Online Degrees in Criminal Justice Leadership: Program Overviews

Professionals in criminal justice environments can learn and prepare for advancement by pursuing a graduate degree in criminal justice leadership. Individuals who are currently working in a corrections, security, law enforcement or justice area may opt for a distance learning format in order to earn this degree. An online criminal justice master's degree with a leadership focus can help graduates qualify for management and administration positions.

Online Master's Degrees in Criminal Justice Leadership

Law enforcement professionals can stay current in the ways in which our borders and citizens are protected and criminals are handled by continuing their education at a graduate level. A variety of online master's programs are available for professional development as well as for students who are interested in a management level career in criminal justice. While associate's and bachelor's degree programs in criminal justice are also available online, the leadership focus is found in advanced degrees. Master's programs provide administration skills, such as budgeting, and review theory and policy.

Program Overview and Requirements

A post-baccalaureate master's degree program can be completed online in two years. Most programs are fully accessible via interactive Web courses, although a one week on-campus session may be required for some schools. A research thesis option may be available for students planning on continuing in a Ph.D. program or pursuing a teaching career.
Although programs provide flexibility for working students, distance learners are encouraged to be conscientious of time management and log-on daily in order to receive updates, participate in discussion and remain engaged. The working student has an advantage in that skills learned may be immediately applied in the workplace.

Course Listing

A foundation in policy and theory is built through courses in history, policy and theory of criminal justice. Elective courses emphasize specializations in corrections, security and policy management.

Criminological Theory Course

Various theoretical models in the history of criminology are reviewed and critiqued in light of case-studies. Leading theories of prevention and punishment are discussed.

Justice Management Course

Effective administration of law enforcement agencies requires knowledge of training, evaluating and rewarding performance, and effective means of handling job-related stress. The ways in which technological advancements aid in strategic planning are also introduced.

Budget Management for Justice Professionals Course

Topics include accounting, financial forecasting and grant writing. Special attention is given to fiscal issues affecting law enforcement agencies and correctional institutions.

Employment Options

Master's degree programs in criminal justice prepare students for careers in teaching, corrections management and law enforcement administration. In 2009, the mean annual salary for correctional managers was $59,810 and $78,580 for police managers as reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (www.bls.gov).