Public Service and Personal Satisfaction Go Together

100% Online Master’s in Criminology and Criminal Justice

Satisfy your desire for career growth and public service in the complex and high-profile fields of global security, policing or victimology. Kent State University’s interdisciplinary online Master of Arts in Criminology and Criminal Justice will equip you with the social science insights, theoretical frameworks and critical thinking skills to help you safeguard the public and secure your future.

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Get ready to step up as a leader in criminology and criminal justice.
This complex field needs professionals who can work across disciplines to better communities and the justice system. Earn your master’s degree online with Kent State. Our online Master of Arts (MA) in Criminology and Criminal Justice program opens up multiple career paths to choose from, and can increase your earning potential as you set yourself apart in the field.

Complete the form to download a program detail sheet for more information on the MA in Criminology and Criminal Justice program and the three concentrations (Global Security, Policing and Victimology) you can choose from.

Make a Bigger Impact With a Kent State Master’s in Criminal Justice

Criminology and criminal justice are related professions, working in tandem to protect the public. Criminologists study the causes of crime and the effectiveness of prevention efforts, using research to solve social problems and formulate policy. Criminal justice professionals focus more on practice: implementing policy and managing crime prevention programs.

Prepare for a Top-Level Career in Policy or Practice

Kent State’s online master’s in criminology and criminal justice offers a unique blend of theoretical and applied learning that helps you create a top-level career in policy or practice.

The knowledge and perspective gained through our advanced degree program will help you thrive in your chosen field. The degree may also be required for employment or promotion at many organizations.

Take a big step toward your next career move with a Kent State master’s in criminal justice.

The work of those in the profession of criminal justice is becoming increasingly complex, demanding the ability to think critically, interact well with those you serve, and be capable of understanding complex and quickly changing situations.

Allen Lowery, Adjunct Professor

Law enforcement veteran with a Ph.D. in psychology

The Military Friendly^® designation indicates a school’s commitment to serving members of the extended military community, including active service members, spouses and veterans. Kent State's gold status places us among the highest-ranked schools in our category. Job placement, graduation and retention rates are factored into the ranking based on public and proprietary data and personal opinion surveys of veterans.

Recent alumni, motivated by the desire to advance and thrive in public service careers, unanimously gave our online master's in criminal justice and criminology ratings of satisfied or highly satisfied. The knowledge and connections you can gain through our program will help you thrive too.

Get Ready for a Satisfying Career. Keep Living Your Life.

Our rigorous and respected program is designed to fit in with your real-world responsibilities, including work and family obligations. Finish your degree in as little as two years, taking just two 7-week classes each semester.

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A career in criminal justice is a good fit if you are:

Analytical
Career-oriented
Committed to justice
Enterprising
Ethical
Interested in human behavior
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Skip the GRE. Just Bring Your Best Self.

Our admissions process is focused on your work and goals, not on a test score. You only need to tell us about your education and your plans for the future. Then document your work with transcripts and references in our straightforward application process. The affordable $45 application fee is less than the cost of a dinner out. An Admissions Advisor will be happy to help you with your application.

Find your future in one of three degree concentrations.

Kent State's master's in criminal justice begins with a solid grounding in core subjects, including research methods, criminal law and justice institutions, and theories of crime and delinquency. Choose a concentration that aligns with your professional interests to finish your degree.

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Global Security

Work in the public or private sector as part of this fast-paced field encompassing international business, cybercrime and national security.

Policing

Use your expertise to help guide law enforcement agencies as they transform and modernize policies, strategies and tactics of police service delivery.

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Victimology

Develop, lead and evaluate culturally appropriate initiatives in the criminal and juvenile justice systems that support crime victims.

In the System Monitoring Room Two Senior Operators Work on a Big

Career Options

This dynamic field evolves with society and technology, while the demand for highly skilled workers remains strong.

Explore diverse career possibilities

Build your success on our expertise, diversity and dedication.

Kent State was one of the first universities to offer online learning, and our experience shows.

Our well-designed online experience, the flexibility and relevance of our degree concentrations, and the dedicated expertise of our faculty all contribute to high student satisfaction.

A Solid Investment

The Kent State master's in criminal justice is not only one of the most affordable online master's programs in criminology and criminal justice in the state of Ohio, but it can also significantly increase your earning potential.⁵

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A Good Learning Experience

Our thoughtfully designed online courses and user-friendly learning management system allow you to easily navigate course content and stay connected to professors and classmates while studying when your schedule allows.

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A Dedicated Faculty

Our professors are a diverse and esteemed group with numerous professional experiences complementing their doctoral qualifications. All full-time instructors, they’re also fully dedicated to helping you succeed.

Learn more about our faculty