Master of Criminal Justice (MCJ)
Transform your career in criminal justice with CU Denver’s online Master of Criminal Justice program, offering innovative learning and leadership opportunities.
The online Master of Criminal Justice (MCJ) at CU Denver prepares students for leadership roles in criminal justice, public policy, and community safety.
- Gain an interdisciplinary perspective on criminology and the justice system.
- Explore critical issues such as law enforcement, corrections, victim advocacy, and emergency management.
- Develop essential analytical, research, and problem-solving skills.
- Ideal for professionals currently in the field or those seeking to enter the criminal justice sector.
Founded in 1972, the MCJ program has a long-standing reputation for excellence and innovation in criminal justice education.
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Degree LevelMaster's -
School & CollegeSchool of Public Affairs -
Application Deadline(s)December 15, 2025 -
Total Credit Hours39 -
Class TypeOnline -
Time CommitmentFull-Time or Part-Time
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Program Overview
The online Master of Criminal Justice program ensures that students gain a comprehensive understanding of criminology and the criminal justice system. Students will master key concepts and theories related to crime causation, law enforcement, courts, and corrections. They will develop the skills necessary to conduct and evaluate research on criminology and criminal justice issues while applying theoretical knowledge to public policy and organizational management. The program emphasizes effective communication in both written and oral formats and fosters critical problem-solving and analytical skills.
Graduates are equipped to utilize a broad base of knowledge and research to inform programming, policymaking, and decision-making in criminal justice agency settings.
Tuition Breakdown
| Resident | Non-Resident |
|---|---|
| $613 per credit | $736* per credit |
*WRGP participating program
Courses
The program requires a minimum of 39 credit hours, including:
- Five core courses providing foundational knowledge in theory, practice, and research methods.
- Optional concentrations with electives based on career goals.
- A capstone research project, thesis, or applied internship for practical experience.
Sample Courses
Crime and Public Policy (CRJU 5001)
Explores key justice system issues, including law enforcement, courts, corrections, social developments, and public policy in criminology.
Criminological Theory (CRJU 5002)
Explores criminal behavior origins, societal impact, and theories of deviance, delinquency, and crime, analyzing practical applications through research and empirical studies.
Research Methods (CRJU 5003)
Examines research designs and analytical models, applying and interpreting alternative strategies through real-world system problems.
Specializations
Are you looking for a more customizable experience? One of our three concentrations in the MCJ program may be for you:
The Crime Analysis concentration emphasizes criminal justice and criminology-related subjects. The analytical skills learned in the concentration will help you succeed in a variety of career tracks. You’ll also have the opportunity to learn from the best in the industry. Courses are taught by current and former analysts, so you’ll be prepared for an actual career.
The concentration in Disasters, Hazards, and Emergency Management provides a solid all-hazards knowledge base for students interested in natural hazards, disasters, and resilience. The concentration does not ignore security aspects, but security-related topics arejust one of many topics that include natural hazards/disasters, accidents, etc.
The Emergency Management and Homeland Security concentration provides you with advanced education in the management of emergencies, hazards, disasters, and homeland security. By completing this concentration, you will have the knowledge and skills necessary to assess and manage a broad range of hazards and disasters and understand the policy environment in which emergency management occurs.
Customize the program by choosing from a selection of criminal justice elective courses based on your own specific career goals.
Career Outlook
What is the Projected Salary of an Individual Working in Criminal Justice?
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, individuals in criminal justice-related careers earned an annual median salary of the following in 2023:
- Police and Detectives: $74,910
- Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialists: $61,800
- Forensic Science Technicians: $64,940
- Private Detectives and Investigators: $49,540
What Can I Do with a Master’s in Criminal Justice?
Criminal justice professionals are in high demand. A career in criminal justice not only puts you on the front lines in the fight for justice, it also makes you an asset to your community and helps make a difference in society.
Due in part to the rapid growth and changing nature of the criminal justice industry, careers are constantly changing and evolving. Criminal justice management is a field with many different career options.
Admissions
Admissions Requirements
Admission requirements and deadlines vary based on the program. In addition, you will have different requirements depending on if you are a first-time student, a transfer student, or an international student.
No GMAT /GRE required.
Get Personalized Support for Your Application
When you’re ready to apply for your online bachelor’s degree in communication, your Enrollment Navigator will help walk you through the entire process, from gathering required materials and submitting your application to checking your admissions status and enrolling in CU Denver. After you submit your completed application and required materials, you can check your admission status online.
Tuition & Financial Aid
Investing in your future is a big decision. However, becoming a fully online student at CU Denver is a high-quality and affordable option for learners of all types. Tuition and fees are based largely on the degree program you enroll in.
Tuition is determined based on which CU Denver program is chosen, undergraduate or graduate level, and your resident status. Financial aid and scholarships are available for those who qualify.
Program Timeline
The Master in Criminal Justice requires a minimum of 36 graduate semester hours made up of the following:
- Core sequence of 5 core courses that provide a foundation in theory, practice, and research methods
- For those with no previous criminal justice experience: One 3-credit hour internship with local, state, or federal criminal justice
- Either a 3-6 credit hour thesis, or a 3-credit hour applied research capstone project
Course Load
The most common course load for MCJ students is six to nine graduate credit hours per semester. We encourage students who work full time not to carry more than six graduate semester hours in the MCJ program.
The MCJ program is a commitment, but that doesn’t mean you must study full-time. One of the many benefits of an exclusively online degree program is the flexibility to complete the program on your own schedule. The average time to complete the MCJ program is about two and a half years, but you are able to take up to seven years to finish the program.
Experience flexible, career-focused programs with CU Denver’s renowned quality—100% online—taught by expert faculty in engaging courses within a supportive community, all at an affordable tuition with financial aid and scholarships available.
Flexible, career-focused programs with the same CU Denver quality—100% online.
Expert faculty, engaging courses, and a supportive online community.
Affordable tuition with financial aid and scholarships for online students.
Take the Next Step
Ready to lead and innovate in criminal justice? Take the first step toward earning your online degree by filling out the form above for more information or calling us at 303-860-5604.