M.A. in Criminal Justice Administration
32
Credit Hours
14
Month Completion
Class Type
Next Start Date
Jan 6, 2025
Placement Tests
GMAT/GRE not required for admission
Embedded Credentials
Graduate Certificate

Drive difference-making reform with a master’s in criminal justice

As our society evolves, so does the threat to law and order. From the treatment of youth in the criminal justice system to the prevention and prosecution of cybercrime, today’s criminal justice leaders are in uncharted territory. The M.A. in Criminal Justice Administration at Franklin arms in-career professionals with a comprehensive understanding of the criminal justice system. Theory-to-practice coursework equips graduates to apply knowledge to solve present-day challenges at the local, state or federal level. 

Program Availability

On Site

Contemporary Curriculum

Evaluate and study trending criminal justice topics.

14-Month Completion

Earn your degree and prepare for advancement faster.

100% Online Classes

Take classes that fit with your busy life.

Learn from the Best

Benefit from the experience of your instructors – seasoned, in-field practitioners.

Master's in Criminal Justice Overview

Build your skillset to take on unprecedented criminal justice challenges

From harsh sentencing laws and mass incarceration to pill mills and the opioid epidemic, our criminal justice system faces unparalleled challenges that affect broad cross-sections of society. While the need for reform may be obvious, a plan for much-needed change is not.  

Enter a new generation of criminal justice leadership. With the transfer-friendly master's in Criminal Justice program, graduates will be prepared to apply criminal justice theory to develop effective and sustainable programs. By evaluating critical issues in criminal justice administration and management, forward-thinking professionals will be able to formulate reform plans that are relevant to all participants in the system – citizens, victims, defendants, law enforcement and the courts. For early and mid-career practitioners, a master’s degree can be stepping stone to promotion. For more seasoned professionals, the Criminal Justice master's program is a valuable pathway to teaching at the community college level after retirement.  

Develop industry knowledge and needed skills to advance in your field

Franklin’s Criminal Justice master's degree program prepares you to build leadership skills in relevant areas of crime analysis, advanced policing and crime control, victimology, advanced penology, and intelligence analysis. By learning to apply best-practice theories of crime causation and prevention from psychological, sociological and biological perspectives, you will sharpen your analytical and problem-solving skills and prepare for advancement in a variety of local, state, federal or nonprofit agencies. As part of your coursework, you will examine current-day challenges and learn to develop real solutions suited for the complexities of a decentralized criminal justice system.

Earn a Criminal Justice master’s degree with a theory-to-practice focus

As a student in the online Criminal Justice master's degree program, you will learn to analyze and solve broader societal and criminal justice issues through actual application of theory and strategies. You will broaden your skillset through applied projects like optional field experiences and required assignments that include criminal trial analysis, agency analysis and research.  Along the way, you will be exposed to key legal and ethical issues impacting criminal justice, including liability, discretionary decision-making, racial profiling, and failure to train and equip.

Gain exposure to trending criminal justice topics

Through your coursework – real-world scenarios related to punishment and administration of justice in the United States – you will tackle key societal issues like inner-city crime, community relations and use of force. Throughout the program, you will evaluate and study topics and subject areas influencing policing to become a practitioner who can operate successfully in turbulent situations to achieve a positive result. As part of your criminal justice master’s degree capstone, you will put your newfound knowledge to work and gain real world experience by analyzing an important administrative policy implementation problem and developing a plan to add address it.

Learn from seasoned criminal justice experts

At Franklin, experts influence every aspect of your education. To ensure you get a relevant, high-quality education, we engage our academic advisory board comprised of criminal justice leaders to help us shape the curriculum for the program.  Moreover, the faculty, who teach your courses, bring significant in-field experience from multiple criminal justice areas to the classroom. In addition to institutional membership in the American Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences and association with the American Society of Criminology, all program faculty are dedicated to your success by making themselves available to you. Lastly, you can count on student-centered coaching throughout the program to help you overcome obstacles to completion along the way.

Finish your online Criminal Justice master's degree program in as few as 14 months 

At Franklin, you can get started sooner and finish fast. You can build on your experience – and keep your full-time job – with flexible online courses that don’t interrupt your life. Lastly, you’ll be prepared for advancement or whatever comes next with a relevant master’s degree in as few as 14 months.
 

Read more >

Future Start Dates

Start dates for individual programs may vary and are subject to change. Please request free information & speak with an admission advisor for the latest program start dates.

Spring 2025
January
6
Recommended Register By:
Dec 27
Spring 2025
February
17
Recommended Register By:
Feb 7
Spring 2025
March
31
Recommended Register By:
Mar 21
Summer 2025
May
19
Recommended Register By:
May 9
Summer 2025
June
30
Recommended Register By:
Jun 20
Fall 2025
August
18
Recommended Register By:
Aug 8
Fall 2025
September
29
Recommended Register By:
Sep 19
Fall 2025
November
10
Recommended Register By:
Oct 31
Spring 2026
January
5
Recommended Register By:
Dec 26
Spring 2026
February
16
Recommended Register By:
Feb 6
Spring 2026
March
30
Recommended Register By:
Mar 20
Summer 2026
May
18
Recommended Register By:
May 8
Summer 2026
June
29
Recommended Register By:
Jun 19
Fall 2026
August
17
Recommended Register By:
Aug 7
Fall 2026
September
28
Recommended Register By:
Sep 18
Fall 2026
November
9
Recommended Register By:
Oct 30

Your Best Value M.A. in Criminal Justice Administration

Choose Franklin's M.A. in Criminal Justice and get a high-quality degree that fits your life and your budget.

Affordable Tuition

$670
PER CREDIT HOUR

Get ahead without going broke.

Finish Fast

14
MONTHS TO COMPLETE

Realize your career goals sooner.

Take One Class at a Time

Balance your education with your life.

Partner? Pay Less.

Search below to see if you could save tuition through an employer or professional organization partnership.

$21,440
Total Tuition
(After Partner Discount)

Highly Recommended

98%
STUDENT SATISFACTION

98% of graduating students would recommend Franklin to their family, friends and/or colleagues.

Source: Franklin University, Office of Career Development Student Satisfaction Survey (Summer 2023)

×

Tuition Guarantee

Inflation-proof your degree cost by locking-in your tuition rate from day one through graduation.

×

Master's in Criminal Justice Courses & Curriculum

32 Semester Hours
Major Area Required
CJAD 620 - Stats and Rsch Methods for Crim Just (4)

This course examines various statistical techniques and research design methods applied to crime, criminal justice, and agency administration issues. This course will prepare students to be intelligent consumers of reported research, to interpret statistical analysis, to report criminal justice agency performance results, and to identify and use various criminal justice statistical data sources in print and electronic form.

CJAD 700 - Effective Administration of Justice (4)

Within the scope of the foundations of justice and administration and social, financial, legal and political opportunities and challenges, students will apply strategic decision making strategies to analyze the communicative structures, practices, and performance of organizations in the administration of justice. Specific goals, challenges, and leadership theories will be holistically summarized and synthesized to develop solutions within the courts, law enforcement, and corrections, in both not-for-profit and for-profit organizations. Applied perspectives in ethical leadership functions that respond to organizational problems and objectives through best-practices will also be addressed. As future leaders, students will, moreover, demonstrate fluency in employee rights and issues and apply budgeting strategies to maximize agency goals. Additional outcomes will address program planning, implementation, and evaluation, as well as appraisal of new technological advancements utilizing articulated and relevant criteria.

CJAD 710 - Adult & Juvenile Systems of Justice (4)

As a student in this course, you will analyze complex and multi-systemic adult and juvenile systems of justice and social control mechanisms on both a micro and macro level. Attention will be given to innovative initiatives and best-practices from across the nation with a view toward positive social change. Technology for effective cross-system collaboration will also be addressed, as will the role of constitutional protections and constraints on arrest, prosecution, conviction, and incarceration.

CJAD 720 - Criminology Theory & Solutions to Crime (4)

Students will evaluate contemporary criminology theories and apply them to formulate prevention, treatment, and crime control models, within a framework of cultural diversity. Crime data relationships and patterns will also be integrated with biological, psychological, and sociological theories of criminal behavior in a critical evaluation of contemporary criminological theories. Policy formation and implementation will also be addressed.

PUAD 745 - Strategy, Collaboration, & Communication (4)

Students learn to think strategically about leading organizations operating in a public environment where collaboration is required to achieve organizational goals. The course focuses on using strategic and network management concepts and tools to improve organizational performance and advance the public interest. The importance of strategically managing organizational communication is also examined. Finally, students develop skills for effectively communicating strategic planning methods, approaches, and decisions with colleagues, elected officials, the media, and the public.

PUAD 790 - Public Administration Capstone (4)

In this culminating course, students demonstrate mastery of discipline-specific theories and practice by applying the knowledge and skills gained throughout their graduate program to an individualized policy analysis project.

AND

CJAD 730 - Adult & Juvenile Penology (4)

Students evaluate contemporary prison and punishment models and theories of punishment. Students compare and contrast prison systems and develop solutions to penology challenges, such as overcrowding and the detrimental impacts of prison life. Finally, students analyze penal administration and accountability.

OR CJAD 740 - Strategic Policing & Contemporary Crime Control Strategies (4)

Students learn how criminal justice policy issues are framed, identify participants in the policy process, and discover how policy is made. Evaluating the impact of cultural and global criminal justice trends and challenges, students will assess various crime control models and develop proposals to address accreditation, white collar crime, public health and transnational challenges.

AND

CJAD 670 - Victimology (4)

This course is a seminar/survey course on victimization in the United States. Emphasis is placed upon the impact of victimization upon the victims and society. In addition, the response of the criminal justice system and of society to these victimizations will be explored. Theories of crime prevention and victimization will be discussed throughout the semester to encourage students to analytically consider the factors which cause victimization, and which factors can possibly prevent victimizations from occurring.

OR CJAD 680 - Grant Writing (4)

This course introduces students to funding sources and grant writing. Students will be expected to locate funding options and write a grant application.

fafsa_ebook_image_open_460x302.jpg

Free Master's Toolkit

Eliminate guesswork by comparing schools and calculate the ROI of a master’s degree.

Download Now >

Microcredentials Align with Job Essentials

In today's dynamic work environments, adaptive professionals thrive. A microcredential - either as a stand-alone course or integrated into your degree program - is a short, skill-specific recognition that enables you to demonstrate your competency in a distinct area. Like Franklin's degree programs, microcredentials are aligned with market and industry demand to ensure what you learn can be put to use right away. Microcredentials are easily shared via digital badges and can be stacked to create a unique portfolio of in-demand skills.

M.A. in Criminal Justice Administration Program Details

Request Free Information!

Want to learn more about Franklin University? Complete the simple form - it just takes a minute!

  • Invest in yourself by finishing your degree.

  • Take advantage of flexible courses that fit your busy schedule.

  • Finish faster. Save more. Franklin fits your life.

  • Get in-demand knowledge that helps Franklin grads stand out with top employers.

Request Information

Step 1 of 3
Get Started >< BackNext >Submit
In submitting my contact information, I understand that I will receive phone calls, text messages and email about attending Franklin University. I may opt out of these communications at any time.

Your privacy is important to us. Privacy Policy
Loading...

Employment Outlook

9%

From 2023-2033, jobs in Criminal Justice & Public Safety are expected to increase by 9%

Occupation Median Salary (2023) Job Postings (2023) Projected Growth (2023-2033)
Occupation
First-Line Supervisors of Firefighting and Prevention Workers $86,216 3,751 8%
First-Line Supervisors of Firefighting and Prevention Workers
Median Salary: $86,216
Job Postings: 3,751
Projected Growth: 8%
Occupation
Job Titles
Skills
Industry
Description

First-Line Supervisors of Firefighting and Prevention Workers directly supervise and coordinate activities of workers engaged in firefighting and fire prevention and control.

Projected Growth
Job TitleJob Postings% of Job Postings
Fire Chiefs70919%
Fire Marshals61416%
Fire Captains56915%
Deputy Fire Marshals3309%
Deputy Fire Chiefs3429%
Show More
SkillJob Postings% of Total Postings
Fire Prevention1,02245%
Firefighting1,02145%
Fire Suppression Systems74033%
Fire Service72232%
Fire Science69231%
Show More
 
Industry% of Occupation in Industry
Local Government, Excluding Education and Hospitals92%
Other Support Services3%
State Government, Excluding Education and Hospitals2%
Federal Government, Civilian2%
Investigation and Security Services0%
Community Food and Housing, and Emergency and Other Relief Services0%
Other0%
Emergency Management Directors $83,970 12,489 7%
Emergency Management Directors
Median Salary: $83,970
Job Postings: 12,489
Projected Growth: 7%
Occupation
Job Titles
Skills
Industry
Description

Emergency Management Directors plan and direct disaster response or crisis management activities, provide disaster preparedness training, and prepare emergency plans and procedures for natural (e.g., hurricanes, floods, earthquakes), wartime, or technological (e.g., nuclear power plant emergencies or hazardous materials spills) disasters or hostage situations.

Projected Growth
Job TitleJob Postings% of Job Postings
Directors of Emergency Services3,61829%
Emergency Management Specialists1,75714%
Emergency Managers8337%
Emergency Management Coordinators6535%
Emergency Services Managers5765%
Show More
SkillJob Postings% of Total Postings
Emergency Management4,11745%
Emergency Response3,19035%
Emergency Preparedness2,50627%
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)1,49716%
Incident Command Systems1,43916%
Show More
 
Industry% of Occupation in Industry
Local Government, Excluding Education and Hospitals52%
State Government, Excluding Education and Hospitals15%
Federal Government, Military12%
General Medical and Surgical Hospitals3%
Community Food and Housing, and Emergency and Other Relief Services2%
Education and Hospitals (State Government)2%
Other13%
Compliance Officers $75,670 62,959 9%
Compliance Officers
Median Salary: $75,670
Job Postings: 62,959
Projected Growth: 9%
Occupation
Job Titles
Skills
Industry
Description

Compliance Officers examine, evaluate, and investigate eligibility for or conformity with laws and regulations governing contract compliance of licenses and permits, and perform other compliance and enforcement inspection and analysis activities not classified elsewhere.

Projected Growth
Job TitleJob Postings% of Job Postings
Compliance Analysts9,22715%
Compliance Officers8,38713%
Compliance Specialists7,56312%
Regulatory Affairs Specialists7,21112%
Compliance Coordinators5,4279%
Show More
SkillJob Postings% of Total Postings
Auditing23,73230%
Regulatory Compliance14,78219%
Project Management11,87015%
Regulatory Affairs8,45511%
Finance7,2509%
Show More
 
Industry% of Occupation in Industry
Federal Government, Civilian18%
State Government, Excluding Education and Hospitals11%
Local Government, Excluding Education and Hospitals9%
Management of Companies and Enterprises5%
Management, Scientific, and Technical Consulting Services3%
Depository Credit Intermediation3%
Other51%
Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialists $61,797 15,514 6%
Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialists
Median Salary: $61,797
Job Postings: 15,514
Projected Growth: 6%
Occupation
Job Titles
Skills
Industry
Description

Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialists provide social services to assist in rehabilitation of law offenders in custody or on probation or parole. Make recommendations for actions involving formulation of rehabilitation plan and treatment of offender, including conditional release and education and employment stipulations.

Projected Growth
Job TitleJob Postings% of Job Postings
Probation Officers2,87519%
Probation and Parole Officers2,04113%
Juvenile Probation Officers1,67811%
Juvenile Justice Specialists1,1147%
Correctional Counselors9196%
Show More
SkillJob Postings% of Total Postings
Probation6,43249%
Social Work5,60143%
Psychology4,18532%
Criminal Corrections3,95830%
Case Management3,29525%
Show More
 
Industry% of Occupation in Industry
State Government, Excluding Education and Hospitals52%
Local Government, Excluding Education and Hospitals45%
Individual and Family Services1%
Facilities Support Services1%
Other Residential Care Facilities0%
Social Advocacy Organizations0%
Other0%

Source: Employment Outlook data is provided by Lightcast. Franklin University cannot guarantee employment placement, salary level, or career advancement.

Criminal Justice Knowledge & Skillsets

Gain in-demand skills sought by employers with curriculum that teaches you:

Find the Criminal Justice Program That Fits Your Goals

If you’re interested in advancing your criminal justice career, Franklin has several great options. The best fit for you depends on your interests and goals. Compare programs and identify your perfect match.

icon_tiles/it-building_columns-color Created with Sketch.
icon_tiles/it-building_columns-white Created with Sketch.
MPA Criminal Justice
icon_tiles/it-balance-color Created with Sketch.
icon_tiles/it-balance-white Created with Sketch.
M.A. Criminal Justice

Focus: 
Analyze complex issues at the intersection of public policy, criminal justice and community well-being.

Skills: 
Build interdisciplinary problem-solving and analysis skills.

Careers: 
Use your MPA-Criminal Justice to pursue leadership roles in law enforcement, probation and parole departments and correctional facilities.

How many courses are in the program?
Nine, 6-week classes

How quickly can I complete the program?
14 months 

Focus: 
Analyze current issues in the criminal justice system and formulate theory-based solutions.

Skills: 
Build leadership skills and sharpen analytical and problem-solving skills.

Careers: 
Use your M.A. Criminal Justice to prepare for advancement at the local, state or federal agencies, or teach at the community college level.

How many courses are in the program?
Eight, 6-week classes

How quickly can I complete the program?
14 months 

Get College Credit for What You Already Know

The certificates and training listed below are relevant to this degree program. Search our database to view pre-evaluated credentials and see how a license, certification or professional training saves you time and money toward your degree.

Master's in Criminal Justice Frequently Asked Questions

Back to College Blog

Related Programs