Online Master of Arts in Criminal Justice (MA)
Learn how public safety leaders apply their expertise to anticipate and diffuse volatile situations. This master’s degree program from American Military University (AMU) examines how the criminal justice system combats a growing number of national and local security issues.
This master’s in criminal justice program focuses on developing a strong foundation of leadership skills through AMU’s interdisciplinary curriculum. Students discuss criminology theories as they review the legal and ethical frameworks our justice system applies to investigate, prosecute, and rehabilitate criminal offenders.
Courses also examine the distinct branches of the U.S. justice system and their interconnected roles. Learners consider how law enforcement agencies, courts, and correctional facilities work toward a shared goal to safeguard citizens.
The program provides insight into myriad national and local security issues as well as effective countermeasures that protect public safety. Coursework offers an advanced understanding of:
- Criminal law
- Juvenile and delinquent behavior
- Security
- Terrorism in a post-9/11 world
Faculty members share real-world experience from their prior and current roles in government, the military, public safety, and corrections.
NOTE: This criminal justice program is not designed to meet the educational requirements for professional licensure or certification in any state. This program has not been approved by any state professional licensing body and does not lead to any state-issued professional license.
Criminal Justice Degree Concentrations
AMU’s curriculum for this master’s in criminal justice incorporates concentration tracks designed to equip students with specialized knowledge and skills. These tracks explore critical issues that public safety leaders must understand, from public policy frameworks to the principles of cross-cultural management.
Select a concentration to learn more.
About the Concentration
A general concentration allows you to take courses across a number of areas of study within your program based on your own interests.
Program Objectives
About the Concentration
Layers on business skills required for effective leadership and management in criminal justice organizations. Covers concepts of accounting principles, financial tools, and economic analysis for effective managerial decision making, while exploring the role of decision-making models and tools for resolving business problems.
Program Objectives
Upon successful completion of this concentration, the student will be able to:
- Develop an understanding of accounting principles, financial tools and economic analysis in order to develop effective decision making skills necessary for an effective manager.
- Compare and contrast the skills to effectively utilize decision making models and tools in order to resolve complex business problems.
- Devise an understanding of the most successful methods of operating management, statistics, research, and management science.
- Synthesize the skills necessary to formulate effective leadership skills and competencies in criminal justice management.
About the Concentration
Probes emergency management principles and theory, including hazard analysis, mitigation, planning, communication, response, recovery, terrorism, and the capabilities and limitations of the emergency management system. Covers effective interagency cooperation at the federal, state, and local levels.
Program Objectives
Upon successful completion of this concentration, the student will be able to:
-
Develop an understanding of emergency management principles and theory.
- Synthesize the public law, regulation, and policies that either facilitate and/or restrict emergency management.
- Devise an understanding of hazard analysis, mitigation, planning, communication, response, recovery and terrorism.
- Summarize the knowledge needed to develop interagency cooperation, what the shortfalls are within interagency efforts and what the principles are for effective inter-organizational behavior and action.
- Compare and contrast the capabilities and limitations of the emergency management system.
Students may complete this master’s degree program with either a comprehensive exam or one of two capstone projects:
- CMRJ698 Comprehensive Examination in Criminal Justice. Students complete an exam that requires the completion of four shorter papers, each addressing a topic or question directly related to the program’s core and major courses.
- CMRJ696 Capstone – Theory to Practice. This final capstone course focuses on the application of criminal justice theory to pillars of the criminal justice system. Students complete two long-form, research papers that address criminal justice theories.
- SSGS696 Master’s Project Capstone Seminar. This final course allows students to address issues of public importance that are related to their own career or profession. The format of this creative project will be proposed by the student and approved by the instructor.
Learn more details about all three final-course options by visiting the course catalog.
AMU’s Criminal Justice Degree Program Provides Career-Relevant Education
This online Master of Arts in Criminal Justice program offers students an in-depth exploration of the justice system and the factors that influence it. Courses examine how criminology research influences police, courts, and corrections.
Students also learn how to:
- Distinguish between the major criminal justice systems and explain how the functions of police, prosecution, courts, and corrections interface
- Analyze biological and psychological theories and philosophies of criminal behavior as they influence modern developments in punishment, sentencing, and corrections
- Evaluate definitions, objectives, and issues of new or emerging criminal threats, such as terrorism, and how they compare and contrast with traditional criminal behavior theories
- Assess the rule of law and changes to it as it pertains to direct and indirect influence and impact on social reactions to crime, corrections, and victims of crime
Coursework examines the organizational, operational, and policy frameworks that shape our country’s criminal justice system. Students explore how leaders within the public safety field help to combat crime at the national and local levels.
This degree prepares graduates to pursue various career paths, including roles as:
- Criminal investigators/federal special agents, who plan and conduct investigations, execute search and arrest warrants, and prepare cases for prosecution
- Fraud examiners/inspectors, who investigate financial crimes and may work for the Office of the Inspector General to identify instances of waste, fraud, and abuse, in addition to preparing affidavits and providing testimonies in court
- Agency administrators, who oversee agency operations, policies, staffing, and programs while ensuring safety and compliance standards
- Border/immigration enforcement professionals, who lead investigations, inspections, and interdiction operations and manage coordination across multiple agencies
AMU’s Master of Arts in Criminal Justice program helps students strengthen their analytical, problem-solving, and leadership skills. Coursework integrates criminological theory and explores the role of research in the criminal justice field.
Students learn how to:
- Evaluate emergent threats across operations and environments to strengthen preparedness and support homeland security response efforts
- Critique U.S. Supreme Court decisions and evaluate their impact on criminal justice agencies and policy oversight
- Analyze ethical principles and professional standards in relation to practical criminal justice settings
- Engage with research findings and analytics to inform operational planning, resource allocation, and performance assessment
Jennifer Made It Happen, Now It's Your Turn.
“ My graduate degree in criminal justice gave me a well-rounded education that I use every day. From forensics to hostage negotiation, there isn’t one class I’ve taken that hasn’t been useful in the field. ”
Army Veteran
MA, Criminal Justice
Browse Core Courses from the Master of Arts in Criminal Justice Curriculum
AMU’s online master’s degree program exercises critical-thinking skills while familiarizing learners with the various functions of criminal justice organizations. Students discuss how law enforcement agencies, courts, and correctional facilities work together to protect public safety and uphold justice.
Core classes explore a broad range of topics, from criminal justice theory to the policies and procedures that today’s police organizations follow. Learners also consider the legal and ethical issues that challenge criminal justice professionals in leadership roles.
Expand Your Network Through AMU’s Criminal Justice Clubs and Other Student Organizations
At AMU, criminal justice students receive not only advanced education, but also the opportunity to build meaningful connections. Learners can engage with classmates and faculty beyond the classroom through the Criminology Club and the Apha Phi Sigma Honor Society. These groups meet regularly and discuss topics like criminal justice research, forensic psychology, and the role of science in criminal justice organizations.
Learn more about clubs, honor societies, and other student organizations at American Military University.
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Learn MoreAMU’s Criminal Justice Degree Program Provides an Affordable Education
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Earning a degree is a valuable investment, but it needs to fit into your budget. Our tuition estimator can help you estimate your tuition and fees, so you can plan a manageable path to your educational goals. For full details, please refer to the financial aid cost of attendance (COA). This estimate does not include course materials, supplies, equipment, software and other expenses such as lab fees. You may eligible for partnership grants through your employer. Speak with your admission representative for more details.
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We offer special rates and grants for eligible students and limit fees to help keep the cost of higher education within reach. Find out how you can save on tuition expenses with our:
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AMU recognizes the value of your service and experience. Our generous transfer credit policy ensures that you get credit for prior college coursework, military education and training, exams, and certifications so you can save time, keep costs low, and stay focused on your education mission.
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In addition to special rates and grants for military servicemembers, veterans, and their families, we also participate in federal financial aid programs for those who qualify. Our Financial Aid Office team can help ensure you have the support you need.
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AMU students may explore private education loans or scholarship options to supplement their education funding. Before pursuing these options, you should complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to learn about your eligibility. We encourage all borrowers to research their choices, review interest rates and repayment terms, and make an informed decision that aligns with their goals.
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As a leader in higher education for the nation’s military and a top choice for veterans using education benefits, AMU proudly accepts Tuition Assistance (TA) and other military education benefits. Our experienced Military Tuition Assistance team can help you understand your eligibility, apply your benefits, and make the most out of your available resources.
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- All AMU master's degree/graduate certificate programs require a bachelor’s degree (or higher) from an institution whose accreditation is recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA®). Please read all graduate admission requirements before applying to this program and be prepared to submit the required documentation.
- There is no fee to complete the AMU admission application for this program. View steps to apply.
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Learn More About AMU’s Criminal Justice Degree Program
Criminal justice programs may therefore be suitable for both military and civilian students seeking the knowledge and abilities typically needed to address complex public safety issues.
Your prior schooling and real-world experience may count toward your criminal justice graduate education. AMU may award academic credit for:
- Previously completed education
- Public safety training and education
- Military service and education
- Government training
- Professional training
- Credit earned through College Level Examination Program (CLEP) or DSST (formerly DANTES Subject Standardized Tests) tests
The University’s Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) program also awards academic credit to students who’ve gained relevant knowledge through practical experience. Please see the University’s transfer credit policy webpage for complete information.
Related Programs
American Military University offers more than 200 career-relevant degree and certificate programs online.
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The University reserves the right to accept or deny credits according to policies outlined on our University website. Please see the University's transfer credit policy webpage for complete information.
The Preferred Military Rate is $250 per credit hour for undergraduate and master's-level courses. This rate is available to all U.S. active-duty servicemembers, National Guard members, Reservists, and military families, including parents, spouses, legal partners, siblings, and dependents.
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