Developed by law enforcement professionals, for law enforcement professionals.
Earn your Master’s in Criminal Justice Administration (MJA) online at ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ and gain the knowledge, leadership skills, and professional network to advance your career in law enforcement or criminal justice. This program is uniquely designed to provide opportunities for local and rural criminal justice professionals to engage with peers across the nation while gaining valuable perspective on how larger state and federal agencies operate. Through interactive online learning, you’ll develop the expertise needed to take on leadership roles in criminal justice administration.
The online criminal justice master’s program is flexible and accessible, making it ideal for both pre-professional students looking to further their education and current criminal justice personnel seeking career advancement. With instruction from highly experienced faculty who understand the risks and pressures of the field, this program allows non-traditional students to balance work, study, and professional growth. Whether you’re in Kentucky, across the United States, or serving in law enforcement abroad, the online Master of Criminal Justice Administration degree at ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ equips you with the respected credentials employers value.
By the Numbers
Programs & Requirements
Master’s in Criminal Justice Administration
This MJA degree can be completed in as little as one year. ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ’ Master of Science in Criminal Justice Administration (MJA) program is for both recent baccalaureate graduates as well as in-service professionals hoping to secure further training in and credentials for effective service and leadership in justice administration through a master of science program.
Criminal Justice Administration course rotation and program features are thoughtfully designed to best suit your personal schedule and needs. As an online Master’s in criminal justice administration degree candidate, you will complete Core coursework, complete one Emphasis area, and then graduate having learned in-demand skills that will allow you to successfully lead people, manage projects, and administer agencies within the challenging and dynamic arena that is 21st century criminal justice.
Course Requirements
- (1 cr. hr.)
A content emphasis area of at least twelve (12) hours must be earned in one of these disciplines:
- Addiction Studies
- Corrections
- Criminal Psychology
- Cybersecurity
- Digital Forensics
- Homeland Security
- Juvenile Justice
- Law Enforcement
- Criminal Justice Education and Leadership
For a full list of course offerings or more program specific information, visit our Academic Catalog.
The Criminal Justice Management Certificate is a graduate-level online certificate open to members of law enforcement in the state of Kentucky and all across the United States.
Required Courses (12 hours)
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Mission and Goals
The Master of Science in Criminal Justice Administration (MJA) program builds upon your foundational knowledge and skills within the realm of criminal justice.
Criminal Justice Administration Careers & Outcomes
All stats from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Police Officer: $65,790
Police Officer: $65,790
Maintain order and protect life and property by enforcing local, tribal, state, or federal laws and ordinances. Perform a combination of the following duties: patrol a specific area; direct traffic; issue traffic summonses; investigate accidents; apprehend and arrest suspects or serve legal processes of courts.
Corrections Officer: $47,920
Corrections Officer: $47,920
Correctional officers guard people in penal institutions and guard those in transit between jail, courtroom, prison, or other point. Bailiffs are law enforcement officers who maintain order in courtrooms.
FBI Agent: $66,020
FBI Agent: $66,020
Detectives and criminal investigators gather facts and collect evidence of possible crimes.
Emergency Management Director: $76,730
Emergency Management Director: $76,730
Emergency management directors prepare plans and procedures for responding to natural disasters or other emergencies. They also help lead the response during and after emergencies.
Homeland Security Agent: $66,020
Homeland Security Agent: $66,020
Detectives and criminal investigators gather facts and collect evidence of possible crimes.
Information Security Analyst: $102,600
Information Security Analyst: $102,600
Information security analysts plan and carry out security measures to protect an organization’s computer networks and systems.
Common Questions
A master's degree in criminal justice administration prepares students for leadership roles in criminal justice and security. It covers essential topics such as law enforcement, corrections, and emergency management, focusing on administrative and managerial skills.
Typically, a master's in criminal justice administration can be completed in as little as one year. The program requires around 31 credit hours, depending on the university's curriculum.
Yes, you can earn a master's in criminal justice administration online. Many universities offer flexible online programs designed to accommodate both pre-professional students and working professionals.
A master's degree in criminal justice administration is worth it for those seeking advanced roles in the criminal justice field. It enhances your knowledge, skills, and qualifications, leading to better job opportunities and higher salaries.
With a master's in criminal justice administration, you can pursue careers such as police officer, corrections officer, FBI agent, emergency management director, homeland security agent, and information security analyst.
To get a master's in criminal justice administration, you need to apply to an accredited program, complete the required coursework, and fulfill any necessary practicum or internship requirements. Some programs may also require a capstone project or thesis.
In criminal justice, you can earn degrees at various levels, including an associate's degree, bachelor's degree, master's degree, and doctorate. Each degree level offers different career opportunities and specializations.
Criminal justice administration management involves overseeing and coordinating activities within criminal justice agencies. This includes managing personnel, developing policies, ensuring compliance with laws and regulations, and improving the efficiency and effectiveness of the organization.
The Master of Science in Justice Administration program accepts transfer of credit from a variety of properly credentialed academic and professionally-affiliated institutions and programs, including- but not limited to-the schools and organizations identified below. Please inform your Graduate Admissions Counselor if you have coursework you would like evaluated during the admissions process. All graduate academic course work must reflect a minimum grade of "B" to be eligible for transfer. Documentation received is reviewed by the MJA Director, MJA faculty, and the UC Registrar. Upon completion of the review process the student will be notified of the decision regarding what credit has been determined to be eligible for posting as credit to the student’s graduate degree plan and/or graduate transcript.
- Kentucky Law Enforcement Council
- Kentucky Department of Criminal Justice Training
- Southern Police Institute (SPI)-University of Louisville
- Lexington-Fayette Division of Police- Sgt. Academy
- FBI National Academy
- Kentucky Criminalistics Academy (KCA)
- Command Officer's Development Course (CODC)- University of Louisville
- North Carolina State University- AOMP
- North Carolina State University- Law Enforcement Executive Program (LEEP)
- Police Law Institute- North Carolina Justice Academy
- Northwestern School of Police Staff and Command- Northwestern University
- National Criminal Justice Command College (NCJCC)- University of Virginia
- National Forensic Academy- University of Tennessee
- National Forensic Academy Collegiate Program- University of Tennessee at Martin
- Department of Homeland Security (BITAC)
- State POST Councils
- Police Executive Research Forum (PERF)
- Senior Management Institute for Police (SMIP) (PERF)
- National Computer Forensics Institute (NCFI)
- Forensic Science Academy- Virginia Department of Forensic Science
- Texas Police Chiefs Association- Law Enforcement Command Officer Program (LECOP)
- Law Enforcement Management Institute of Texas (LEMIT)- Leadership Command College
- Institute for Law Enforcement Administration (TX) (ILEA)- School of Executive Leadership
- Methodist University- West Point Leadership Program (WPLP)
Criminal Justice Certifications Accepted for Graduate Students
- CLEE (Certified Law Enforcement Executive) - (9 credit hours)
- CPM (Certified Public Manager) - (6 credit hours)
- LADC (Licensed Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselor) - (6 credit hours)
- LCDC (Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor) - (6 credit hours)
- CADC (Certified Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselor) - (6 credit hours)
- GCFE (GIAC Certified Forensic Examiner) - (6 credit hours)
- CEM Certified Emergency Manager- CROL 663 Criminal Justice Training and Education I (6hrs) or CROL 664 Criminal Justice Training and Education II (6 hrs)
Faculty Experts in Criminal Justice
Get to know more about your future criminal justice professors.

Dr. Jack Brown

Dr. Bo Bennett

Dr. Jennifer Larson
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