Master of Science in Criminal Justice
Advance your career in law enforcement, corrections, or forensic science with concentrations that match your professional goals. Designed for working professionals in the criminal justice system.
Degree
Master's Degree
Duration
2 years
Format
100% Online
Language
English
Credits
36 credit hours
Next Intake
Fall 2026, Spring 2027
Application Deadline
July 1, 2026 (Fall) / November 1, 2026 (Spring)
Tuition
$4,635 per semester (in-state) / $16,320 per semester (out-of-state)
Financial Aid
Federal financial aid accepted. Law enforcement tuition assistance programs accepted. Graduate assistantships available.
Program Overview
The Master of Science in Criminal Justice at Albany State University is one of the most comprehensive graduate criminal justice programs in the Southeast United States. Designed for working professionals who want to advance into leadership positions, this program combines advanced criminological theory with practical policy analysis, forensic science applications, and evidence-based correctional practices.
Unlike generic criminal justice programs that treat the field as a monolith, ASU's MSCJ offers four distinct concentrations — Law Enforcement, Corrections, Forensic Science, and Public Administration — allowing you to build deep expertise in the area most relevant to your career trajectory. Each concentration includes six specialized courses taught by faculty who have worked in the field, not just studied it.
The program is delivered entirely online with asynchronous coursework, meaning you can maintain your current position — whether that's on patrol, in a courtroom, in a forensic lab, or in an administrative office — while earning a credential that opens doors to supervisory and executive roles. Students typically complete the program in two years while working full-time.
Why This Program Stands Out
Who This Program Is For
This program is built for professionals already working in criminal justice who want to move from doing the work to leading the work. Current students include patrol officers preparing for promotion to sergeant or lieutenant, correctional officers moving into facility administration, forensic technicians pursuing lab director roles, probation officers transitioning to policy analysis, and military veterans entering civilian law enforcement leadership.
It is also well-suited for professionals in adjacent fields — social work, public health, legal services — who want to understand the criminal justice system from the inside in order to work more effectively across agencies and institutions.
$18,540
Total cost for GA residents
One of the most affordable MSCJ programs in the University System of Georgia. Out-of-state tuition approximately $65,280 total.
36
Credit hours
18 core credits plus 18 concentration credits. Most students complete two courses per semester.
4
Concentrations available
Law Enforcement, Corrections, Forensic Science, and Public Administration. Switch concentrations before completing 12 concentration credits.
100%
Online delivery
Every course is fully online with asynchronous content. No campus visits required at any point during the program.
2 years
Typical completion
Taking two courses per semester. Accelerated (18 months) and extended (3 year) pacing available.
No GRE
For qualified applicants
Waived for 3.0+ GPA or 3+ years professional criminal justice experience.
What Sets This Program Apart
Four specialized concentrations
Choose from Law Enforcement, Corrections, Forensic Science, or Public Administration. Your degree reflects your professional focus — not a generic criminal justice label.
Faculty with field experience
Courses are taught by professionals who have served in law enforcement agencies, federal courts, forensic laboratories, and policy organizations — not just published research about them.
GRE waiver for professionals
Three or more years of professional experience in criminal justice or a 3.0+ GPA waives the GRE requirement. Your career record matters more than a standardized test.
Research-driven capstone
Your capstone project addresses a real criminal justice challenge in your community or organization. Past projects have been adopted by police departments and correctional facilities.
100% online, built for working professionals
Asynchronous coursework means no live class sessions to schedule around. Complete assignments on your timeline — whether your shift ends at 5 PM or 5 AM.
Among the most affordable in Georgia
Total program cost for Georgia residents is approximately $18,540. Federal financial aid, law enforcement tuition assistance, and graduate assistantships are accepted.
What You Will Learn
Analytical & Research Skills
Leadership & Administration
Specialized Expertise (by concentration)
Skills You Will Gain
Interested in Master of Science in Criminal Justice?
Meet the admissions team from ASU Albany at Coins For College Education Fair 2026. Ask questions, get answers, and start your application.