Walden’s MS in Criminal Justice program prepares you to take on leadership roles.

Explore trends. Protect lives. Impact the future of the criminal justice system. Are you looking to transition to a more senior position—or a second career—in the criminal justice field? Walden’s MS in Criminal Justice program is designed to give you a competitive edge while empowering you to influence positive, meaningful change in your organization and community.

Why Pursue Your Master’s in Criminal Justice With Walden?

Choose from two learning experiences to customize your MS in Criminal Justice program—traditional course-based format or Tempo Learning®, our competency-based format.
Gain skills that you can apply immediately on the job through media-rich coursework that focuses on current events, challenges, and opportunities in the criminal justice field.
Learn from distinguished faculty, including Dr. Jessie Lee, former executive director of the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives (NOBLE).
Focus your studies on what interests you most by choosing one of eight highly relevant and in-demand specializations.

Walden’s criminal justice degree programs also include the BS in Criminal Justice, MS in Criminal Justice Leadership and Executive Management, and PhD in Criminal Justice. Partnerships with the Fraternal Order of Police and NOBLE underscore Walden’s commitment to delivering relevant education offerings in this field of study.

Two Ways to Learn

Choose from two degree completion options.

Course-Based

If you prefer an instructor-led approach and learning on a predetermined schedule, the course-based format may be a good option for you.

Minimum completion time: 15 months
Committed hours per week: 10 to 15 hours per week with one course every 11 weeks

Tempo Competency-Based Learning™

If you prefer a flexible learning experience with no set weekly deadlines, allowing you to make progress at your pace, on your schedule, the Tempo Learning® competency-based format may be for you.

Minimum completion time: Self-paced—you control the time it takes to earn your degree.
Committed hours per week: Varies by student. Student can make a schedule that supports their individual learning goals.
Specializations: Public Management and Leadership only

Specializations

General MSCJ
Behavioral Sciences
Cybercrimes
Emergency Management
More Specializations

General MS in Criminal Justice

Study the latest theories and explore today’s increasingly complex criminal justice issues.

Learn More

Develop Essential Leadership Skills

Build a solid leadership toolbox and be ready for your next career move with our MS in Criminal Justice Leadership and Executive Management program. Gain fundamental skills in strategic planning, finance, and budgeting as well as administrative decision-making and human resources. Graduate with a professional portfolio of work that you can showcase to prospective employers.

Meet Your Program Team

Dr. Kimberley Blackmon

Dr. Kimberley Blackmon is program director for the MS in Criminal Justice Leadership and Executive Management program at Walden. She began her law enforcement career in 1998 and has firsthand experience in patrol, investigations, and community relations and administration. Dr. Blackmon’s research interests include police psychology, victimology, community policing, sex crimes, and women in policing.

Dr. Jessie Lee

Program coordinator Dr. Jessie Lee is a law enforcement executive with more than 30 years of experience. For nearly a decade, he served as the executive director of the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives (NOBLE), a nonprofit organization whose members include 3,500 police executives in 56 chapters throughout the U.S., the U.K., and the Caribbean.

Learning Outcomes

As a graduate of this MS in Criminal Justice Leadership and Executive Management program, you will be able to:

Utilize theory and research to analyze historical trends and current perspectives in criminal justice.
Use research to evaluate factors related to crime and the impact of crime on criminal justice policies, practices, and procedures.
Evaluate the impact of U.S. constitutional policy and procedures on the criminal justice system.
Analyze the impact of the criminal justice process on victims and perpetrators.
Synthesize principles from criminal justice theories, processes, and practices to promote social justice and positive social change.
Compare the structural functions and interactions of law enforcement, courts, and corrections within the criminal justice system at the local, state, and federal level.
Discuss how criminal justice laws and policies are adopted, implemented, and evaluated.
Evaluate the management philosophies used in managing human resources in criminal justice organizations.
Discuss the leadership skills needed for working with diverse populations.

Career Outlook

A growing number of public sector agencies now require a master’s degree for upper-level criminal justice roles. With an MS in Criminal Justice Leadership and Executive Management from Walden, you’ll have the skills and confidence to advance your professional rank and shape the future you want.

Enhance your career experience with cutting-edge criminal justice insights and strategies—and apply what you learn in the field. Whether you’re seeking a promotion or looking for new opportunities, a master’s in criminal justice management can give you a distinct competitive edge.

Career options include:

Police chief
Lieutenant

Warden
Deputy chief

Career options may require additional experience, training, or other factors beyond the successful completion of this MS in Criminal Justice Leadership and Executive Management program.

Industries this program is preparing for include:

Law enforcement
Corrections

Drug enforcement
Customs

Major Employers of graduates from a program like this one include:

Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)
U.S. Secret Service

Local police departments
Prisons and correctional facilities

Career positions may require additional experience, training, or other factors beyond the successful completion of this degree program.

Learn more about the career outlook for graduates with a MS in Criminal Justice.

Questions about our MS in Criminal Justice?

We're here to help. Talk to your personal enrollment specialist for more information today. Please use our International Form if you live outside of the U.S.

We're here to help. Talk to your personal enrollment specialist for more information today. Please use our Domestic Form if you live in the U.S.

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