MS in Criminal Justice – Public Administration Step Into Leadership in Public Service
Learn to Ensure a Fair Justice System with Liberty University’s Master’s in Criminal Justice
Do you want a successful career in the criminal justice system? You can get there with our Master of Science in Criminal Justice (MSCJ) – Public Administration. LU’s online MSCJ degree program can help you build strong leadership and management skills.
Our MSCJ online is structured to give you a well-rounded education so you can enter your career with confidence. If you are already established in a criminal justice role and want to move into management, this degree is for you. LU’s online Master of Science in Criminal Justice can give you the skill set and credentials you need.
Throughout Liberty University’s criminal justice master’s degree, you can:
- Develop critical leadership techniques
- Explore topics in criminal justice ethics
- Learn from our experienced instructors
- Prepare to take on the challenges of the criminal justice system
- Study foundational, graduate-level criminal justice courses
Your officially conferred degree name will be Master of Science in Criminal Justice (MSCJ) – Public Administration.
Backed by a brick-and-mortar campus ranked as Niche.com’s #2 Best College Campus in America for 2026
What Sets Us Apart?
- Private Nonprofit University
- 600+ Online Degrees
- No Standardized Testing for Admission
- Transfer in up to 75% of an Undergrad Degree
- Transfer in up to 50% of a Grad/Doctoral Degree
Why Choose LU’s MSCJ in Public Administration Online Program?
Liberty University is one of the largest private, nonprofit universities in the nation and the largest university in Virginia. As one of our online students, you will have access to an abundance of resources that we can offer as an established university with a brick-and-mortar campus.
Our professors have years of experience in the criminal justice field and are dedicated to helping you succeed in your career. As you dig into your criminal justice studies, your professors will give you valuable insights into the workings of the criminal justice system. As one of our students, you will be part of a growing community of Christian professionals.
The 100% online format of this degree allows you to get a quality education while still being connected with your career, family, and community. You can continue your current responsibilities and passions while working towards future career advancement with our online MSCJ in Public Administration.
With the online program’s optional thesis, you can demonstrate your expertise in a practical research project with a real-world, problem-solving emphasis. Or you can choose to broaden your topics of study with additional electives. The flexibility of the online criminal justice master’s degree makes it a valuable asset for students. Whether you are just starting out in criminal justice or interested in advancing your career, this program can help.
What Will You Study in the Online Master of Science in Criminal Justice – Public Administration Program?
Our online Master of Science in Criminal Justice – Public Administration degree is designed to help prepare you for the situations you will face in the criminal justice field. You can gain a full understanding of the discipline of public administration.
You will study the major theories and practices that lead to effective leadership in public service roles. You can also learn about the politics of government bureaucracy, managing and leading public organizations, and the core functions of government administration. These topics can help you put theory into practice.
Throughout this program, you can learn what it means to become an effective community leader who supports local economic growth. You will examine various worldviews that affect America’s public policy system and how they created the society we live in today. You will also learn strong conflict communication training to handle situations seen in the field and the workplace.
Our MSCJ program gives you the option to complete a practical thesis project. This project will demonstrate your expertise and prepare you to potentially pursue doctoral studies.
If the thesis project isn’t for you, you can choose additional electives to broaden your experience. The essential skills taught in the online MS in Criminal Justice – Public Administration will ensure that you are prepared to branch out into an administrative role or start a career in criminal justice.
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Speak to one of our admissions specialists to help you choose the program that best fits your needs.
Tuition & Aid
At Liberty University, a private Christian education is less expensive than you think. Over the last 10 years, Liberty University’s Online Program has only raised its standard tuition costs by less than 5% – and most of our online tuition rates rank in the top 35% for affordability for 2025 when compared to our leading online competitors.
| Graduate Full Time | $580/Credit |
|---|---|
| Graduate Part Time | $645/Credit |
| Military Graduate | $290/Credit |
These rates are reflective of academic year 2025-2026. Tuition rates may change annually. For the most current information, please visit our LU Tuition Cost page.
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Admission Information for LU’s Master of Science in Criminal Justice
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Ready to Apply?
Submit your application online or over the phone.
Military
Liberty University is dedicated to providing world-class educational experiences to military students across the globe.
Who May Qualify?
- Active Duty
- Reserve/National Guard
- Veterans/Retirees
- Spouses of Service Members and Veterans/Retirees
- Current Department of Defense Employees
Available 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)
*Not applicable to certificates.
These rates are reflective of academic year 2025-2026. Tuition rates may change annually. For the most current information, please visit our LU Tuition Cost page.
Frequently Asked Questions
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