Master of Science (MS) in Criminal Justice
Available Fall 2026
Cultivate Justice in Our Nation with Liberty’s Master’s Degree in Criminal Justice
Do you see the change that is needed in our justice system? Do you want to help engender that change? Stepping into graduate-level studies in criminal justice can help you deepen your understanding of how communities, agencies, and legal systems work together to promote public safety. Liberty University’s Master of Science (MS) in Criminal Justice gives you the space to explore advanced concepts in the field while learning from faculty who bring academic knowledge and real-world experience into the classroom.
Here at Liberty, you can engage with current issues shaping law enforcement, corrections, and justice administration. Your courses can challenge you to think critically about how justice systems function, how professionals respond to emerging concerns, and how organizations operate behind the scenes. Through your courses, you can learn how theory connects with everyday practice across a variety of criminal justice settings.
Because Liberty is committed to providing an education rooted in Christian principles, you will also examine the ethical dimensions of justice work from a values-driven perspective. This approach encourages you to think about integrity, fairness, and responsibility as you study the complexities of criminal justice. Whether you’re pursuing new career opportunities or preparing for future academic work, this program offers structure, community, and hands-on engagement.
Credit Hours
View CoursesNext start date: Aug 24, 2026
Liberty University is accredited by SACSCOC
Highlights
Highlights of Our Master’s in Criminal Justice
Values-Focused Approach
You can study the field through a lens that encourages ethical decision-making and personal responsibility. Our faculty integrate faith-informed perspectives that can help you connect professional knowledge with meaningful purpose.
Faculty with Real-World Insight
Our professors bring years of professional experience into the classroom. Their backgrounds in law enforcement, policy, and justice administration can help you link what you learn to the realities of the field.
In-Person Mentorship
Small, residential classes can give you opportunities for face-to-face interaction with faculty. This format can support deeper discussion, personalized feedback, and practical skill development.
A Community of Peers
As a residential student, you can learn alongside classmates who share your interest in serving communities. Collaboration and discussion can help you explore multiple perspectives on today’s justice challenges.
Academic Preparation that Matters
This program can help strengthen your research, analytical, and communication skills. These abilities can support further academic study or help you build a stronger foundation for future professional growth.
Career Potential
What Can You Do with a Master’s Program in Criminal Justice?
Liberty University’s Master of Science (MS) in Criminal Justice can help prepare you to pursue the following occupations:
- Corrections officer
- Homeland security analyst
- Police administrator
- Probation or parole officer/manager
- State or local law enforcement officer
#2 Best College Campus in America
At Liberty, you’ll find an affordable, high-quality education designed to help equip students like you for the real world. Our commitment to excellence has earned us recognition as the #2 Best College Campus in America by Niche.com for 2026.
Earning your degree from a nonprofit university with state-of-the-art resources like ours can help set you apart from your peers.
Courses
What Will You Study in Our MS in Criminal Justice?
Your coursework will introduce you to the inner workings of justice organizations and how they function at the local, state, and national levels. You will explore topics related to organizational leadership, personnel management, and the administrative structures that shape the modern criminal justice system. These studies can help you look at the field from multiple angles while considering how individuals and institutions respond to ongoing challenges.
You will also examine emerging issues that influence crime trends, public safety concerns, and policy decisions. Through discussions and research assignments, you will study how communities adapt to new developments, how agencies evaluate their own effectiveness, and how justice professionals navigate ethical expectations in complex environments. This approach encourages you to think critically about both long-standing principles and contemporary shifts.
In addition, you can learn how to assess criminal justice programs, analyze data, and interpret results in ways that help evaluate organizational performance. These analytical skills can help prepare you to think strategically about problem-solving and improvement within justice-related settings.
In this program, you can choose the path that best supports your academic goals. You can complete elective courses that allow you to tailor the degree to your interests, or you can pursue a thesis and engage in original research under faculty guidance. Either option can help you deepen your understanding of the field and contribute meaningful insight to ongoing scholarly discussions.
Featured Graduate Criminal Justice Courses
CJUS 500 – Criminal Justice Integration
CJUS 520 – Administration of Justice Organizations
CJUS 530 – Human Resource Management in Criminal Justice Organizations
CJUS 550 – Topics and Trends in Criminal Justice
Degree Information
- This program falls under the Helms School of Government
- View the Degree Completion Plan (coming soon)
- Check out our course catalog
- Transfer in up to 50% of the degree total
BENEFITS
Why Choose Liberty’s Master of Science in Criminal Justice?
A Campus Committed to Purpose
Liberty’s campus environment is built around encouraging you to think about your studies in a meaningful, values-driven way. As you move through your courses, you can engage in conversations about integrity, service, and ethical leadership that extend beyond the classroom. This atmosphere can help you consider how your academic development connects with your long-term goals and the ways you hope to contribute to your community.
Extensive Academic Resources
Graduate-level study often requires deeper research, more complex analysis, and strong writing skills, and Liberty provides resources designed to support you in those areas. You can access research libraries, writing coaching, and specialized academic services that can help you navigate major projects, particularly if you choose to complete the optional thesis track. These tools allow you to build confidence as you approach advanced coursework and strengthen the quality of your academic studies.
Opportunities for Support and Community
Life on campus offers a blend of academic engagement and personal connection. Through student organizations, campus events, and shared learning spaces, you can find opportunities to build friendships and collaborative relationships that can enrich your graduate experience. This sense of community can make it easier to stay motivated, exchange ideas, and feel supported as you work toward your degree.
A Recognized Institution
Liberty University is known for providing academic programs grounded in strong instruction, accessible faculty, and comprehensive student support. Being part of this community means studying at an institution recognized for its commitment to high standards and purposeful education. This reputation, combined with our faculty’s expertise and our extensive resources, can help you feel confident that you’re learning in a setting focused on thoughtful growth and academic excellence.
Admissions
How Do You Become a Master’s Degree in Criminal Justice Student?
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
Have Questions?
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