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Lead the Criminal Justice Field Forward

ÇÑ×ÓÊÓƵ’s online Applied Leadership in Criminal Justice (ALCJ) Program will provide you with practical application and training for numerous types of employment within the criminal justice field - as well as opportunities for promotional advancement. This unique program focuses on development of culturally-relevant knowledge and sustainable skill sets for meaningful work in the criminal justice field.

ÇÑ×ÓÊÓƵ's Criminal Justice Program

The Graduate Criminal Justice Program at ÇÑ×ÓÊÓƵ University, which is housed within the School of Education & Applied Social Sciences, is dedicated to the preparation of criminal justice practitioners who:

• Engage with diverse populations and individuals.
• Develop unique policy and programming opportunities directed at preventative and rehabilitative efforts. 
• Value evidence-based practices.
• Communicate effectively and in culturally appropriate ways.
• Advocate for socially-conscious change within criminal justice institutions.

Why Earn Your Applied Leadership in Criminal Justice M.A. at ÇÑ×ÓÊÓƵ?

• 30 credit online master’s can be completed online in 1 year - or at a slower pace if that suits your schedule better.
• Online courses are asynchronous - so you don’t have to commit to specific class times. This makes it easy to work full-time while completing your degree.
• No GMAT or GRE required for admission to the program.
• ÇÑ×ÓÊÓƵ offers graduate students financial aid, tuition discounts and comprehensive enrollment support.
• Expert faculty with academic expertise and practical experience in criminology and criminal justice who will get to know you and help you succeed.
• You will receive consistent 1 to 1 support from an academic advisor, keeping you on track for graduation and career goals.
• ÇÑ×ÓÊÓƵ's Career and Professional Development Center can assist you with everything from optimizing your resume to finding a position – and the Center will continue to be available to you after you graduate.
• Tuition discounts for ÇÑ×ÓÊÓƵ alumni, employees of ÇÑ×ÓÊÓƵ Employer Partners, first responders and people working in law enforcement, and active and former members of the military. 

After Earning This Degree, You'll Be Prepared to:

• Work effectively and provide beneficial leadership within diverse populations and organizations.
• Analyze the impact of cultural, political, and social implications on various organizations within the criminal justice system.
• Engage in collaborative opportunities with communities, colleagues, and stakeholders within criminal justice organizations. 
• Investigate complex ethical issues as well as values-based services in a professional setting and design resolutions to address those issues. 
• Recommend explanations - and possible solutions - for historical and current issues being faced by the criminal justice system.  
• Conduct and evaluate research.
• Understand and implement evidence-based and rehabilitative approaches.
• Communicate effectively. 

Solid Career Outlook

Career opportunities for graduates with this degree are diverse and come with a range of competitive salaries. They include advanced and leadership positions in:

• Law Enforcement: Local, State & Federal
• Legal System
• Corrections 
• Probation & Parole
• Court System: State & Federal
• Private Security
• Private Investigations
• Social & Community Services

Convenient Program Format & Flexible Time Commitment

This online program can be  completed:

• Within 1 year on a full-time basis, if you take 2 courses during each 8-week session from August to May (M1 – M5). 
• Over 2 years on a part-time basis, if you take 1 course during each 8-week session from August to May (M1 – M5) for two academic years. 

View ÇÑ×ÓÊÓƵ’s academic calendar for specific session dates.

Streamlined Admission Requirements

• A completed graduate study application form. (Apply online now for free!)
• A bachelor's degree in criminology, criminal justice or a related discipline from an accredited institution and official undergraduate transcripts from all institutions attended.
• Official transcript(s) from any institution(s) in which postbaccalaureate or graduate course work was completed.
• One letter of recommendation from an appropriate professional.
• A current resume.
• A personal statement explaining how this ÇÑ×ÓÊÓƵ graduate program can help you accomplish your professional goals.

In addition to the admission requirements above, applicants to the M.A. in Applied Leadership in Criminal Justice must have:

• Maintained a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75 while earning an undergraduate degree.
• Completed at least 3 credits of statistics and 3 credits of English composition.

Students who do not meet the course requirements may complete them concurrently during the Summer Session, either at ÇÑ×ÓÊÓƵ or another accredited institution. 

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, and new cohorts matriculate every fall.