Online Master in Criminology and Criminal Justice
Lead the Charge in Building Safer Communities Rooted in Justice
100% Online
Personal Academic Advising
Ethics-Focused
Competitive Tuition
Learn More Today
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- Duration 12 months
- Cost per Credit $800
- Credit Hours 30
Program Benefits
- Grounded in psychology and multidisciplinary knowledge
- Emphasis on applied, real-world skills
- Choose from 3 focused areas of study
- Faculty with extensive industry experience
- Student-centered environment
Drive Positive Change in Justice Environments With the Unique Skills Needed for Today
- Apply By: 08/31/26
- Start Class: 08/31/26
Carlow University’s 100% online Master of Science in Criminology and Criminal Justice degree program goes beyond traditional enforcement by examining crime and justice through psychological frameworks. At Carlow, criminology and psychology departments are housed under the same academic roof for a more integrated curriculum and cohesive learning experience from expert faculty.
The program combines two disciplines for a broader, more holistic understanding of crime, behavior, and systems. Together, the two perspectives – why crime happens and how the justice system responds – shape leaders who create and advocate for more humane and effective outcomes. The curriculum emphasizes dynamic skills building and expertise-boosting concentrations in forensic psychology, fraud investigation, and public safety.
In as few as 12 months, you will be ready to pursue advanced roles promoting better crime prevention, safer communities, and more equitable societies. Above all, Carlow prepares graduates to lead with compassion, purpose, and integrity with a strong commitment to ethical thinking, community service, and social justice.
Master of Science in Criminology and Criminal Justice Concentrations
Tailor your studies to your career goals by choosing two of the following three concentrations that will expand and refine your expertise and professional credibility.
Forensic Psychology
Examine criminal behavior through psychological and forensic frameworks, including factors that contribute to deviance and justice-system involvement.
Fraud Investigation
Identify, investigate, and prevent fraud, white-collar crime, and money laundering across public and private sectors.
Public Safety
Learn to respond effectively to mental health-related crises in public safety settings with de-escalation and street diagnosis strategies.
More Information About This Program
Click on each tab below to learn additional details regarding the program requirements and features.
Curriculum
Gain In-Depth Knowledge and Sharpen Your Expertise
10 Courses
30 Total Credits
Carlow’s online master’s program focuses on theoretical frameworks and practical applications of criminology and criminal justice. The psychology-aligned curriculum goes beyond surface knowledge and delves into behavioral drivers, cognitive processes, and social factors of crime – critical areas of study that other academic programs typically do not address.
Coursework places a heavy emphasis on the applied skills development you need for advanced roles in today’s job market. Our program’s science-centered approach includes mastery of research methodologies, quantitative analysis, and critical evaluations. It also features specific areas of study that increase expertise in criminal behavior, financial crimes, and crisis management, also typically not available in other programs.
What Makes Our Program Stand Out
Unique Interdisciplinary Approach
Thoroughly understand two different perspectives to prepare for specialized careers that sit squarely at their intersection.
Dynamic Skills Building
Learn real-world skills in behavioral assessments, data interpretations, risk evaluations, and communication required by employers.
Specialized Coursework
Build sought-after expertise with focused classes in forensic psychology, fraud investigation, and public safety.
Admission Requirements
Start Your Application Today
Application Deadline 08/31/26
Start Date 08/31/26
With multiple start dates, you can begin your journey to become a changemaker in the fields of criminology and criminal justice at your convenience. See below for helpful information to get you started on your application.
| Online Application Form | Apply Now |
|---|---|
| Degree | Bachelor of Arts (BA) or Bachelor of Science (BS) from an accredited institution |
| Minimum GPA | A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher is preferred |
| Transcripts | Official copies of all undergraduate transcripts |
| Transfer Credits | 9 |
| Additional Requirements | Current résumé |
Tuition & Aid
Affordable Path to Advancement
$800 per Credit Hour
At Carlow University, expect competitive tuition in return for exceptional academic quality. Invest in your future with a master’s degree program that opens doors to advanced roles shaping the future of criminology and criminal justice.
Tuition Details
Careers and Outcomes
Armed with a comprehensive understanding of criminology and criminal justice, dynamic skills, and focused areas of expertise, graduates of our MS – Criminology and Criminal Justice program have acquired the advanced qualifications to succeed at the top of the field.
With a MSCCJ degree, you will be ready for high-impact roles that carry influence over how criminal justice systems operate, such as shaping legislation, driving reform, leading initiatives, and building organizational accountability. You can also expect higher earnings potential. For example, the median annual salary for a criminal justice policy analyst is $86,451.1
Carlow’s online dual-discipline degree program gives you the versatility to work across sectors where psychology and social justice intersect to enhance crime prevention, better serve communities, and hold systems accountable. Sectors include government and safety, courts and legal system, research and policy, and private and nonprofit. Specific workplaces include the FBI and DEA, public defender offices, criminology research institutes, corporate security, and victim services.
Whether you are seeking advancement or a career pivot, or continuing your education, Carlow is ready to help you reach your goals.
Explore CareersWhat You’ll Learn
In our MS – Criminology and Criminal Justice program, you will gain career-enhancing knowledge focused on strong leadership, analytical acumen, and ethical decision-making.
Program Outcomes
- Advanced Knowledge of Criminal Justice Systems. Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of criminal justice systems, including their structures, policies, and processes, and how they intersect with broader societal factors.
- Critical Evaluation of Justice Policy. Critically analyze and evaluate justice policies and their impact on communities, with an emphasis on ethical considerations and evidence-based practices.
- Mastery of Criminological Theory. Apply advanced criminological theories to understand, predict, and address criminal behavior within diverse contexts.
- Proficiency in Research Methods. Design, conduct, and interpret rigorous social science research, employing quantitative and qualitative methods to inform criminal justice strategies and policy-making.
- Problem-Solving and Decision-Making Skills. Employ critical thinking and analytical skills to address complex criminal justice issues, integrating theory, policy, and practice.
- Ethical Leadership and Professional Integrity. Exhibit ethical decision-making, leadership skills, and professional integrity in criminal justice roles, emphasizing accountability and fairness.
Learn From Industry-Experienced Faculty
Our responsive faculty and supportive community care deeply for you and work hard to help you meet your goals. Professors in the program have in-depth professional experiences in the field and extensive teaching experience. With the assistance of a dedicated program-level faculty adviser, you’ll be ready to advance your career in business, accounting or finance.
Joseph M. Roberts, PhD
Program Director, MA in Psychology, MS in Criminology & Criminal Justice
Dr. Joseph Roberts is a Professor within the Department of Psychology Counseling, and Criminology and the program director for Undergraduate Criminology, the Master of Arts in Psychology (MAP) and the Master of Fraud and Forensics (MFF). He is also a licensed psychologist in private practice specializing in various forms of assessment.
He received his Bachelor of Arts from the University of Evansville in Creative Writing and his Master’s degree from the University of Nebraska-Omaha in Social Work. In 2006, he earned his Doctorate of Philosophy (PhD) from the APA-accredited Counseling Psychology program at West Virginia University. Over the past 20 years, Dr. Roberts has worked in numerous clinical settings such as the university counseling centers of Carnegie Mellon and Penn State, public high schools and geriatric facilities, as well as both urban and rural community mental health centers. Recently, he completed a post-doctoral certificate in foundational forensic psychology from St. John’s University in Queens, NY.
Outside of work, Dr. Roberts enjoys writing short stories, attending 80s-era heavy metal concerts and engaging in never-ending home projects (while hopefully teaching his children how to use tools that are not phone apps).
When you join the Carlow family, you get an experienced and compassionate team dedicated to your personal and professional growth. Online learning at Carlow offers the flexibility you need while connecting you to a vibrant, close-knit and supportive community of instructors and learners.
Discover Carlow OnlineWe understand that pursuing higher education is an investment. Carlow’s staff is always available to answer questions and connect you to resources for loans, grants, scholarships and employer benefits.
Find Out MoreSource
- Indeed. Career Explorer. Policy analyst salary in United States. Retrieved April 2026, from https://www.indeed.com/career/policy-analyst/salaries?cgtk=5b5d9f66-7b40-4034-9c12-f93351d9a2f0&from=careeradvice-US.