MASTER OF ARTS IN CRIMINAL JUSTICE
AT MEREDITH COLLEGE
MASTER OF ARTS IN
CRIMINAL JUSTICE
AT MEREDITH COLLEGE
MASTER OF ARTS IN CRIMINAL JUSTICE
AT MEREDITH COLLEGE
ADVANCE
YOUR
CAREER.
GO STRONG
Gain a competitive edge in the criminal justice field. Whether you want to advance your career, teach, apply to law school, or pursue a doctorate, Meredith’s fully online program will prepare you to succeed.
Our Online Master of Arts in Criminal Justice
The field of criminal justice is changing. Technological advancements coupled with world events have created an ever-increasing need for criminal justice professionals who have insight into the sociological, legal, theoretical, and practical arenas of law enforcement.
Professionals also need greater knowledge of forensic psychology, particularly as it relates to issues around trauma, substance use disorder, threat assessment, mental illness, and victimology. Managers, administrators, and police chiefs are expected to both understand the criminal justice system and have the skills to deal with people in a humane manner.
At Meredith, you’ll benefit from our strong reputation in criminology and sociology, our connections with professionals on every level, and our deep commitment to improving the lives of others. All classes are offered online, allowing you to continue working full-time while earning your degree.
In addition, Meredith’s program is an effective nontraditional pathway to corrections and criminal justice jobs. From teachers to social workers to counselors, there is a growing need for professionals with varying backgrounds and experiences. Meredith can help you make the transition to this exciting and growing field.
Master of Arts in Criminal Justice Programs
Advance your criminal justice career through this online program that prepares you for administrative and leadership positions. This is a 36-hour master’s degree.
Managers and supervisors in criminal justice professions are increasingly expected to have a greater understanding of forensic psychology research, theories, and practical uses.
The behavioral forensics track requires nine additional hours or three classes to the 36 required for the M.A. in Criminal Justice.
Why Get Your Master of Arts in Criminal Justice From Meredith?
- Learn in classes taught by experienced practitioners.
- Meredith’s M.A. in Criminal Justice is flexible and includes a concentration in behavioral forensics.
- Pursue the program at the pace that works best for you.
- Every student participates in a 2-3 hour on-campus orientation that includes technology training, tips for studying at the graduate level, and more to ensure your success.
- Get a high-quality education at a moderate price.
- Tuition is $610 per credit hour.
- Hone the writing skills you need to write reports and court documents, keep accurate field notes, and more.
- Network with a robust community of criminal justice professionals.
- Prepare to manage critical emerging issues, including gender, substance abuse, addictions, mental illness, and trauma.
- How long does it take to get a master’s degree in criminal justice?
- It takes 18 months to 2 years to complete Meredith’s M.A. in criminal justice.
- The M.A. in criminal justice is a 36-credit hour program.
- The M.A. in Criminal Justice with a Behavioral Forensics Concentration is a 45-hour program.
- An M.A. in Criminal Justice is appropriate for those with an undergraduate degree in the following areas and want to earn a master’s degree:
- Criminal Justice
- Criminology
- Sociology
- Psychology
- Political Science
- Communication
- Earn your undergraduate degree and your M.A. in five years through Meredith’s 3+2 accelerated M.A. in criminal justice program.
- Examples of student success at Meredith include
- Johana Calderon Suarez, ’22, who completed her M.A. in Criminal Justice while balancing life as a single mom. Johana earned her degree to pursue a career where she’s helping the community’s most vulnerable people. At Meredith, she gained essential skills and tools to apply evidence-based policy and practice in her caseload.
What Can You Do With a Master of Arts in Criminal Justice?
Criminal justice administration is a growing and evolving field with a positive employment outlook. For example, police and detective jobs are expected to grow by 7% by 2026, while federal probation officer jobs are predicted to grow by 20% in the same timeframe.
- Jobs with an M.A. in Criminal Justice degree include management level positions in police administration, security management, correctional administration, government management, management of juvenile corrections, and border patrol supervision.
- Almost all criminal justice professionals in law enforcement, courts, corrections and private security use research and skills based on forensic psychology, and these skills increasingly are becoming mandatory for advancement in the field.
- Criminal justice supervisors, managers, administrators, and subject matter experts need a better understanding of forensic psychology for practical use in investigations, arrest and detention, court proceedings, incarceration, and re-entry into society after incarceration.
- Individuals with a master’s in criminal justice make on average $45,000 – $59,000 per year.
Videos About Meredith’s Master of Arts in Criminal Justice
M.A. in Criminal Justice News
Managers and supervisors in criminal justice professions are increasingly expected to have a greater understanding of forensic psychology research, theories, and practical uses. To support this need, Meredith College has added a concentration in behavioral forensics to its Master of Arts in Criminal Justice program.
Two members of Meredith’s criminal justice faculty were elected to North Carolina Criminal Justice Association roles.
M.A. Program Director Bianca Harris released a list of all reentry resources in the state of North Carolina by county.
Contact Information
Bianca Harris
Lux 224
(919) 760-8082
bnharris@meredith.edu
