Rise to New Heights in Criminal Justice
Develop a fundamental understanding of criminal justice in a fully online program that gives you the flexibility to study without pausing your career. The Master of Criminal Justice (MCJ) program gives you an interdisciplinary learning experience while examining law enforcement, the judiciary, correctional systems, juvenile justice, and the formulation of laws and codes.
Criminal Justice + Public Administration Dual Master's Degree Option
The College of Public Service offers a unique opportunity for a dual degree in Public Administration and Criminal Justice, two closely connected fields. Students save time by completing both programs simultaneously, with 54 required credit hours instead of 72. Dual degree students will complete the core courses in each program, an internship in their choice of either criminal justice or public administration, a capstone or thesis in either discipline, and elective courses.
- Career-Relevant Courses — Hands-on coursework will give you experience in the field.
- Promotion Ready — Graduate with a portfolio of work and experience that prepares you for your next career move.
- Online Learning — This program is delivered 100% online with no requirements to visit campus.
- Save on Tuition with WRGP — Students from select states can receive reduced tuition rates equal to in-state tuition for the MCJ program at UCCS.
Master of Criminal Justice
100% Online
Delivery Method
$710*
Cost Per Credit
*Approximate In-state
$811*
Cost Per Credit
*Approximate Out-of-state
Priority Application Deadline
Rolling Admissions
Application Deadline
36
Credit Hours
18-24 Months
Average Completion Time
Featured Courses
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CRJU 5001: Criminal Justice Systems, Policy and Practice
This course examines the salient, current critical issues in the justice system affecting law enforcement, courts, corrections, and recent social developments related to personnel. The class includes in-depth explorations of the development, implementation, and analysis of public policy in the field of criminology. -
CRJU 5002: Criminological Theory
Explores the origins of criminal behavior and the impact of crime on society. The course examines theories of deviant, delinquent, and criminal behavior. Additionally, practical implications and application of theoretical constructs are analyzed through current research paradigms and empirical research. -
CRJU 5410: Victim Studies
Examines victim-offender relationships, the interactions between victims and the criminal justice system, and the connections between victims and other social groups and institutions among various populations. Addresses the theory, history, research, legislation, and policy implications related to the social construction of the victim.
Add a Related Certificate
Gain a competitive edge in the job market. MCJ students can also customize their degree program by concurrently earning a distinguishing graduate certificate in the following areas:
- Public Management
- Homeland Security and Emergency Management
- Grant Writing, Management and Program Evaluation
- National Security Intelligence
- Nonprofit Management
Apply Now
Request more information and start the admissions process by filling out the form on this page. Our team will answer your questions about the program and help you prepare to complete the application.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
We’re here to help. We emphasize to all students that faculty members are here for them. As faculty seek to connect with you, feel free to use their flexible office hours or contact them if you need additional help.
A common barrier to success is time management, especially if you are working a full-time job. The online format offers more flexibility and the opportunity to develop better balance among your commitments, but having a plan for completing your studies each week can help you get on track to success early.
Online courses at the University of Colorado are taught by the same professors that teach in-person classes. This ensures that you are receiving the same education and learning experiences as on-campus students. The primary difference is with the delivery format. Your online courses will all be taught in Canvas, the Learning Management System (LMS). You will be responsible for logging in, accessing course content, and completing any requirements of the course.
The Master of Criminal Justice (MCJ) program has a fully online option, which means you will not be required to take courses at our campus and there are no on-campus components to this program. The program involves a three-credit-hour internship (CJ 6910) for students who have not had at least one year of professional experience in a criminal justice organization. A minimum of 240 hours of supervised work is required to earn three (3) hours of credit. Students must have completed at least nine (9) credit hours of coursework to enroll in CJ 6910.
UCCS accepts applications throughout the year through a rolling admissions process. However, submitting your application by the preferred deadlines is advisable. Our stated application deadlines are as follows, but we admit students up to a week before the semester starts.
- Spring Semester: November 1
- Summer Semester: May 1
- Fall Semester: August 1
Upcoming start dates are as follows:
- Spring 2025: January 21, 2025
- Summer 2025: June 9, 2025
- Fall 2025: August 25, 2025
- Spring 2026: January 20, 2026
- Summer 2026: June 15, 2026
- Fall 2026: August 24, 2026
- Spring 2027: January 19, 2027