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Message from the President: COVID-19 | 2021 Winter Commencement Celebration
Become a transformational leader in your organization—and your community.
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.
Opt for our course-based format or choose our flexible, competency-based format designed to work around your busy schedule.
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.
Tempo Competency-Based Learning™: Receive up to a $3,000 grant if you reside in the U.S. and start this program on February 1, 2021. Contact one of our Enrollment Specialists to learn more.
Get Started NowChoose from two degree completion options.
The course-based format may be a good option for you if you prefer an instructor-led approach and learning on a predetermined schedule.
Tempo Competency-Based Learning™ is an alternative way to earn your Walden degree. It’s different from our standard course-based learning because you can work at a pace that makes sense for you, and progress once you’ve shown you understand a subject. With Tempo Learning®, you have the flexibility of online learning, plus the ability to personalize and control the length, cost, and pacing of your program.
See below which specializations are offered in Tempo Competency-Based Learning in addition to our standard course-based learning.
Gain a unique blend of technology, homeland security, and management skills that you can apply immediately on the job or use to advance your career.
Explore the various theories and research that aim to answer the “why” behind criminal behavior.
Learn how technology is used in the commission of various crimes such as child sexual exploitation, cyberstalking, cyberbullying, and human trafficking.
This specialization prepares you to build confident and capable teams and guide others during times of crisis.
Gain skills and knowledge that are essential to operating effectively in regions seeking to develop and modernize.
This specialization provides a foundation for evaluating and creating protective measures and policies that do not compromise individual rights and freedoms.
Examine the vital legal knowledge available to public policy practitioners as you examine legal concepts, cases, and current trends in law and policy.
This specialization prepares you to develop strategies for managing change in public organizations.
Course-Based Learning TempoThis specialization provides a foundation for understanding anti-terrorism legislation and its impact on public policies.
Program Admission Considerations: A bachelor's degree or higher.
General Admission Requirements: Completed online application and transcripts. Please note that the materials you are required to submit may vary depending on the academic program to which you apply. More information for international applicants.
The online Master’s in Criminal Justice program helps prepare its graduates to:
Graduates of the MS in Criminal Justice program will be well-prepared to seek leadership roles across an array of areas, including law enforcement, courts, corrections, and probation. Possible job titles include:
Career positions may require additional experience, training, or other factors beyond the successful completion of this degree program.
At Walden University, you can customize your online master’s in criminal justice program by focusing your studies on the issues that matter most to you. Walden offers a General Program and eight specializations. However, regardless of which specialization you choose, the program’s core courses will introduce you to:
The MS in Criminal Justice program at Walden University offers a number of specializations to help you better define your career. No matter what line of work you are interested in, there is probably a specialization to match your interests in the field. These specializations include:
Walden University offers an MS in Criminal Justice program for those who wish to further their education without changing their entire professional or social situation. The program is designed to help you gain the skills and knowledge you need to start or advance your career while completing the majority of coursework from home, on a schedule that works for you. Additionally, students who choose to earn their MS in Criminal Justice with a specialization in Public Management and Leadership at Walden can choose from a course-based or competency-based education format. Different from a standard course-based format, the competency-based format allows students to progress at their own pace and demonstrate their skills through competency assessments.
Criminal justice professionals confront tough challenges each day as they work to reduce crime, improve public safety, and protect and serve society. Whether it’s a job in law enforcement or criminology, working as a criminal investigator or forensic scientist, a career in criminal justice is an opportunity to make a meaningful difference. Criminal justice professionals regularly combat a variety of issues, including:
Reputation is key, and Walden University has been leading adult learning for the past 50 years. Convenience also matters, especially for working professionals, and Walden’s master’s program is delivered through a flexible online learning platform that allows you to complete coursework on your schedule. In addition, class sizes are small and students have access to a number of support services throughout their program. Diversity can play a big role in your education, too. Walden’s online learning community is made up of a diverse group of students from across the U.S. and beyond who share their unique perspectives and insights about criminal justice.
Fill out the form and we will contact you to provide information about furthering your education.