Our criminal justice faculty will equip you with skills for senior-level roles focusing on criminal investigation, corrections, and more.
Online
Modality
As few as 2 years
Duration
30
Credit Hours
$483 per Credit
In-State Tuition
Online
Modality
As few as 2 years
Duration
30
Credit Hours
$483 per Credit
In-State Tuition
Official Degree Name: Master of Science in Criminal Justice
Are you ready to take the next steps in your criminal justice career? The online Master of Science in Criminal Justice program at Auburn University at Montgomery (AUM) will help you advance or begin a career in the justice and public safety fields.
This master’s program is taught fully online, and you’ll learn from faculty with experience in criminal justice. Get started now to earn your degree and get the most out of your career.
Named one of the Top Public Schools and Best Value Schools1
Military Friendly® Gold Status for 2023-20242
Ranked as one of the Best Online Master’s in Criminal Justice Programs3
No GRE requirements for qualifying students
Develop the critical skills to advance your career with an online Master of Science in Criminal Justice degree from Auburn University at Montgomery (AUM). Our experienced faculty in this 10-course program will be there to help you along the way as you prepare for roles in victim advocacy, community corrections, federal law enforcement, and more.
The online MS in Criminal Justice can be completed within two years, consists of 16-week terms, and includes courses in critical issues in law enforcement, cyber victimization, juvenile justice, international and comparative criminal justice, and a variety of other related topics. These courses will prepare you to advance your criminal justice or public safety career and give you the confidence you need to be an effective leader.
Completion of a comprehensive examination that includes questions from the core areas of study.
Survey of quantitative methods used in the discipline. Advanced analytic techniques and relevant applications of these techniques will allow for the analysis of contemporary criminal justice problems.
An in-depth examination of the major theoretical perspectives of crime and deviance. Empirical research that informs the dominant criminological frameworks will be assessed, and the relevant policy implications of theories will be evaluated.
Advanced understanding of the research methodologies employed in criminology and criminal justice. Topics include research design, conceptual models, and sampling techniques to prepare students to complete a research project or grant proposal.
Analysis of the current ethical dilemmas facing the criminal justice enterprise, with a specific focus on developing empirically sound tools for analyzing and addressing these dilemmas.
Examines representative criminal justice systems from a variety of nations with emphasis on the role of history, culture, social and political values and economic institutions in shaping institutions of justice including law, police, courts, corrections, and juvenile justice systems and practice. Attention is paid to conflict and cooperation between criminal justice systems and ideologies that occur when people of different cultures and systems are in close proximity.
Characteristics of victim/offender interaction, the effects of criminal acts on victims and their families, and society’s reaction to the plight of the victim.
Examines the development of and rationale for community-based corrections as an alternative to incarceration. Discusses probation and parole, half-way houses, diversion, restitution, and other community-based corrections programs, including intermediate sanctions
Detailed study of effective communication in justice and public safety. Includes analysis and synthesis of interoffice communications, analysis of research, and development of projects and presentation of social science research. Prerequisite: JUST 6602
This course will provide information and purpose of existing laws, legislation and policies. It will also provide information about challenges faced in the process of developing and enforcing laws, legislation and policies of prevention of cybercrime and cyber victimization.
Independent research into criminal justice problems, issues, and theories or a practical problem in a student’s work setting. Credit may not exceed 3 semester hours for any single project.
Supervised study in an administrative setting, with an opportunity to integrate theory and practice in criminal justice agencies. Credit may not exceed 3 semester hours for any single internship.
Explores gender-based issues in criminal justice related to victimization, offenses, and work as a criminal justice professional.
Application of basic principles of organizations and management in the juvenile justice system. Examines the social and legal context of delinquency and juvenile justice practice. Discusses policy, procedure, budgeting, program development and evaluation.
Variable content as determined by faulty member outside of the classroom setting. Prerequisite: JUST 6642
Thesis credit.
In-depth examination of specific topics of current interest in criminal justice, public safety, and/or paralegal education. Course may be repeated as topics change.
Administration, organization and management theory and practice in correctional institutions and agencies. The impact of legal and social change on correctional policy development. Discusses current problems, issues and trends.
Provides an examination of the major criminological schools of thought as well as the prominent theorists within each school; theories are presented that examine criminal motivation and the application of criminal law; additionally, the implicit theoretical assumptions regarding the punishment of offenders is examined.
This course explores how a "networked" world has bred new crimes and new responses; investigates how information and communication technology has become a tool, target, and place of criminal activity and security threats. The course will discuss mechanisms of response and white-collar crime.
Review of administrative structure, management practices and operational aspects of enforcement agencies in the criminal justice system. Analysis and evaluation of innovative programs and the impact of science and technology.
AUM’s online MS in Criminal Justice program will prepare you to advance or begin careers across the criminal justice and public safety fields. With this degree, you will have the skills necessary to accelerate your career in police departments, sheriff’s offices, federal law enforcement agencies, community corrections facilities, and more. You’ll also have access to the AUM Career Development Center which will give you the support you need to reach your career goals as quickly as possible.
Senior Fraud Investigator
per year4
Senior Corrections Officer
per year5
The online MS in Criminal Justice program at AUM will help you develop critical skills and prepare yourself for leadership roles in criminal justice. The courses in this program will build on your foundation in a wide range of subject areas including information systems, public safety, planning, budgeting, justice writing, and more.
Online Application
Official Transcripts
2.5 GPA
AUM’s MS in Criminal Justice application process is easy. You can submit your online application anytime and transfer up to 12 credits to complete your degree faster. Learn more in the table below.
AUM offers rolling admissions, so it’s always a great time to apply. If you have questions, request information to connect with our admissions team.
Cost reflects tuition only, does not include fees.
Auburn University at Montgomery is proud to support the educational goals of military veterans, active-duty service members, reservists, guardsmen, and their families. We participate in the Yellow Ribbon program, and Military Friendly® ranked us among the Top 10 schools for 2023-2024. Moreover, our Veteran and Military Resource Center offers an array of resources for fostering a smooth admissions process and online student experience.
At AUM, we strive to make your online degree program as affordable as possible, with cost-effective tuition for in-state and out-of-state students. We encourage you to complete your FAFSA® form to determine your financial aid eligibility — the school code for Auburn University at Montgomery is 008310.
At AUM, you’ll feel supported by expert faculty members who bring valuable teaching and professional backgrounds to each online class. Our online instructors have completed extensive training in designing and teaching online courses, further elevating your experience as an online student.
Sarah L. Napper, PhD, is an assistant professor of criminal justice in the Department of Criminal Justice at Auburn University at Montgomery. Her primary focus and interest in research and education are in the areas of victimization with specific focuses on minority communities (e.g., LGBQT+, Disabled, Race, etc.), victimization and mental health consequences, the use of victim services among college students on and off campus, and Greek life in the context of sexual victimization.
Napper’s work appears in numerous publications, including Victims and Offenders, The Social Science Journal, Drug & Alcohol Review, and Criminal Justice Review. Additionally, Napper is the faculty advisor for Beta Delta, AUM’s Alpha Phi Sigma Chapter, the Criminal Justice Honor Society.
Earn your degree online from Auburn University at Montgomery to experience a quality education with the flexibility to succeed in class and your career. You can complete your coursework using your laptop or mobile device with opportunities to study when and where it's convenient.
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