From local police departments to state courts to the U.S. Department of Justice, America’s criminal justice system is expansive. Law enforcement officers, judges, attorneys, forensic scientists, corrections officers, social workers, and policy-makers all have a role to play. If you’re looking to become an important part of this system—either by advancing your criminal justice career or starting a new one—earning a master’s degree can give you the skills you need to reach your goals. Two of the most popular criminal justice degrees are an MS in Criminal Justice and an MS in Criminal Justice Leadership and Executive Management. But which master’s in criminal justice is right for you? Here’s how they differ.
Differences in the Ideal Candidate
Both the MS in Criminal Justice degree and the MS in Criminal Justice Leadership and Executive Management degree are designed for those who are dedicated to serving and protecting their communities. However, where you are in your career may determine which degree is right for you.
An MS in Criminal Justice focuses on preparing you for future opportunities, making this degree a good choice if you’re in your early or mid-career and want to switch careers to criminal justice or advance your career within your current criminal justice organization.
An MS in Criminal Justice Leadership and Executive Management is the better choice if you’re more advanced in your career and are working closely with policy-makers and decision-makers. This degree is particularly useful if you’re planning a second career at another agency or want to become a consultant or educator within the criminal justice field.
Differences in Focus of Study
At their core, both degree programs examine contemporary theory and practices, and address national and international issues impacting criminal justice. Their specific focuses differ as follows:
When you earn an MS in Criminal Justice, you’ll study a blend of subjects including criminology, human services, technology, homeland security, and management. The goal of the degree is to provide you with a base of practical knowledge and skills that you can immediately apply to a wide variety of criminal justice jobs.
In an MS in Criminal Justice Leadership and Executive Management program, you’ll study subjects designed to help you become a senior criminal justice leader capable of influencing policy-makers. The topics of study include management, human resources, finance, budgeting, and oral and written communications.
Differences in Potential Career Options
There is a lot you can do with either an MS in Criminal Justice degree or an MS in Criminal Justice Leadership and Executive Management degree. Below, you’ll find some of the jobs these degrees can help you pursue.*
Potential Jobs With an MS in Criminal Justice:
Ballistics expert | Private investigator | Sentencing analyst |
Border patrol agent | Undercover operative | Victim restitution professional |
Customs agent | Background investigator | Hearings officer |
Deputy sheriff | Courthouse security officer | Correctional officer |
Detective | Federal probation officer | Parole officer |
Gang crimes investigator | Federal pretrial service officer | Placement officer |
Probation officer | National Park Service ranger | U.S. Forest Service officer |
Deputy U.S. marshal | Postal inspector | Victim-offender specialist |
Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) officer | State park ranger | Victim assistance provider |
Federal Protective Service officer | University police officer | Fines and restitution specialist |
Potential Jobs With an MS in Criminal Justice Leadership and Executive Management:
Arbitrator | Judicial assistant |
Assistant administrator | Corrections and Probation officer |
Deputy assistant | Administrator/warden |
Diversion specialist | Domestic relations specialist |
Expert witness | Public relations officer |
Budget analyst | Policy analyst |
Differences in Format
When you earn your MS in Criminal Justice or MS in Criminal Justice Leadership and Executive Management degree at Walden University, both programs are available in the traditional course-based format. However, if you’re interested in a competency-based format, you may wish to explore Walden’s MS in Criminal Justice with a specialization in Public Management and Leadership. This particular degree program and specialization allows you to apply real-world experience to your degree and can potentially speed the completion progress. The competency-based format differs from course-based in that it allows students to progress at their own pace and be measured by a variety of assessments.
What’s the Best Way to Earn Your Master’s in Criminal Justice?
Whether you want to earn an MS in Criminal Justice or an MS in Criminal Justice Leadership and Executive Management, you can do so through an online university. When you choose online learning, you don’t have to disrupt your career to attend classes. Instead, when you enroll in an online master’s degree program, you can study from home in a flexible format that allows you to continue working full time at your current job.
An online criminal justice degree is often the best choice for professionals who want to advance their knowledge of criminal justice without upending their lives. Earning an MS in Criminal Justice or an MS in Criminal Justice Leadership and Executive Management can be a great way to acquire the skills you need to land the criminal justice job you want.
Walden University is an accredited institution offering both an online MS in Criminal Justice degree program and an online MS in Criminal Justice Leadership and Executive Management degree program. Expand your career options and earn your degree in a convenient, flexible format that fits your busy life.
*Career options may require additional experience, training, or other factors beyond the successful completion of this degree program.
Walden University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission, www.hlcommission.org.