M.S. in Criminal Justice

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Available Fall 2026

Master of Science Criminal Justice

Overview
Career Opportunities
Facilities and Resources
Admission Requirements

Instill Positive Change in the Justice System with a Master’s Degree in Criminal Justice from Liberty University

Liberty’s Master of Science (M.S.) in Criminal Justice invites you to deepen your understanding of how justice-oriented organizations operate and respond to changing societal needs. As you study within a values-driven academic environment, you can engage with advanced topics in leadership, administration, and ethical practice as they relate to contemporary criminal justice systems.

This program is designed for those who wish to explore justice administration from a broad perspective, incorporating critical analysis and research opportunities. By participating in our residential class format, you can benefit from face-to-face instruction, collaborative peer engagement, and direct access to faculty who bring both scholarly and professional insight into the classroom.

Pursue Your Degree with Confidence

  • Elective courses give you the ability to tailor your degree toward your individual interests and goals.
  • Experienced instructors bring practical knowledge from law enforcement, corrections, policy, and academia.
  • Small residential class sizes provide opportunities for meaningful interaction and discussion among students and faculty.
  • The optional, supervised thesis allows you to engage in original research and develop advanced analytical skills.
  • The program integrates a Christian worldview that supports ethical reflection and leadership in the justice field.
  • The program’s focus on evaluation, trends, and organizational design can help you consider both theory and real-world application.

What Will You Study?

  • Elective studies tailored to specialized areas of interest within criminal justice and related fields
  • Ethical frameworks, professional integrity, and values-based leadership in justice contexts
  • Human resource management in justice-oriented agencies
  • Organizational leadership and structure within criminal justice systems
  • Program evaluation, data analysis, and strategic decision-making in justice settings
  • Research methods and optional thesis process
  • Trends and emerging issues in policing, corrections, and public policy

Potential Career Opportunities for Master’s in Criminal Justice Graduates

  • Corrections officer
  • Homeland security analyst
  • Police administrator
  • Probation or parole officer/manager
  • State or local law enforcement officer

Facilities and Resources Available to M.S. in Criminal Justice Students

  • Career development resources on campus offer guidance that can help you prepare for your next steps in criminal justice-related fields.
  • Computer labs and technology resources are available across campus to assist with data analysis, project development, and research preparation.
  • Quiet study areas, collaboration rooms, and graduate-friendly workspaces give you flexible environments for completing major assignments or thesis work.
  • As a residential student, you can benefit from a vibrant campus community with events, student groups, and gathering spaces that support connection and professional growth.
  • The campus library provides study spaces, research tools, and extensive digital databases that support advanced criminal justice study.
  • You can access a full range of academic support services, including help with writing, research, and graduate-level coursework.

Admission Requirements for Our Criminal Justice Degree Program

Every application is reviewed on a case-by-case basis, and all applicants must submit the following documents and meet the minimum requirements for admission:

  • Admission application
  • Official transcripts showing a regionally or nationally accredited bachelor’s degree with at least a 3.0 GPA for admission in good standing
  • Self-certification form (for students who are in the final term of their bachelor’s degree)
  • Current Liberty undergraduate students seeking preliminary acceptance into a graduate program must complete a degree completion application through their myLU account

Tuition rates may change annually. For the most current information, please visit our LU Tuition Cost page.

36

Credit Hours

SACSCOC

Available On Campus

Class Type

Residential

Transfer Credits

Transfer in up to 50% of the degree total

Next Start Date

Aug 24, 2026

Accreditation

Liberty University is accredited by SACSCOC

Areas of Interest

Choose your area of Interest:

Please select a Program of Interest. View Area of Interest

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