Skip to main content

Master of
Criminal Justice

Get Started

Loading...

By providing this information, you agree to allow NMSU to send you occasional communications.

Explore the Master of Criminal Justice degree at NMSU Global Campus

Are you looking to become a leader in criminal justice? At NMSU Global Campus, the Master of Criminal Justice balances theoretical inquiry with applied knowledge to set you up for success.

NMSU Global Campus has ranked #17 in Top Online Criminal Justice Master's Degrees for 2023.

This 100% online coursework program is designed for criminal justice professionals who seek to advance their career to the next level. Our students do in-depth study of research methods, data analysis, criminological theory, ethics, juvenile justice, punishment, women and crime, and race, crime and justice.

The Master of Criminal Justice (MCJ) degree trains NMSU Global Campus students in research methods and policy analysis, as well as a theoretical foundation in our discipline.

NMSU Global Campus graduates are prepared for careers in the criminal justice system, the juvenile justice system, victim services, not-for-profit organizations connected with criminal justice and social justice, careers in research, as well as for continued study in law school and doctoral programs in criminal justice and criminology.

About the Department of Criminal Justice

By pursuing your Master of Criminal Justice degree through NMSU Global Campus, you will study in the Department of Criminal Justice, which was founded in 1962 and is recognized as one of nation’s oldest programs for criminal justice degrees. It also is one of the largest academic departments in NMSU’s College of Arts and Sciences.

NMSU's Department of Criminal Justice supports and encourages scholarly, experiential, and applied research endeavors, including those involving collaboration with local, state, and federal agencies that deal with crime, law enforcement, corrections, justice studies, law, juvenile justice, social justice, immigration, punishment, and the Borderlands.

Quick Facts

NMSU Global Campus was ranked #37 nationally by U.S. News & World Report for Best Online Master’s in Criminal Justice Programs.

Overview

Degree type: Master of Arts in Criminal Justice

College: Arts and Sciences

Department: Criminal Justice

Delivery formats: 100% online

Program Credits: 36

Program Road Map: Full time (2 years) part-time (3 years)

Cost per credit hour:

  • Graduate online: $444.40*†
  • Active Military online: $250*†

Accredited by: NMSU is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools

*For NMSU Global Campus programs and courses, the per credit hour cost is listed above. Special tuition agreements (Western Undergraduate Exchange, Descubre, etc.) are not applicable to NMSU Global Campus programs. Course fees still apply and are charged separately. Textbooks, uniforms, equipment, etc., are additional program costs. Additional per credit costs might be charged by the program, department or college.

†For on-campus students, find tuition and fees here.

Program Highlights and Learning Outcomes

Unique Southwestern Regional Focus

The Department of Criminal Justice strives to be one of the nation’s premier academic units specializing in crime and criminal justice issues, including those of the Southwestern U.S. Borderlands region.

At NMSU Global Campus, our Criminal Justice curriculum embraces this uniqueness as we support NMSU’s Federal Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI), Minority Serving Institution (MSI), and Land Grant missions. Our department seeks to equip traditional and non-traditional students with the tools necessary to excel as future professionals and leaders in criminal justice.

Criminal Justice professors at NMSU Global Campus provide our students with individualized, caring attention, and many of our faculty members have been honored for their teaching excellence.

Career Pathways

With a Master of Criminal Justice from NMSU Global Campus, you will enjoy a wide range of employment options within the criminal justice system. Professional possibilities for our MCJ grads include:

  • Adjunct and specialized Professor
  • Alcohol Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF)
  • Central Intelligence Agency (CIA)
  • City and State Police Lieutenant
  • Customs and Border Protection (CBP)
  • Department of Justice (DOJ)
  • Drug Enforcement Agent (DEA)
  • Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
  • Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)
  • Homeland Security Officer
  • Private Investigator
  • Probation Officer
  • Research Analyst for a Federal Agency
  • Secret Service
  • U.S. Marshal

All About NMSU's Department of Criminal Justice


Join our department head, Professor Dennis Giever, for an informative video tour of NMSU's Department of Criminal Justice.


Former Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) chief Michael S. Vigil talks about NMSU's Criminal Justice program on PBS on November 20, 2022.

Scholarships and Financial Aid

NMSU helps to keep your tuition costs affordable. But if you need financial help, NMSU is ready to work with you to determine the best ways to finance your education to earn your Master of Criminal Justice degree.

Financial assistance includes loans, grants, and scholarship opportunities. To apply, use NMSU’s convenient Scholar Dollar$ one-stop scholarship application, which serves all students in the NMSU system.

NMSU Global Campus students are also eligible for loans and grants. The first step in applying for financial aid is to complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Learn more about financial aid opportunities at NMSU.

Contact Financial Aid

Phone: 1-888-729-6678
Email: onlineFA@nmsu.edu

Related Graduate Programs

group of people sitting in a bench
couple talking
nurse with kid

 

Start Your Journey at NMSU Global Campus

Online_Apply.jpg
NMSU_Online_Buttons_grad.jpg
Online_Visit.jpg