Accredited Degrees

Degree Requirements: Criminal justice is a highly rewarding career option in the career world. A master degree of science in criminal justice from Capella University increases knowledge and exposure in the fields of criminal justice, corrections, and the judicial and court systems. Students are required to have a bachelor degree from an accredited institution with a 2.30 cumulative GPA or higher before admittance into the master program at Capella. Once in the master program, students are required to take 12 credits of core courses which include surveys of public safety issues, research and methodologies, and public safety awareness. Additionally, 24 credits are specialization courses including courses in probation and corrections, policy analysis, and criminal profiling. The remaining courses needed to complete the degree program are 12 hours of electives. The degree program, which consists of a total of 48 credits, has a tuition rate of $440 per credit hour. Capella University offers financial aid options for students that meet the requirements.

Degree Benefits: This program is designed to teach student to specialize in topics such as human and criminal behavior, corrections, the justice system, public policy, criminal law, the legal process, the judicial and court systems, the law, and policing and law enforcement in our communities. A master degree in criminal justice is a good way to learn and understand more, while furthering your career and the possibilities of promotions and advancements in the workforce. Many students with a master degree in criminal justice take on occupations such as corrections and law enforcement officers, investigators, or specialists for victims and/or youths. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employees of these jobs with a master degree earn median annual salaries ranging from $42,000 to over $100,000 depending on job, experience and in the area in which you work.