Master of Science in Criminal Justice (M.S.)

 

Lead in Your Community with a Master of Science in Criminal Justice

If you're driven to lead, innovate, and make a tangible difference in the criminal justice system, the Master of Science in Criminal Justice at West Chester University can help you on your way.

As a student in our master’s degree program, you’ll have the opportunity to directly contribute to the safety and well-being of your community. From developing crime prevention strategies to learning to implement rehabilitation programs, your classwork will be both challenging and rewarding. WCU’s interdisciplinary approach to criminal justice means your courses will include history, law, philosophy, research, psychology, management, and political science to allow you to fully analyze complex issues. You’ll gain critical thinking, ethical decision-making, and effective communication skills that are invaluable assets in any professional setting.

Whether you’d like to advance your career, prepare for doctoral study, or work toward systemic change, the Master of Science in Criminal Justice at West Chester University is an excellent place to start.

West Chester University is home to one of the first academic criminal justice programs on the East Coast and has been serving the community for nearly half a century. The department was founded on cutting edge principles, and our Master of Science in Criminal Justice program remains on the forefront of innovation today. Our Master of Science in Criminal Justice degree program offers a flexible and supportive learning environment as well as professional advisors who will work with you directly to customize your program.

 

Benefits of Earning Your Master’s Degree at West Chester University

Accomplished Faculty and Small Classes

WCU employs outstanding faculty who are experts in their fields. Diverse research interests and areas of expertise include substance abuse treatment in correctional facilities, jurors’ decision-making in capital cases, mental health advocacy and awareness in the criminal justice system, domestic violence and stalking, cybercrime, animal cruelty, environmental crime, street gangs, and election fraud among many others.

At WCU, our small graduate classes mean you’ll receive personalized attention and an individualized program experience with faculty who are deeply committed to providing mentorship, and support to each student. 

Customizable Degree

WCU’s master’s degree in criminal justice is 30 credits with 5 required, core courses and an additional 5 elective courses. Our elective courses allow you to explore topics ranging from crime mapping and criminal profiling to addiction, bioterrorism, and cybercrime.

Affordable Tuition

Affordability is part of WCU’s mission. In fact, our tuition has remained unchanged for 7 years running, thanks to the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education Board of Governors. WCU’s tuition is among the most affordable in the region. To help put your graduate studies within reach, WCU also offers employee reimbursement options, payment plans, and graduate assistantships. 

Personalized Career Advising

As a graduate student at WCU, you’ll have full access to the Twardowski Career Development Center (CDC). The experts at the CDC will help you explore career options, write your résumé, perfect your interviewing skills, and create a job search strategy. The CDC also hosts employment fairs on campus throughout the year. 

Vibrant Community with a Long History

West Chester University is home to one of the first academic criminal justice programs on the East Coast and has been serving the community for more than half a century. The department was founded on cutting edge principles, and our Master of Science in Criminal Justice program remains at the forefront of innovation today.

Flexible and Online Courses

Our Master of Science in Criminal Justice degree program has always offered a flexible and supportive learning environment with full- and part-time options. Now our program is even more accessible thanks to our newest hybrid and 100% online options.

 

What Can You Do with a Master of Science in Criminal Justice?

Recent graduates with their Master of Science in Criminal Justice from WCU enjoy successful careers in a dynamic industry, including positions like anti-fraud investigator; anti-money laundering supervisor; special agents in ATF, DEA, and FBI; criminal justice lecturer, lawyer, and extradition administrator, youth center director, judicial secretary, and more.

Others are completing doctoral degree programs in criminal justice, law, and related fields.

In 2024, our program has a 100% placement rate within 6 months of graduation.

Earning a master’s degree in Criminal Justice opens doors in many industries with a wide variety of responsibilities and pay ranges. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that the field of police and detective will grow 4% through 2033 with a median wage of $77,270.

Where can you find our graduates?

 

What Will You Study as a Master of Science in Criminal Justice Student?

Your course of study in the master’s program will depend on your specific career goals and aspirations, but will include criminology, ethical issues, research design and analysis, and criminal jurisprudence.