Master of Science in Criminal Justice – Public Administration

What Will You Study in the Online Master of Science in Criminal Justice – Public Administration Program?

• Budgeting for government administrations
• How worldview affects policy development
• Human resource management in criminal justice organizations
• Public policy implementation

In your criminal justice classes, you will study topics like the interdependency of criminal justice agencies in the pursuit of justice, principles of ethical leadership in the criminal justice field, and how to properly evaluate a criminal justice program. Classes in your public administration area of study focus on community-oriented subjects such as how to encourage economic growth and communicate to resolve conflict.

At Liberty University, our professors have real-world experience in the field and use that experience to provide you with a practical education. Our professors facilitate engaging learning communities, allowing you to ask questions and receive feedback while also giving you the opportunity to connect with other students.

Potential Career Options for Graduates of the Online M.S. in Criminal Justice – Public Administration Degree Program

• Corrections officer
• Elected official
• Homeland security specialist
• Police administrator
• Social services worker
• Sustainable resource development manager
• Urban and social policy developer

Program Benefits for the Online Master’s in Criminal Justice – Public Administration

As a leader in distance education since 1985, we understand what it takes to create a flexible and affordable education for busy people. Since we have been investing in distance and online learning for decades, our experience has taught us how to streamline our degree options so you can focus on what really matters to you. While many schools offer online degrees, we believe Liberty stands out.

Here’s what sets us apart:

• Our online programs are backed by our brick-and-mortar campus – ranked as Niche.com’s #2 Best College Campus in America for 2026 – and that commitment to excellence extends to our online students as well. Earning your online criminal justice degree from a nonprofit university with this kind of recognition can help set you apart from others in your field.
• Most of our online tuition rates rank in the top 35% for affordability for 2025 when compared to our leading online competitors. As a nonprofit university, Liberty continues to strive to keep costs low for our students!
• This degree can help you develop leadership and management skills that apply directly to criminal justice and public administration settings.
• You can study topics such as human resource management, public policy implementation, and conflict communication to strengthen your professional expertise.
• The program is built on a values-driven approach that encourages you to make ethical and effective decisions in public service.

Military Benefits

Service is important to us, so whether you’re currently serving in the Armed Forces, have served, or are married to someone who serves, we’re here to serve you. Liberty’s military benefits are available to:

• Active duty service members of the U.S. Armed Forces
• Reserve/National Guard
• Veterans/retirees
• Spouses of service members and veterans/retirees
• Current Department of Defense employees

We are proud to support you in your pursuit of a flexible and affordable online education by offering you the following benefits: 

• Tuition discounts – $290 per credit hour for graduate courses
• Additional discount for veterans who serve in a civilian capacity as a First Responder
• 8-week courses, 8 different start dates each year, and no set login times (may exclude certain courses such as practicums, internships, or field experiences)