Is a Master's in Criminal Justice Worth It?

If you’ve been considering an advanced degree in criminal justice, it’s wise to weigh the costs and potential benefits. Choosing to pursue a Master’s in Criminal Justice is a pivotal decision that can significantly influence your career and future trajectory. As you compare the potential benefits with your personal and professional aspirations, understanding the true value of this investment becomes essential. In this article, we’ll explore the various facets of earning a Master’s in Criminal Justice, helping you decide if it aligns with your ambitions.

What Is a Master’s in Criminal Justice?

A master's degree in criminal justice is tailored for individuals eager to enhance their expertise and career prospects within law enforcement, courts and corrections. Students in these programs gain a blend of theoretical and practical knowledge, preparing them for leadership positions and enabling them to tackle modern criminal justice issues effectively.

Key Benefits of Getting a Master’s in Criminal Justice

A master's degree in criminal justice opens doors to diverse career opportunities, not only in law enforcement but in governmental and non-governmental organizations, public policy, the court system, corrections, courtroom operations, security, and public service.

Beyond academics, Bellevue University emphasizes practical experience by encouraging internships and fieldwork opportunities. These experiences allow you to apply your learning in real-world settings, build professional networks, and strengthen your resume, enhancing your competitiveness in the job market.

[I’m] proud that every faculty member in criminal justice is a current or former criminal justice professional, whether as a parole officer, detective, attorney, or another role. It’s a tremendous advantage that Bellevue University has.

– Michael Butera, MS, Bellevue University Program Director, criminal justice program

Skills Gained in a Master’s in Criminal Justice

A Master’s in Criminal Justice provides advanced knowledge in criminology, ethics, and public policy, along with specialized topics. You’ll build strong communication, critical thinking, analytical, and leadership skills while exploring key areas such as police operations, correctional strategies, criminal law, crime analysis, and organizational management. The program prepares you to address real-world challenges and lead effectively in criminal justice agencies, court systems, and policy settings.

To develop qualified professionals in justice systems, the coursework will prepare you to develop strategic approaches to leadership and management challenges within the context of criminal justice organizations, the administration of justice and the judiciary, and public attitudes regarding criminal justice issues.

Financial Considerations for a Master’s in Criminal Justice

When considering whether an advanced degree like the Master’s in Criminal Justice is worth it, you must factor in several things, such as time, cost, education requirements, and personal commitment.

Weigh these costs above with the benefit of a master’s in criminal justice. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics lists the current median annual salary of police and detectives as $77,270 and $64,520 for Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialists. Other occupations in criminal justice can also be found on the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook listings.

However, earning potential in criminal justice varies depending on factors such as industry, location, experience, and specific job role. See also What Is a Master’s in Criminal Justice for a listing of additional job roles.

Cost

Costs can vary greatly between schools and are usually measured by cost per credit. It’s important to do some research to guide your decision. Here are some of the facts:

• Cost per credit and other fees are found on the Bellevue University Tuition and Fees page.
• Graduate students are eligible for financial aid and scholarships.
• Military education funding and corporate tuition assistance are other popular ways to fund graduate courses.
• You may be able to transfer in up to 6 graduate credit hours from a previous accredited university. Contact us to learn more about how to have your credits evaluated.

Education Requirements

Beyond the financial costs, educational requirements take your time, effort, and personal commitment. Here’s what you can expect.

Time commitment

Most students complete a master’s degree in 2-3 years, depending on several factors, including how many credits they take per term and how many are required (part-time students will take longer).
A Master’s in Criminal Justice typically requires 30-36 graduate credit hours.

Bellevue University’s online Master’s in Criminal Justice requires 30 credit hours. The unique cohort delivery format of Bellevue University’s master’s program means you enroll once for the entire program and take one 3-credit class at a time. At a pace of 2 courses per term, it is possible to finish in 5 terms (3 terms per academic year), or about 1 1/2 years if you are continuously enrolled and progress according to the cohort degree plan. See all the requirements on the degree program page.

The Bottom Line: Is a Master’s in Criminal Justice Right For You?

If you're passionate about advancing justice, leading in public safety, or specializing in areas like victim advocacy, intelligence, or policy, a Master’s in Criminal Justice can open doors to impactful and high-growth careers. It's ideal for those seeking leadership roles or deeper expertise in the evolving field of criminal justice. Bellevue University believes the best way to build skills is by combining real-world, hands-on learning with criminal justice theory. The online Master’s in Criminal Justice program offers an engaging and flexible learning experience that can fit your personal and work life.

Start your Master’s in Criminal Justice at Bellevue University today.

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