Available Fall 2026
Residential Master of Science in Criminal Justice
Cultivate an advanced expertise in Criminal Justice with a graduate degree that can enhance your leadership skills in the field as well as prepare you for further study.
The M.S. in Criminal Justice offers a comprehensive approach to criminal justice topics, trends, and leadership challenges. Here, you can gain practical knowledge from a biblical worldview while developing strong research and analytical skills. This degree is designed to help refine your ability to lead criminal justice units, departments, and organizations, or to prepare you to move into doctoral criminal justice programs or related fields. With this program, you can develop an appreciation for the interplay between practice and policy across court, corrections, and law enforcement.
Thesis vs. Non-Thesis Option
Choose the thesis option and complete further research in your chosen area, or choose the non-thesis option and take additional electives.
Online Cognates
The M.S. in Criminal Justice is also available online and offers the following online cognates, which are available to residential students.
Hands-On Experience and Research Opportunities
Criminal Justice internships are available as part of pre-approved independent studies. Through Liberty University’s Center for Excellence in Criminal Justice, you can also gain hands-on experience via internships and field placements that can prepare you for a career in law enforcement, corrections, or public safety.
As a student, you can enroll in think tank-oriented courses that will offer you ongoing, immersive research and analysis of criminal justice issues.
Criminal Justice Professors
Faculty in the Master of Science in Criminal Justice program hold terminal degrees in criminal justice or related fields. Our professors have extensive experience in criminal justice, including significant leadership experience.
Academics for the Master of Science in Criminal Justice
Courses You Could Take
- Criminal Justice Integration (CJUS 500)
- H.R. Management in Criminal Justice Organizations (CJUS 530)
- Topics and Trends in Criminal Justice (CJUS 550)
- Leadership, Ethics, and Policing (CJUS 610)
Criminal Justice Career Opportunities
- Emergency Management Leadership
- Sheriff
- Intelligence Officer
- Transportation Security
- Forensic Science Technician
- Federal law enforcement positions (FBI, DHS, etc.)
- Domestic and International Terrorism Analyst
- Criminal Justice Teacher
- Citizenship and Immigration Services
- Police Chief
- University Professor (with a doctoral progression)
- Probation/Parole Officer
