Whether you’re already working in the field or want to switch paths, Walden’s criminal justice master’s programs can prepare you for the next step of your journey. Study criminal justice theory while building practical skills you can apply immediately on the job. Learn from distinguished faculty who infuse their teaching with real-world insights.
Our criminal justice master’s programs give you the chance to explore topics that matter most today—including homeland security, emergency management, and law enforcement. Media-rich coursework brings learning to life and helps prepare you for scenarios you’ll encounter in the work setting.
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A master’s degree can enable you to pursue management and leadership roles in the criminal justice field. You could work in parole or probation management, or as a police or detective supervisor, an advocate for victims, a prison warden, or a government agent, including working for the FBI, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the U.S. Marshals Service, or the border patrol. You could also work in security planning and management, loss prevention, cybersecurity, or emergency planning and management.
Walden’s MS in Criminal Justice degree program can be completed in a year and three months, depending on a student’s individual progress. If you choose the Tempo Learning® option for the Public Management and Leadership specialization, you can complete your MS in Criminal Justice degree is as little as five months. Tempo Learning® enables students to work independently, at their own pace.
As the number of police and detectives grow and as organizations and government agencies increase their focus on security and public safety, more people with master’s degrees in criminal justice will be needed to lead and manage people and initiatives in the criminal justice field.
Course-based learning is a good choice if you work best with a predictable schedule, preset deadlines, and the opportunity to interact with your fellow students online. The Tempo Learning® competency-based format is best for students who are excellent at time management, prefer to set their own schedule, and work well independently.
Graduates of an MS in Criminal Justice degree program typically work in leadership roles in law enforcement, the court system, correctional facilities, probation offices, government agencies, or in security or cybersecurity roles for a variety of organizations.
In addition to the General Program, Walden offers eight specializations for this degree program: Behavioral Sciences, Cybercrimes, Emergency Management, Homeland Security Policy and Coordination, International/Global Criminal Justice Issues, Law and Public Policy, Public Management and Leadership, and Terrorism, Mediation, and Peace.
