Explore One of the Best MSCJ Degrees in the Nation!
Begin your journey to learning and practicing administrative duties in the criminal justice sector.
Master of Science in Criminal Justice
The Master of Science in Criminal Justice (MSCJ) program educates new practitioners and provides professional education necessary for those seeking career advancement in both administration and practice. The administrative area emphasizes the formulation and implementation of policies, laws, and management issues such as decision making, fiscal responsibility, program evaluation and performance evaluation. The practice area focuses on understanding specific methods, techniques, and skills utilized in the criminal and juvenile justice systems when interacting with victims, offenders, and other professionals.
This 12-month MSCJ degree program is a pivotal link in the region, as currently no other private higher education non-profit school offers an online MSCJ degree.
One of the Most Affordable Online MSCJ Programs in the Southeast
The NCWU online MSCJ graduate degree is one of our most popular degrees at NC Wesleyan. Students enroll in the Master of Criminal Justice program for a very good reason! It’s one of the best and most affordable compared to other programs in the southeast. This 33-credit hour graduate program is taught by world-class faculty and includes one-on-one mentoring with faculty & staff, applied learning opportunities, low tuition, and tutoring and career counseling. We offer concentrations in Criminal Justice Administration and Criminal Justice Practice.
Explore the MSCJ degree TODAY and begin your journey to practicing administrative duties in the criminal justice sector.
Named #22 of 2024 Best Colleges for Criminal Justice
Based on Niche.com annual ratings for Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement Administration. Ranked #22 of 706 colleges nationwide.
Named a Best Online Master’s in Criminal Justice Program 2025 by U.S. News & World Report
Based on U.S. News & World Report annual ratings for Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement Administration.
Named #14 of Best Colleges for Online Master’s in Criminal Justice in America
Based on intelligent.com annual ratings for Master’s in Criminal Justice Programs. Ranked #14 of colleges nationwide and only 1 of 2 Universities in NC.
Program Features & Highlights:
Convenient
Take classes from anywhere! Balance work, home and school with this 100% online, accelerated 8-week term program.
Flexible
Complete your degree at your pace with a full-time or part-time schedule. Featuring multiple start times per year, begin when you are ready.
Affordable
NCWU’s graduate tuition rates are extremely competitive compared to other graduate schools in the U.S.
Experienced
Our engaging faculty have real-world professional experience to ensure you are challenged and supported through practical coursework.
MSCJ Program Overview
Applicants seeking admission to the MSCJ program must meet these four requirements:
- An undergraduate degree in subject or related field*
- Resume with two references (Must be able to provide reference letters upon request)
- Complete a statement of purpose
- Minimum undergraduate GPA of 2.5
Note: Graduate school applicants with a cumulative GPA below 2.5 may still be considered based upon other factors submitted in the application
*MSCJ students require two years of experience in criminal justice or related field. Students not meeting this criteria will be required to complete an internship once admitted to the program
Fall Semester: June 1
Spring Semester: November 1
Summer Session: March 1
The Master of Science in Criminal Justice (MSCJ) at NC Wesleyan University educates new practitioners and experienced professionals seeking advanced preparation through a flexible, online criminal justice graduate program. In this master’s degree in criminal justice, students build a strong foundation in criminological theory, research methods, legal and ethical issues, and contemporary challenges facing the criminal and juvenile justice systems. the MSCJ program, students deepen their expertise through a concentration in Criminal Justice Administration or Criminal Justice Practice.
Criminal Justice Administration
The administrative area emphasizes the formulation and implementation of policies, laws, and management issues such as decision making, fiscal responsibility, program evaluation, and performance evaluation.
Criminal Justice Practice
(Under Development)
The practice area will focus on understanding specific methods, techniques, and skills utilized in the criminal and juvenile justice systems when interacting with victims, offenders, and other professionals. Students have the opportunity to explore best practices when dealing with terrorism, human trafficking, and chemical dependency.
Major Requirements:
- JUS 600: Overview of Criminal Justice
- JUS 610: Victimology
- JUS 620: Criminological Theories
- JUS 630: Research Methods
- JUS 640: Current and Legal Issues in Criminal Justice
- JUS 690: Capstone
The Master of Science in Criminal Justice requires the completion of 33 semester hours of credit (18 hours core courses and 15 semester hours elective courses).
What are the courses like in the Master of Science in Criminal Justice at NCWU?
Check out our latest university catalog for learning goals, course descriptions and suggested plans of study for NC Wesleyan University’s MSCJ Program.
Career Opportunities
Graduates of this master’s degree in criminal justice are prepared for a wide range of advanced roles in local, state, and federal agencies, as well as in courts, corrections, security, and education. The MS in criminal justice supports both administrative and practice-focused career paths, including:
- Correctional Officer Supervisor: Oversees staff and daily operations in correctional facilities while supporting safety, compliance, and effective programming.
- Police Supervisor: Leads law enforcement officers, implements policy, and coordinates policing strategies.
- Detective Supervisor: Manages investigative teams, reviews case work, and ensures that investigations follow legal and ethical standards.
- Security Manager: Directs security operations, risk assessment, and incident response.
- Lead Criminal Investigator: Coordinates complex investigations, organizes evidence, and collaborates with prosecutors.
- District Attorney Investigator: Supports prosecutorial teams by gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, and assisting with case preparation.
- Lead Probation Officer: Supervises probation staff, monitors caseload practices, and oversees offender compliance and support plans.
- Director of Court Services: Manages court-related programs, personnel, and processes to support efficient and fair case flow.
- Criminologist: Studies crime patterns, policy impact, and criminal behavior using research methods and data analysis.
- Criminal Profiler: Applies behavioral science and case data to assist agencies in understanding offender characteristics and patterns.
- S. Marshal: Serves in federal law enforcement operations, including fugitive apprehension, court security, and prisoner transport.
- Federal Agent: Investigates federal offenses, conducts specialized enforcement activities, and works within national or international jurisdictions.
- College Level Professor: Teaches criminal justice courses, develops curriculum, and contributes to scholarship in the field.
- Criminal Justice Manager: Directs programs or departments within criminal justice organizations, focusing on policy, performance, and service delivery.
Request More Information
