Master of Science in
Criminal Justice
Program Description
Master of Science in Criminal Justice
The Master of Science in Criminal Justice degree prepares students for entry and advancement into a criminal justice related career. The field of Criminal Justice centers on the control of criminal behavior in the maintenance of public order. It includes the primary functions of law enforcement, prosecution, trial, corrections, juvenile offenders, handling evidence, crime scene investigation, and associated responsibilities. Students gain advanced knowledge of the justice system and law enforcement processes, from police patrol procedures, courts, terrorism, forensic science, correctional facilities, and probation and parole systems.
Upon completion of the Master of Science in Criminal Justice degree, students should be able to demonstrate the following outcomes, based on successful completion of the corresponding courses:
- Evaluate the scientific study of crime, criminals, the law-making process, the criminal justice system, and the treatment of offenders.
- Utilize critical thinking, analytical, and interpersonal skills applicable to real-world problems.
- Implement solutions for law enforcement, criminal investigation, and the management and
administration of criminal justice related activities. - Advance in administrative and managerial positions in the criminal justice industry or related fields.
- Apply advanced research in the collection, analysis, and reporting of criminal justice related information and empirical data.
- Understand ethical practices as they apply in fields of criminal justice and identify and
implement solutions to issues confronting practitioners in areas of criminal justice.
Program Plan for the Master of Science in Criminal Justice
Our Master’s degree programs consist of 8 core courses and 2 elective courses. Electives can be selected from eight pre-identified emphases: business law, coaching, cybersecurity law, finance, law enforcement management, legal studies, management, and project management, or two electives of the student’s choosing.
The core courses within the Criminal Justice program introduces students to key aspects of law enforcement, prosecution, trial, corrections, juvenile offenders, handling evidence and crime scene investigation.
| COURSE | NAME | CREDIT HOURS |
| CJS 500 | Criminal Law | 3 |
| CJS 505 | Criminal Justice Ethics | 3 |
| CJS 510 | Advanced Criminal Procedure | 3 |
| CJS 520 | Criminology | 3 |
| CJS 530 | Law Enforcement Management | 3 |
| CJS 590 | Interview & Interrogation | 3 |
| RES 500 | Research Methods | 3 |
| CJS 699 | Graduate Capstone | 3 |
| CORE TOTAL | 24 |
Students can identify and complete TWO (2) courses from a specific emphasis or take any TWO (2) elective courses to complete degree requirements.
| Business Administration | |
| Project Management | |
| MGT 645 | Project Management Essentials |
| MGT 646 | Project Management Organizational Framework |
| MGT 647 | Project Management Integration Framework |
| COH 540 | Project Management Coaching |
| Finance | |
| BUS 550 | Business Finance |
| BUS 551 | Corporate Financial Management |
| BUS 552 | Innovative Finance and Venture Capital |
| BUS 553 | Corporate Global Finance |
| Coaching | |
| COH 510 | Coaching in the Workplace |
| COH 515 | Personal Coaching |
| COH 520 | Coaching Teams |
| COH 525 | Executive Coaching |
| COH 530 | Group Theory & Skills |
| COH 535 | Group Work Practice |
| COH 540 | Project Management Coaching |
| Management | |
| MGT 504 | Sales Management |
| MGT 570 | Advanced Strategic Management |
| MGT 620 | Implementing Organizational Change |
| MGT 530 | Marketing Management |
| BUS 580 | Strategies for Change |
| Legal Studies | |
| Cybersecurity Law | |
| CSL 500 | Cybersecurity Laws & Data Protection |
| CSL 503 | Cybersecurity & Incident Response |
| Legal Studies | |
| LGS 525 | Contemporary Business Law |
| LGS 532 | Intellectual Property Law |
| LGS 540 | Wills & Trusts |
| LGS 620 | International Business Law |
| LGS 625 | Employment Law |
| LGS 542 | Elder Law |
| LGS 640 | Immigration Law |
| Business Law | |
| BUS 600 | Contract Law Fundamentals |
| BUS 620 | International Business Law |
| BUS 623 | Communications Law |
| LGS 620 | International Business Law |
| LGS 623 | Communications Law |
| Criminal Justice | |
| Law Enforcement Management | |
| CJS 545 | Drug Enforcement |
| CJS 560 | Dynamics of Family Violence |
| CJS 515 | Technology in Law Enforcement |
| CJS 575 | Police Administration |
| CJS 580 | Terrorism & Homeland Security |
| CJS 585 | Corrections |
Is a Master of Science in Criminal Justice Degree Right for You?
Take the Abraham Lincoln University “Master of Science in Criminal Justice Degree Readiness Quiz”
This fun, online quiz takes 3 minutes to complete and you’ll get a personalized report. Identify your strengths and social style plus the training and positions you’re best suited for. Get Your Master of Science in Criminal Justice Degree Readiness Score Now >>
Similar Degrees & Programs
Request Information
Explore how ALU’s online distance education courses can work for you. As one of the top distance education universities in California for non-traditional students, our Admissions team has the information you need to help you with your application and succeed with our school. Additional information is available for those who seek transfer credit or want to study at ALU as an international student.
If you prefer to speak to our Admissions Team directly, give us a call at 213-252-5100.
Business Hours
In person/on site: 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM PT
Monday and Wednesday, by appointment only
Online: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM PT
Monday to Friday
Discover Your Options
I authorize Abraham Lincoln University and its representatives to contact me via text or short message service (SMS). Message & data rates may apply. Please review our privacy policy.