Recently, we explained what you can do with a Master’s Degree in Criminal Justice, including what jobs you can get with your degree, and why it’s worth getting the degree in the first place. Here, we’re going to explain why you should consider studying online as opposed to on-campus.
This article will explain the many benefits of studying online, but we’ll also talk about who tends to do best in online programs, and what it’s actually like to get your master’s degree online.
When you’ve finished reading about the reasons to study online, fill out our information request form to receive additional details about CSU Global’s 100% online Master’s Degree in Criminal Justice, or if you’re ready to get started, submit your application today.
Advantages to Studying Criminal Justice Online
Completing your Master’s Degree in Criminal Justice online is the best way to get your degree, for several important reasons.
First, studying online is far more convenient, since it offers much more flexibility and freedom than a traditional, on-campus program.
Getting your degree online means you can pursue your master’s degree at your own pace and in your own time, studying wherever and however you want.
If you already have a busy schedule full of work and family responsibilities, then studying online is a virtual no-brainer.
In fact, CSU Global’s online Master’s in Criminal Justice program was designed specifically for working professionals, which is why we provide as much flexibility as possible, offering:
- Monthly class starts.
- Accelerated, eight-week courses.
- Not set times or locations for classes.
But those aren’t the only benefits to studying online, as you may also be able to save quite a bit of money by choosing to study online with us.
Our graduate tuition rates may be far more affordable than other schools you’re considering attending. Find out for yourself how our costs compare to other schools by downloading the Cost Comparison Sheet from our Tuition Rates page.
Who Should Consider an Online Criminal Justice Master’s Program?
Online learning isn’t ideal for everybody, but many students prefer it compared to traditional classroom learning, and many of our students report performing better when studying online.
If you’re wondering whether or not online learning might be a good fit for you, here’s a list of several factors that make you a good candidate for studying online:
- If you have a busy schedule due to work or family responsibilities that would make it difficult to attend classes at set times or distant locations, then studying online may be a much better option for you.
- If you don’t have access to reliable transportation, or if you don’t have enough free time to commute back and forth from a physical campus, then studying online is almost certainly going to be a better option for you.
- If you haven’t performed well in the past with traditional classroom learning, or if you don’t want to return to a classroom environment for any reason, then studying online may be a better fit for you.
To help you decide if online learning is right for you, be sure to review a sample schedule for one of our online graduate students.
What is an Online Master’s Program in Criminal Justice Really Like?
Most students think they know what it would be like to study online, but if you haven’t been enrolled in an online program, then you might be surprised to find out just how different it is.
First – and this part should be obvious – studying online means that you’ll be doing most of the learning through your computer.
At CSU Global, we use an online learning platform called Canvas, which offers several important benefits over studying in-person, and with the biggest difference being that you don’t need to lug around books, papers, or other supplies that would be required by an in-person course.
Instead, our students are able to use Canvas to access course materials, complete assignments, download resources, and participate in conversations with their instructors and fellow students.
Since Canvas can be accessed from anywhere, as long as you have an internet connection, this opens up a ton of freedom and flexibility for our students.
You could study from home, from a coffee shop, from a friend’s house, from the road, or from anywhere else that you’re able to connect to the internet, meaning you’ll have far more options than you’d get from an in-person program.
For additional details on what our online classroom environment is really like, view some sample coursework, then read our page that explains how online classes work at CSU Global.
Are Online Master’s Degrees in Criminal Justice as Valuable as In-Person Degrees?
Yes, online Master’s programs offer just as much value as traditional, in-person Master’s programs, and your online Master’s Degree in Criminal Justice will be every bit as valuable as a traditional on-campus degree.
If you do choose to study online, just make sure that you apply for programs that are regionally accredited, as this is the most important factor in determining the real-world value of any potential degree.
Regional accreditation works like a stamp of approval for a degree program. It’s offered by external evaluators who review the school’s and program’s information as part of a rigorous, comprehensive, and peer-reviewed process to ensure that the program offers a consistent standard of quality.
At CSU Global, our online Master’s Degree in Criminal Justice is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, the most respected accreditation body in the country, so you know you can count on it to be respected in the workplace.
We’re also proud to be a member of the world-renowned CSU System, a system known and trusted by students and employers across the globe. Choosing to study with us means you can rest assured that your degree will be both recognized and respected by potential hiring managers.
Our membership in the CSU System also means that you’ll be able to benefit from the wealth of resources, research, and partnerships we’re able to provide because of our connections to this larger academic body.
Is an Online Master’s Degree in Criminal Justice Really Worth Getting?
Yes, it’s worth completing an online Master’s in Criminal Justice because earning your degree is one of the best ways to develop the skills you’ll need to launch a successful career in this challenging, but rewarding industry.
While it may require a great deal of time and energy to complete your degree, it’s one of the best ways to invest in yourself and your future, as your master’s program is sure to prepare you to take on critical criminal justice tasks, like:
- Learning how to run an effective criminal justice system, including an entire organization.
- Leveraging your complex and nuanced understanding of the theories, strategies, and current best practices used by modern law enforcement professionals.
- Making good, quick, informed decisions about critical issues, even while under pressure in high-stress situations.
- Developing an expert-level understanding of the ethical issues and controversial policies criminal justice organizations face.
If you choose to study online with CSU Global, you’ll receive all the training and education you need to prepare for leadership or management-level roles in criminal justice.
If your long-term career objective is to land a senior-level job in criminal justice, then you should certainly consider completing your M.S. in Criminal Justice with us.
Why Should You Choose CSU Global’s Master’s in Criminal Justice?
We’re the first independent, fully accredited, 100% online state university, and our online Masters in Criminal Justice program is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Our program is highly-respected, having recently received several top rankings, including:
- A #1 ranking on 25 Best Online Master’s in Criminal Justice for 2020 from Best Masters Programs.
- A #4 ranking on Best Online Master's in Law Enforcement Administration Programs of 2022 from Intelligent.
- A #4 ranking on The 20 Best Online Master’s in Criminal Justice Degree Programs 2020 from Online Course Report.
And CSU Global itself also recently received some important rankings, including:
- A #1 ranking for Best Online Colleges & Schools in Colorado from Best Accredited Colleges.
- A #1 ranking for Best Online Colleges in Colorado from Best Colleges.
- A #10 ranking for Best Online Colleges for ROI from OnlineU.
All of our faculty have recent and real-world experience in the field to ensure that they’ll be able to help you develop the skills and abilities needed to succeed in the industry, and we maintain partnerships with several of the biggest criminal justice organizations to provide you with networking opportunities while you’re still in school, including:
- Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
- International Association of Emergency Managers (IAEM)
- Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE)
- Coalition Against Insurance Fraud (CAIF)
- Alpha Phi Sigma Honors Society
- Academy of Criminal Justice Science (ACJS)
Simply put, getting your Master’s Degree in Criminal Justice from CSU Global is the best way to deepen your knowledge and broaden your capacity for public service, making it an excellent opportunity for advancing your career in criminal justice.
Finally, to help save you both time and money, we offer competitive tuition rates and a Tuition Guarantee to ensure that your rate won’t increase for as long as you remain enrolled with us. For details on how our costs compare to competing schools, make sure to review our downloadable Cost Comparison Sheet.
To get additional details about our fully accredited, 100% online Master’s Degree in Criminal Justice, please give us a call at 800-462-7845 or fill out our Information Request Form.
Ready to get started today? Apply now!