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Master of Science in Criminal Justice 100% Online
MSCJ Online Degree Overview
The online Master of Science in Criminal Justice (MSCJ) at the University of Louisville is designed for professionals within the legal system in Kentucky and in the U.S., who want to advance their career or strengthen their knowledge.
The career-forward criminal justice program at UofL, emphasizes ethics, responsibility and social dynamics in the criminal justice system. Here, you can learn from award-winning faculty with extensive expertise in all facets of criminal justice, including justice administration, theories of crime and delinquency, legal issues, as well as advanced statistics and research methods.
The online Master of Science in Criminal Justice is offered through the College of Arts & Sciences at UofL, and has been recognized by U.S. News & World Report among the Best in the Nation for several consecutive years, reflecting consistent academic quality, strong student support and knowledge outcomes that matter for working adults.
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Application Deadlines
We Want You In Our Next Class!
Check out typical application deadlines for the MS in Criminal Justice online program at UofL:
| Preferred Deadline | Term | Start Date |
| July 1 | Fall I | August |
| September 1 | Fall II | October |
| December 1 | Spring I | January |
| February 1 | Spring II | March |
| April 1 | Summer | May/June |
Note: We admit students on a rolling basis. The preferred deadlines help you complete the application process on time, be notified of acceptance and enroll before the term begins. We review applications as they become complete, and admit students for a specific term up to the day classes start. We recommend you work on and submit your complete application well in advance of the preferred deadline, as obtaining transcripts and other materials may take more time.
MSCJ Online Degree Highlights
- Develop leadership and strategic decision-making skills for roles across law enforcement, courts and corrections
- Apply research methods and data analysis to evaluate crime trends and justice programs outcomes
- Learn from experienced faculty with real-world expertise in criminal justice administration and reform
- Complete your degree in just 3 intensive semesters with year-round courses 100% online and 8-week terms
- Transfer up to 6 credit hours of graduate coursework completed from other accredited universities
UofL’s online MSCJ follows an interdisciplinary approach with electives and partnerships that allow students to customize their degree to meet their professional goals. The combination of coursework and partnership with the Southern Police Institute in Louisville, Kentucky, makes our master’s in criminal justice program a unique blend of theory and practice. The Southern Police Institute is one of the oldest, most respected police management and administration educational organizations in the United States.
Ready to take the step today to pave the way for your career growth in criminal justice?
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"Getting a master’s degree in criminal justice helps you elevate yourself in whatever trajectory you’re on. Learning the leadership skills, and the legal parameters and ethical parameters within criminal justice, certainly will put you ahead of those who don’t have that."
Community Engagement for the Online MSCJ Student
Partnerships/Practicums for Online MS in Criminal Justice Students
The Department of Criminal Justice faculty actively engage in community service. These partnerships provide opportunities for internships and networking that enhance the student experience.
- Metro Louisville Government
- Alcohol Beverage Control
- Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco,
Firearms & Explosives - Anne Braden Institute of Social Justice
- Center for Women and Families
- Administrative Office of the Courts
- Crime Analysis/Real Time Center
- Drug Enforcement Agency
- Department of Corrections
- Federal Bureau of Investigation
- International Service Learning Program
- Jefferson County Public Schools
(JCPS) Advisory Board for Public Safety - Kentucky Department of Criminal Justice Training
- Kentucky Department of Insurance Fraud Investigation
- Office of Homeland Security
- Kentucky Court of Justice
- Kentucky Derby Festival
- Kentucky State Police
- Louisville Metro Police Department
- Medical Examiners Office
- Public/Private Security/Loss Prevention
- Restorative Justice
- Think IR
- UL Police Department
- U.S. Marshal Service
- U.S. Postal Inspectors
- U.S. Secret Service
Over 5.4 Million Dollars in Department Grants
Our faculty has been awarded research grants totaling more than 4.5 million dollars. Granting agencies include:
- Vanderbilt University
- John Jay College
- Office of the Attorney General-Kentucky
- Kentucky Administrative Offices of the Courts
- DHHS Department of Homeland Security
- Kentucky Department of Juvenile Justice
- University of Maryland
- U.S. Department of Justice
- Kentucky Department of Corrections
- National Institute of Justice
- Louisville Metro Police Department
Department of Justice Professional Organizations
The faculty are active members in the following professional organizations:
- National Sheriff's Association
- Midwest Criminal Justice Association
- NSA-Education
- NSA-Cyber Security
- European Society of Criminology
- Southern Criminal Justice Association
- American Society of Criminology
- Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences
- American Correctional Association (ACA)
- International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP)
- Kentucky Bar Association
- Louisville Bar Association
- Alpha Phi Sigma
- Society for Study of Social Problems
- Kentucky Council on Crime and
Delinquency - American Bar Association
- Kentucky Association of Chiefs of Police
- American Criminal Justice Association
Criminal Justice Job Outlook
According to Lightcast occupation outlook data, on average, jobs in the criminal justice field are projected to grow 7% between 2025 and 2033, with 160,139 annual job postings. The median salary for criminal justice-related jobs is nearly $88,900 (Lightcast.io). Career opportunities and earnings vary based on actual job role, geographic location, prior experience and employer. These figures reflect overall industry trends and are not a guarantee of individual results.
| Job Growth Projection | Median Annual Salary | Yearly Job Openings |
|---|---|---|
| 7% by 2033 | $88,900 | 160,139 |
Advance your leadership career and expand your expertise with courses in ethics, history, personnel management, corrections, cybercrime, juvenile justice, international terrorism, as well as electives addressing capital punishment, violent crime, domestic violence, criminal justice in media, substance abuse and more.
Take the next step with confidence - we are here to support your academic journey, from start to finish!
We hope to see you in class soon!
