutors, exam resources, and conferencing tools.
#2. Georgia College & State University
Degree: Master of Science in Criminal Justice
Cost: $8,900 (All students)
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
If you are looking to advance your criminal justice career or need to develop skills in social services, law enforcement, or criminal law issues, this program is a great option. The estimated cost of $8,900 is available to all students from any location, so students in all states can take advantage of the low price.
This affordable program focuses on the various aspects of policing, criminal justice, public policy, criminology, criminal justice theory, and other important factors. Graduates can analyze criminal justice issues and make well-informed leadership decisions.
#3. Albany State University
Degree: Master of Science in Criminal Justice (Corrections, Forensic Sciences, Law Enforcement, Public Administration)
Cost: $9,260 (All students)
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
This affordable program offers a wide variety of options. Students enrolled in this master of science program can choose one of four specializations: corrections, forensic sciences, public administration, and law enforcement. Each has its own unique coursework, although students in all programs complete a handful of core courses that are universal to all.
There is a thesis option for these programs. Students can complete a thesis or, if they choose, can complete additional coursework, such as criminal justice technology or program review.
Master’s Degree Program Types
If you are enrolling in one of the top-ranked criminal justice graduate programs, you need to find a degree that fits your specific skills, interests, and background, both academic and professional.
First, you should select the right type of degree. This could mean a master of arts or master of science, or it could be a more unique type, such as a master of professional studies.
Here are the common types of online master’s programs in criminal justice:
Master of Arts
Along with a master of science, this is the most common type of graduate degree. A master of arts, regardless of the major, takes a broad perspective and usually includes theoretical, historical, and philosophical issues.
Master of Science
A master of science focuses on scientific principles. Subjects in a master of science in criminal justice may include crime patterns and criminal behavior, as well as the science of solving crimes.
Master of Professional Studies
This type of program combines traditional graduate degrees with specialized training. It includes a broad study of the subject as well as industry-specific skills.
Master of Criminal Justice
This is a degree designed precisely for professionals working in criminal justice. It takes a narrow, focused approach to crime, law enforcement practices, and leadership within the criminal justice system.
Executive Master of Science
The primary goal of this type of program is advancement in criminal justice. Students complete coursework designed for strong leadership and executive decision-making within criminal justice and the legal system.
Concentrations
In addition to the degree type, you can select from a variety of specializations:
- Global security
- Campus event and organizational safety
- Leadership and management
- Corrections
- Corrections management
- Cybercrime
- Justice administration
- Justice policy
- Criminology
- Forensic psychology
- Crime science
- Homeland security
- Federal law enforcement
- Crime analysis
- Behavioral science
- Crisis management
- Public service
- Justice studies
- Victimology
With so many options, aspiring criminal justice leaders can find the exact degree for their specific needs.
Accreditation for Criminal Justice Administration Programs
If you are spending thousands of dollars (often tens of thousands of dollars) on one of these online criminal justice master’s programs, how can you be certain that you’re getting a quality degree? How can you know that your money is being spent on a reliable education from a world-class institution? Above all, look for accreditation.
Accreditation, which is essentially quality control for schools and degrees, is an important part of academia. Independent groups approved by the U.S. Department of Education review schools and grant institutional accreditation. This form of accreditation covers the entire college or university.
All the criminal justice programs in this database have regional institutional accreditation, which is so named because it’s granted by regional organizations like the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges and the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.
There is also a form called programmatic accreditation, granted by subject-specific groups. This form of accreditation is less common, and none of the programs in this database are programmatically accredited. As long as they have institutional accreditation, they are verified to deliver a quality education.
Typical Admission Requirements for a Master’s in Criminal Justice
If you want to enroll in a master’s degree criminal justice online program, then you’ll need to meet a specific set of requirements. While each school has its own standards, there are some consistent requirements for these programs.
The primary requirement is a bachelor’s degree. Master’s programs are the next step in the academic ladder, so you’ll need a four-year degree before you can enroll in these two-year programs.
Master’s degrees are elite-level educations, so many have GPA requirements as well. Requirements of a 2.75 or 3.0 GPA are typical. For some programs, these requirements are merely recommended; it may not be a hard and fast rule, but having the recommended GPA increases your chances of unconditional acceptance.
Graduate programs require a variety of enrollment documents. In addition to college transcripts, you’ll also need to submit multiple letters of recommendation written by former or current teachers or criminal justice supervisors.
You’ll also need a statement of purpose, which describes your motivation for seeking a master’s degree in criminal justice online.
From start to finish, the enrollment process is longer and more detailed than the process for a bachelor’s degree. Prepare early and gather all documents as soon as possible so you can start your criminal justice program as soon as possible.
Licensing, Training, or Experience Requirements to Work in the Criminal Justice System
A master’s degree is not a requirement for most criminal justice jobs. Police officers, for instance, need specialized training at a law enforcement academy; an advanced degree, however, is not necessary.
At the same time, employment in certain positions within criminal justice organizations is enhanced by these degrees. Special agents working for law enforcement groups like the FBI often have master’s degrees. Leaders, such as police chiefs, are more likely to have graduate degrees as well.
While a master’s degree can advance your career, leaders also need experience. Managers of all types need roughly five to ten years of industry experience, but a master’s degree may reduce this requirement.
Salary and Career Information for Criminal Justice Professionals
Occupation | Expected Growth | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Lawyer | 8% | $135,740 |
| Information Security Analyst | 32% | $112,000 |
| Emergency Management Director | 3% | $83,960 |
| Police Officer or Detective | 3% | $69,160 |
| Probation Officer | 3% | $59,860 |
| Corrections Officer | -7% | $49,610 |
| All Occupations | 3% | $46,310 |
Few people enter the criminal justice field for the salary alone. This is a higher-calling profession that goes beyond mere dollars. But, with a master’s degree, there is potential for higher incomes. As you can see from the table above, advanced legal, law enforcement, and public safety careers can bring strong salaries.
With a master’s degree, you can expect an excellent income. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median weekly income for someone with a bachelor’s degree is $1,493. This translates to $77,636 annually. That’s a wonderful income, but the median weekly income for someone with a master’s degree (all subjects and professions) is $1,737. This translates to $90,324 per year. So for an additional two years of study (or less), you can boost your annual income by roughly $12,688. By choosing one of the cheapest online criminal justice master’s programs, you can make a wise investment for your future.
One of the benefits of a criminal justice career is that the skills are needed everywhere. From rural communities to major cities, from coast to coast and border to border, there is a constant need for law enforcement, criminal justice, and legal expertise. With a master’s degree in criminal justice, you can find employment in any region.
With so many degree types, specializations, and career options, pinning down a specific income is difficult. But we can, within reason, say that graduates of online criminal justice master’s programs with knowledge of various legal aspects are well positioned for healthy incomes and steady employment.
How Do I Choose a Good Online Criminal Justice Master Program?
This database includes over 230 affordable criminal justice master’s programs online, so making the choice can be overwhelming. Fortunately, there are some strategies you can use to find the ideal program.
Firstly, start by using the resources in this database. All the programs come from accredited colleges and universities, so you know you’re getting a quality degree from a legitimate educational institution. You’ll also find reliable cost information for both in- and out-of-state students, making your research even easier.
Once you find a few programs that fit your budget and career goals, research the degrees for class schedule and delivery method. All the programs in this database are at least 80% online; most are 100% online. However, you’ll need to make sure the course requirements fit into your current schedule.
If you have more questions about the criminal justice online master’s programs, then our website is a great resource. It’s jam-packed with useful information, explanations, and facts. GetEducated.com can help you advance your criminal justice career by providing information on cost-friendly, quality online degrees.