Online Master's in Criminal Justice Overview
The Master of Criminal Justice (MCJ) program is designed for students interested in comprehensive professional graduate education in the field of criminal justice. It is intended to develop in the student a fundamental understanding of the basic fields within criminal justice and of background material from supporting disciplines which would enable the student to adapt to many operational specializations.
The MCJ program provides an interdisciplinary perspective on crime and the criminal justice system. It focuses on law enforcement, the judiciary, correctional systems, juvenile justice, and the formulation of laws and codes. Individual courses focus on personnel and financial administration, systems analysis, policy analysis, organizational theory and behavior, and program development within the criminal justice system.
Students pursuing professional careers will gain a deep understanding of theory and its applications. Students aspiring to research careers or doctoral work will acquire a strong foundation in criminology and criminal justice research.
Dual Master’s Option – Public Administration and Criminal Justice
The College of Public Service offers a unique opportunity for a dual degree in Public Administration and Criminal Justice. The fields of public administration and criminal justice are closely connected. While the Master of Public Administration (MPA) is a generalist degree designed to prepare students for a variety of positions in public and nonprofit management and policy analysis, the Master of Criminal Justice (MCJ) prepares graduates to work in criminal justice organizations.
This dual degree provides an opportunity for students to complete both programs simultaneously in 54 credit hours, instead of 72 credit hours which would be required if completing each degree separately. 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 will have flexibility in choosing electives from both programs. Graduates will be equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to work in a number of public service or criminal justice settings.
Master of Criminal Justice
College of Public Service
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
Course Overview
The MCJ requires 36 credit hours, including:
- 12 credit hours of core courses
- 3 credit hours of internship (waiver possible)
- 15-21 credit hours of electives
- 3-6 credit hours of capstone or thesis
Please visit the UCCS Academic Catalog for the most up-to-date list of program courses, course descriptions, and detailed program requirements.
Related Certificates
Adding the following certificates can complement your Master of Criminal Justice program.
The Graduate Certificate in Grant Writing, Management, and Program Evaluation engages students in systematic research and study designed to improve the quality of grant writing and program evaluation within local governments, nonprofits, educational settings, and criminal justice and public service agencies.
The certificate consists of four courses totaling 12 credit hours of graduate coursework. A grade of B- or better is required in each course counting toward the certificate. Certificate students must maintain a 3.00 GPA once admitted to the certificate program. Please be advised that courses are typically offered alternately online and on campus, not concurrently. It is possible that pursuing a certificate fully online or fully on campus could take up to two years, depending on course availability.
Required Courses:
- CRJU 6105 / PADM 5350: Program Evaluation
- CRJU 6115 / PADM 6115: Grant Writing
- CRJU 6125 / PADM 6125: Grant Management
Plus, choose one elective course:
- CRJU 5004: Statistics
- CRJU 5009: Crime and Violence Prevention and Intervention
- CRJU 6135 / PADM 6135: Advanced Program Evaluation
- PADM 5110: Strategic Nonprofit Management
- PADM 5140: Nonprofit Financial Management
- PADM 5150: Philanthropy, Fundraising, and Earned Revenue Strategies
The Graduate Certificate in Homeland Security and Emergency Management is for law enforcement, public safety, emergency first responders, and military personnel potentially interested in civilian security careers.
The certificate consists of five required courses totaling 15 credit hours of graduate coursework. A grade of B- or better is required in each course counting toward the certificate. Certificate students must maintain a 3.00 GPA once admitted to the certificate program. Please be advised that courses are typically offered alternately online and on campus, not concurrently. It is possible that pursuing a certificate fully online or fully on campus could take up to two years, depending on course availability.
- PADM 5950 / CRJU 5950: Emerging Threats
- PADM 5960 / CRJU 5960: Homeland Security & Emergency Management Administration
- PADM 5970 / CRJU 5970: Introduction to Intelligence Practice & Research
- PADM 5980 / CRJU 5980: Environmental Challenges & Human Security
- PADM 5990 / CRJU 5990: Intergovernmental & Public-Private Sector Coordination
The Graduate Certificate in National Security Intelligence is a comprehensive program that provides students with valuable insights into the United States' security and intelligence landscape. Through this program, students gain a deep understanding of the threats faced by the nation from various state and non-state actors.
Designed for those interested in careers in federal- and state-level security and intelligence agencies, military operations and planning, think tanks, and private-sector security, this certificate offers a unique opportunity to engage with recognized national experts and experienced practitioners in the field.
The certificate consists of five required courses totaling 15 credit hours of graduate coursework. A grade of B- or better is required in each course counting toward the certificate. Certificate students must maintain a 3.00 GPA once admitted to the certificate program. Please be advised that courses are typically offered alternately online and on campus, not concurrently. It is possible that pursuing a certificate fully online or fully on campus could take up to two years, depending on course availability.
- PADM 5955 / CRJU 5955: Intersection of U.S. Foreign Policy & National Security
- PADM 5965 / CRJU 5965: Understanding International Relations
- PADM 5970 / CRJU 5970: Introduction to Intelligence Practice & Research
- PADM 5985 / CRJU 5985: Advanced Intelligence Collection & Analysis
- PADM 5990 / CRJU 5990: Intergovernmental & Public-Private Sector Coordination
Thriving nonprofit organizations are an essential component of community well-being. The Graduate Certificate in Nonprofit Management provides the knowledge and skills to lead and manage nonprofits effectively.
The certificate consists of four courses totaling 12 credit hours of graduate coursework. A grade of B- or better is required in each course counting toward the certificate. Certificate students must maintain a 3.00 GPA once admitted to the certificate program. Please be advised that courses are typically offered alternately online and on campus, not concurrently. It is possible that pursuing a certificate fully online or fully on campus could take up to two years, depending on course availability.
- PADM 5110: Strategic Nonprofit Management
- PADM 5140: Nonprofit Financial Management
- PADM 5150: Philanthropy, Fundraising, & Earned Revenue Strategies
- PADM 5160: Leading Innovation in Nonprofits & Social Enterprises
The Graduate Certificate in Public Management provides current and future professionals with skills to adapt, respond, and lead through the challenges of public service delivery.
The certificate consists of four courses totaling 12 credit hours of graduate-level coursework. A grade of B- or better is required in each course counting toward the certificate. Certificate students must maintain a 3.00 GPA once admitted to the certificate program. Please be advised that courses are typically offered alternately online and on campus, not concurrently. It is possible that pursuing a certificate fully online or fully on campus could take up to two years, depending on course availability.
Required course:
- PADM 5001: Introduction to Public Administration and Public Service
Plus, choose three elective courses:
- PADM 5002: Organizational Management and Behavior
- PADM 5004: Economics and Public Finance
- PADM 5005: The Policy Process and Democracy
- PADM 5006: Ethics and Leadership
Take the First Step
Complete the form on this page to be contacted by an Enrollment Advisor.
Tuition and Fees
At UCCS Online, we strive to keep our tuition costs affordable so that you can get a world-class education that fits your budget. When you earn a degree, you’re not simply getting a diploma — you’re making a lifelong investment in yourself and empowering your future career. We know that affordability is an important factor, and that’s why we’re here to help you explore all of the options available to fund your education.
Our Enrollment Team can answer any of your questions about tuition and financial aid, help you take care of the paperwork, and make sure you’re able to focus on reaching your goals. From financial aid and scholarships to tuition assistance programs, we’ll work with you to find the best way to finance your degree.
Complete the form on this page to connect with our Enrollment Team and get more information about tuition, fees, scholarships, and financial aid.
Western Region Graduate Program (WRGP/WICHE)
Students from the following states (Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, Washington, Wyoming and the U.S. Pacific Territories and Freely Associated States) have the opportunity to pay a reduced tuition rate which is currently equal to in-state tuition.
In State Cost Per Credit:
$710
Approximate tuition per credit hour based on the number of credits taken
Out of State Cost Per Credit:
$811
Approximate tuition per credit hour based on the number of credits taken
We know that affordability is an important factor, and that’s why we’re here to help you explore all of the options available to fund your education. Our Enrollment Navigators can answer any of your questions about tuition and financial aid, help you take care of the paperwork, and make sure you’re able to focus on reaching your goals. From financial aid and scholarships to transfer credits and corporate tuition assistance programs, we’ll work with you to find the best way to finance your UCCS Online degree. Complete the formComplete the form on this page to be contacted by an Enrollment Advisor.
Financial aid is available for eligible students to use toward paying educational costs while enrolled in a UCCS Online program. To determine your eligibility and apply for financial aid, you’ll need to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). When you submit your FAFSA, you will be considered for three types of aid: grants, work-study, and student loans. To be considered for federal financial aid, you will need to apply early and annually.
- Scholarships | You may be eligible for scholarships at UCCS. We offer many scholarships and grants to students who are ready to earn their degrees and achieve success. Between both UCCS-offered and external scholarships, our students earned more than $10 million in scholarship awards last year alone.
UCCS Online is military-friendly and committed to providing service members and their families with a high-quality education that fits their distinct needs. As a UCCS Online student, you will have access to the UCCS Veteran and Military Affairs, which connects veteran, active duty, reservist, National Guard, and dependent students with fundamental support, services, and resources to ensure academic and professional success. UCCS is a proud home campus to many veteran and military students.
Eligible veteran and military students may use veteran benefits, military tuition assistance, and/or financial aid to pay for their education. Military benefits with UCCS Online include:
- Waived application fee for active duty and veterans
- Military benefits approved program
Connect with our Enrollment NavigatorsConnect with our Enrollment Navigators to learn more about the benefits and financial assistance available to military and veteran students.
All students are automatically opted in to the TAAP program with the choice to opt out. The TAAP program provides all your course materials for one flat fee per credit hour. That means no more time spent searching for, ordering, and paying out of pocket for your own course materials.
Many companies offer tuition assistance benefits as part of their employee compensation program. Generally, these policies determine a set number of credit hours per year that the company will pay for on behalf of the student/employee. Some policies place a cap on eligible tuition dollars and related expenses while others reimburse employees on a per-credit-hour basis. Get in touch with your organization's human resources department to learn more about your educational benefits.
Admissions Information
Prerequisites
A bachelor's degree from a college or university of accredited standing, with grades sufficiently high to indicate the ability to pursue graduate work. Students should have a 2.75 (or better) undergraduate grade point average for admission into the MCJ program. The applicant may have majored in any field for the undergraduate degree.
Required Application Materials
- Online Graduate School Application
- A written statement that includes 500-word responses to the following three prompts:
- What are your career aspirations, and how can your academic experience contribute to your career goals?
- What is relevant in your professional or academic background that contributes to your anticipate success in your graduate experience?
- Provide an example of how your characteristics helped you overcome a specific challenge.
- $60 non-refundable application fee
- Official transcripts from all higher education institutions attended
- Contact information (name and email address) for two recommendations from qualified references that establish the applicant’s qualifications for graduate work. Recommendations may be from professors, employers, and/or others who are acquainted with the prospective student's professional and/or academic work. This requirement is currently being waived if an applicant's undergraduate cumulative GPA is 3.25 or higher.
- Current resume
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
If you miss the deadline, please contact us.
- Spring 2025: January 21, 2025
- Summer 2025: June 9, 2025
- Fall 2025: August 25, 2025
Expand Your Opportunities
Earn an education that creates opportunity. Start the admissions process with an enrollment advisor by filling out the form on this page today.
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 MCJ program is offered fully online, which means you will not be required to take courses at our campus and there are no on-campus components to this program.