The cheapest online master’s degree in criminal justice offers a flexible and affordable route for professionals seeking leadership roles in law enforcement, corrections, or public policy. These online graduate programs cover criminology, forensic psychology, and justice administration.
Key Takeaways:
- Northeastern State University ranks #1 for affordability, offering an online master’s in criminal justice for just $4,363 annually.
- American Public University System leads in military student support, with 20,146 enrolled.
- Waldorf University boasts the highest overall student review rating on our list at 4.47 out of 5, reflecting the strongest satisfaction overall.
All listed schools are institutionally accredited with online master's programs in criminal justice. We rank our list based on manually calculated and verified tuition rates. Learn more about our process in the full methodology.
2025 Most Affordable Master's in Criminal Justice Online
Overview of Online Criminal Justice Master's Degrees
A master's degree in criminal justice is an advanced program that prepares you for leadership roles in the criminal justice system. Programs typically combine advanced criminology and legal system courses with courses on sociology and social science research methods.
When you enroll in an online criminal justice degree program, you can expect to acquire a range of technical skills, such as conducting forensic analysis, using crime scene investigation techniques, and understanding legal documentation. Additionally, you may cultivate soft skills, including critical thinking, problem-solving, and ethical decision-making — all vital for various roles in the criminal justice field.
Online master's programs in criminal justice typically require 30-40 credit hours, which means they can take two or more years to complete. By blending theory with practice, coursework often includes assignments like case studies, research projects, and presentations that allow you to apply your theoretical learning to real-world scenarios.
Some programs allow you to choose a concentration or to focus on a particular aspect of criminal justice through your selection of elective courses. A few of the possible areas of specialization include law, public policy, terrorism and security, the Constitution, and crime analysis.
Common Courses
Online criminal justice degree programs often require five or six core courses and five or more electives. Your criminal justice program will likely end with some type of capstone project, research project, or thesis. Below are some of the online courses that may be included in your program:
Criminal Justice Theory
Students explore the major theoretical perspectives used to understand crime and justice, including biological, psychological, and sociological perspectives.
Criminology Research Methods
This course prepares students to design, conduct, and analyze research in criminology and criminal justice, emphasizing both qualitative and quantitative methods.
Ethics in Criminal Justice
Here, students examine the ethical considerations in the criminal justice system. Coursework typically covers police discretion, use of force, and correctional issues.
Criminal Procedure and the Constitution
This course examines how constitutional law applies to criminal justice and law enforcement, with a particular focus on Fourth and Fifth Amendment rights.
Organizational Leadership in Criminal Justice
Students will learn about the leadership and management skills needed to lead organizations within the criminal justice system.
Victimology
This course examines the relationship between victims and the criminal justice system, including societal responses and victim rights.
If you'd like to learn more about online degrees in this field, read What are the Requirements to Graduate With a Criminal Justice Degree?
Funding an Online Criminal Justice Degree
Earning an online master's degree in criminal justice is a major investment of time and money. Before you enroll, you may want to think about how much you're willing or able to pay for an advanced degree. Looking at your budget in light of the estimated cost of earning a master's may help you select the best program for your needs.
Developing a realistic estimate of the total cost of a master's degree can be somewhat challenging because there is such a broad range of tuition fees among various schools. However, you can use current data from the National Center for Education Statistics to find the for graduate programs. The NCES reports that the average tuition is $12,394 at public schools and $26,621 at private schools.
Fortunately, the list of the most affordable online criminal justice master's programs above suggests that there are ways to economize on earning an advanced degree. Online programs are more cost-effective in general because many schools charge in-state tuition rates or slightly lower tuition rates for online learners. Studying from home also eliminates the cost of room and board on campus and commuting to and from college.
If you're looking for additional ways to reduce the cost of getting a master's, consider working full time or part time job to generate extra income and moving to an economical place to live while you're in school. Also, explore whether your employer offers a tuition reimbursement program.
Financial Aid
One of the most common ways students save on college expenses is through financial aid. As long as you're enrolled in an accredited master's program, you're qualified to apply for funding provided by the federal and state governments and from the schools themselves. There may also be private scholarships available.
You can apply for most types of financial aid by filling out and submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). After your application has been reviewed, you'll receive a Student Aid Report (SAR) that informs you if you're eligible for financial aid. Soon after, you'll receive a letter from your school explaining the specific kinds and amounts of aid you're being offered.
The best scenario would be to receive some type of grant, fellowship, or scholarship. These types of aid don't have to be repaid. However, you may be offered a federal or private student loan, which will need to be paid back with interest. Before agreeing to any loan, use a student loan repayment calculator to calculate the total cost of the loan plus the interest.
Depending on where you are in your educational journey, you may also be interested in the most affordable associate degrees in criminal justice and the most affordable bachelor's degrees in criminal justice.
What Can You Do With an Online Criminal Justice Degree?
While many criminal justice careers require only an associate or bachelor's degree to enter the field, a master's degree gives you advanced skills that qualify you for higher-level managerial roles in protective services. Leadership positions often come with greater responsibility but also higher salaries. Some possible occupations include security manager, correctional facility warden, and federal law enforcement officer.
If you're interested in continuing your education beyond the master's level, there are two distinct options. One is to earn a Juris Doctor (JD) to become a lawyer or a judge. The other option is to earn a doctorate in criminal justice or a related field. A terminal degree qualifies you to become a researcher or college professor.
Want more program options? Explore our lists of the best criminal justice bachelor's degrees and the best criminal justice master's degrees.
FAQs About Online Criminal Justice Degrees
How Do I Choose a Master's in Criminal Justice?
Choosing a criminal justice master's program is an important decision. There are many factors to consider — online format, available concentrations, faculty, and online support services — and you'll need to weigh the importance of each one based on your personal priorities.
Perhaps most important, however, is accreditation. Institutional accreditation means that the school has been proven to meet standards of excellence, which assures you that you're getting a high-quality education. You may also want to look for programs that have been accredited by the (ACJS).
How Long Is a Master's Degree in Criminal Justice?
A master's degree in criminal justice usually requires the completion of 30-40 credit hours. Full-time graduate students may be able to complete a program in one or two years, while part-time students may need two or three years to finish.
What Are the Admission Requirements for Criminal Justice Degrees?
To be accepted into a criminal justice master's program, most schools require you to have earned a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution. You may also need to have maintained a minimum GPA of at least 2.8 in your undergraduate studies. Most students enter a program with a bachelor's degree in criminal justice or legal studies. Without this foundation, you may need to take several prerequisite courses before starting on your master's courses, which could add to the cost of the degree.
When submitting your application and college transcripts, you may be asked for a statement of purpose, a resume, letters of recommendation, and possibly GRE scores.
Is a Master's Degree in Criminal Justice Master's Worth the Cost?
Determining whether a criminal justice master's degree is worth it depends largely on your personal circumstances. This degree may be best for those who are already working in protective services and want to prepare for leadership positions with advanced study. Although it's difficult to say what kind of financial return you may get from a master's, you can be assured that choosing an affordable online program and taking other steps to reduce your college expenses will increase the financial rewards.
Student Reviews of Online Criminal Justice Programs
My experience at the University of Phoenix has been nothing short of exceptional. From the moment I enrolled, I have been met with kindness, professionalism, and a genuine desire to help students succeed. Every individual I’ve interacted with—whether faculty, advisors, or support staff—has been incredibly helpful, approachable, and encouraging. Their dedication to student success is evident in the way they provide guidance, answer questions, and ensure that I feel confident in my academic journey.... Read More
Review Date: 5/14/2025
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
University of Phoenix has all the right resources to help every student succeed in their career and life. Also the faculty is very helpful and will go out of their way to making sure every student is successful in each of their classes and to help them prepare for their future.
Review Date: 4/22/2025
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
Great experience! I started out with a Kaplan then after my associates it was switched to Purdue Global! I was old recommend this school (online) to anyone. It’s easy to understand with the online program, great professors, awesome advisor's, amazing classmates, etc. Graduated ceremonies are GREAT! I had so much fun meeting people and still in contact with a lot of my classmates!
Review Date: 3/7/2024
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
I am currently enrolled as an online student pursuing a master's degree in criminal justice leadership. I am pleased with the quality of instruction provided by my professors, as they consistently respond to my emails within 48 hours, often even sooner. While I have not had the need to contact them via phone, their responsiveness through email has been commendable. In terms of administrative matters, I have encountered some challenges when dealing with the financial aid and academic office. However,... Read More
Review Date: 9/20/2023
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
The staff of the business office and financial aid office quoted me the wrong price for months for a master’s degree in Criminal Justice. In January of 2023, I was calling both of the offices for two weeks in order to get the correct price for said master’s degree. None of the staff were working together and they gave me the run-around because no one knew the correct price. I asked multiple times to NOT be transferred because it was either; they didn’t know the price, they didn’t know who to talk... Read More
Review Date: 6/20/2023
Would Recommend: No
Helpful for Career: No
Grand Canyon University is absolutely amazing! I am so glad that I transferred to GCU for my master's program. Two of my counselor's are very helpful and the school has a really good service, so it a 100%. Thanks to my counselor's for helping me achieved my goals. They made adjustments to my schedule to double up my classes and I will graduate in December 2022. I loved the structure of the classes and I find them pretty easy. While I was reading some negative reviews for the school, everyone is entitled... Read More
Review Date: 4/19/2022
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
FINANCIAL AID IS THE WORST! I have never been to a school that takes 4 months to complete a financial aid packet and then gives U the run around on when things will be finalized. They will send you 5011 notifications on what you owe, but no so much as 1 status update on financial aid. This will be my FIRST AND LAST DEGREE AT THIS SCHOOL! I wanted to stay and do my doctorate degree here, but the initial impression wasn't a good one, so I'll be going to another school for my final degree.
Review Date: 12/11/2020
Would Recommend: No
Helpful for Career: No
Purdue Global was a great place to achieve a MA as a working adult. I have a wife, kids, and a demanding career and the flexibility of the program and assistance of the professors allowed ample time to complete the assignment. Overall, this a great place to achieve your degree.
Review Date: 12/10/2020
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
First and foremost, my professors at SNHU were awesome and obviously very committed to their employment as adjunct online MS professors I was also initially impressed with my (chosen for me) online MS student adviser, Leah Blumenthal. Leah, communicated with me regularly and continuously. I find it difficult to believe that she had not a nary of my surprising and sudden "possible warning of academic dismissal" due to my academic withdraw to care for my dying mother during her last weeks. Apparently,... Read More
Review Date: 10/29/2016
Would Recommend: No
Helpful for Career: No
Initially, I thought this would be a great school for me to complete my Master's degree, without going into debt. I completed the Bachelors program, no problem. I loved the self-pace, my assignments were graded on time, and I paid my tuition in full, because I didn't want any elements of surprise holding up getting my degree, after completing all the courses. My only issue with the Bachelors course, similar to others, my books were delayed or never delivered, but I came up with workarounds (online... Read More
Review Date: 5/20/2018
Would Recommend: No
Helpful for Career: No
I'm shocked by most of the bad reviews to be honest. I had nothing short of a great experience with SLU Master Program. I will say that one must be prepared to write a lot of research papers, and devote a solid 2-3 hours per day to research for almost every one of the 12 classes in this field of study. It wasn't particularly difficult work, although it was quite labor intensive and staying motivated was difficult at times. Seemed like I would never make it to the end. My advise is to be prepared... Read More
Review Date: 6/6/2019
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
I still can't find a job. I called Strayer because they said once you graduate you can call them for job recommendations I have yet to hear back from them. I graduated with my Bachelors from this place and still no help. I would have liked this school if it didn't full your head up with lies
Review Date: 4/2/2025
Would Recommend: No
Helpful for Career: No
Overall great experience. Sometimes it was a struggle to get through to talk to someone. Some issues with online communications. Instructors were amazing. Some things I remember learning about in undergraduate but at a graduate level it was more in depth. I feel I learned about a different side or new role of a similar topic I had already known about. Expectations of the classes were good, although sometimes it was a struggle to complete assignments but I was not just a student I worked while completing... Read More
Review Date: 11/21/2019
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
OMG....this is a joke. Lets start at the beginning. My counselor seem nice at first until i wanted to withdrawal from the course. I told her there was ALOT of things going on in my personal life so want to withdrawal. She advice me to hold on and try it until Friday of the week and i did. On friday i called left a message and emailed nothing. i did the same thing on Saturday and nothing. Monday come around and she calls. I tell her i have tried to get in touch with her to let her know i wanted to... Read More
Review Date: 4/27/2016
Would Recommend: No
Helpful for Career: No
As a first generation college student and first generation military member it was important for me to choose my futures possibilities with great scrutiny. Being a member of the Armed Forces taught me a lot about dealing with adversity and change and to challenge myself physically; being a student with UMUC taught me to challenge myself intellectually and emotionally; it gave me the ability to implement sound time management principles and the ability to persevere when I had to use the other tools... Read More
Review Date: 3/15/2017
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
The online programs at Arizona State University have offered the freedom to pursue an advanced degree while still being able to work fulltime. The online program offer caring instructors who care about the education and learning of the students and give freely of their time to assure that we are getting a quality education.
Review Date: 7/22/2017
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
The degree process at The University of Phoenix - Online Campus is only for those who want to do the work. Whether you're homeless, fathering, being a good husband, or working the being your own boss routine counts toward anything. You have chances of getting Masters Degrees, transferring transcripts, or the convenience of carrying your education with you domestically just about anywhere. No matter what your purpose is in life, if you wish to better your life and not just career variety than you're... Read More
Review Date: 12/18/2016
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
Weber State's online Masters of Criminal Justice program has been a great, affordable and highly educational program. Through this program, I have been introduced to several aspects of the American criminal justice system including: policing, corrections, the courts, etc in a real-world-applicable way. Being that the program is online, it's been so nice to work when I want, where I want. This has allowed me to further my career while going to school. If you're looking for a great, affordable Masters... Read More
Review Date: 3/9/2017
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
Taking masters classes online and it is such an amazing program! They really know how to administer online classes unlike a lot of other schools. The teachers I have had so far have been amazing and nothing but helpful! I can't wait to continue on this education path with ASU!
Review Date: 3/8/2017
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
Overall the Criminal Justice & Criminology program at Arizona State University was a great choice for me. The teachers are tough yet caring, and you learn more than you expect going in. Career services and advising for this program in particular was top notch, I was emailed with networking and job opportunities nearly every week. ASU is definitely on the rise.
Review Date: 4/23/2017
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes