Why Earn Your Criminal Justice Degree at Saint Leo University?
Become an agent of change with a Master's in Criminal Justice. Saint Leo University’s innovative Master of Science in Criminal Justice program enhances the effectiveness and professionalism of both aspiring and active law enforcement professionals. Taught by practitioners with extensive experience in the field, students will examine leading edge strategies to keep citizens and communities safe in today’s ever-changing world.
Ranked among the nation's most military-friendly institutions by G.I. Jobs and Military Advanced Education magazines, Saint Leo University has been educating professionals with their Master's in Criminal Justice for more than three decades.
Learning Experience:
Education Center
Online
Est. Time to Complete:
2 years
Credit Hours:
36 hours
Master's in Criminal Justice Program Details
As a criminal justice graduate student at Saint Leo, you will study ethical standards in the administration of justice, insights into criminal behavior and activity, effective leadership principals and practices, public policy making processes, criminal law, professional regulations, and civil liability, application of new and emerging technologies, and more.
Next Level Grad Award
At Saint Leo University, we believe that investing in our students is an investment in our community, so we are committed to helping qualifying students finance their education through the Next-Level Grad Award. This award offers substantial cost savings to our graduate students.
Specialization Options
Saint Leo University offers specialization options for criminal justice students. You can customize your degree to match your passions by choosing one of the following concentrations.
Behavioral Studies teaches how criminal behavior and the criminal code interact, as well as how behavioral disorders impact individuals and criminal behavior.
Corrections is designed to provide a better understanding of complex issues of offenders, trends of the 21st century and the problems associated with recidivism.
Criminal Investigations introduces students to violence, sexual deviance, environmental and juvenile crimes.
Critical Incident Management teaches law enforcement skills to manage complex global risks and disasters.
Forensic Science provides the opportunity for you to gain the knowledge required to assist with operations during incidents in which forensic science is a factor through modern, hands-on instruction.
Legal Studies provides students with a well-rounded understanding of legal procedures and how the judicial system operates within the civil and criminal domain.
Learn Your Way:
Online, On Campus, or Near You
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What are the on-campus facilities like?
Students who pursue their degrees at Saint Leo’s main campus near sunny Tampa Bay, Florida, join a community of enthusiastic learners just like them.
Criminal justice students enjoy plenty of engaging learning opportunities both inside and outside the classroom, as well as exciting departmental events.
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What are the benefits of earning your criminal justice degree online?
Saint Leo University’s online learning experience provides a well-rounded education with the flexibility to tailor your course of study to meet your individual needs. We know our students have lives outside school, and we seek to meet them where they are. Online students can count on receiving excellent academics as well as opportunities for hands-on learning.
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Taking online classes has afforded me the opportunity to learn while maintaining a job. They give me some flexibility to study at times that work more cohesively with my schedule and allow me to utilize resources such as the library 24 hours a day.
Bentley Streat | Hayes, VA
Are education centers near you offering criminal justice degree programs?
You may also choose to pursue your degree through one of our education centers, which merge a traditional in-person education with the flexibility to match your lifestyle. Education centers offer eight-week academic terms as well as evening and weekend classes.
Career Outlook
No matter which learning experience you choose, you will receive plenty of professional development opportunities, industry knowledge from expert professors, and support from the Saint Leo community. All this together means that you will be ready for a successful career or continued studies upon graduation.
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What skills you will learn?
- Computerized databases;
- Ethical standards in the administration of justice;
- Human resource management;
- Fiscal resource management;
- Personnel law, civil liability, and substantive and procedural laws;
- Information resources and systems;
- Policymaking;
- Organizational leadership in criminal justice agencies
How will you gain real experience?
Hands-on learning
In a capstone course, you’ll address an important problem or launch a program initiative related to the administration of criminal justice.
Internships
Find an internship close to home or work, or with federal agencies such as the U.S. Secret Service, U.S. Customs, Drug Enforcement Administration, U.S. District Court and Florida Department of Law Enforcement.
FBI National Academy Associates
Saint Leo is an approved educational partner by the FBI National Academy Associates.
Experienced faculty
Learn from the best. Saint Leo faculty have served as local and federal agents, chief deputies, detectives and FBI advisors, and are leading experts on all the skills you need to advance to the next stage of your career: interrogation, non-verbal communication, hostage negotiation, and international sex and organ trafficking.
What can you do with a master's in criminal justice degree?
Graduates are prepared for administrative positions in law enforcement, corrections, the courts, private security and security-related positions at the local, state or federal government levels.
What are the top criminal justice degree jobs?
| Career | Growth | Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Law enforcement officer | 7% (As fast as average) | $67,290 per year |
| Forensic Science Technician | 16% (Much faster than average) | $60,590 per year |
From the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2020.
College of Arts, Sciences, and Allied Services
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Saint Leo’s College of Arts, Sciences, and Allied Services offers students a holistic education that lays a strong foundation for critical and independent thinking. The curriculum is designed to help students broaden their horizons and build valuable skills sought by employers. From biology to sociology, the College offers 17 high-quality and flexible programs on campus, online, and through our education centers.
Student Stories
Saint Leo University has truly been a stepping stone for me. When I entered this university 4 years ago, I was unaware of what I’d be like when I left. Now, 3 weeks away from graduating, I am so thankful that I was a student here. Your time at Saint Leo University is what you make of it, and Saint Leo students are provided with so much opportunity to succeed.
O'shea Williams - Bachelor of Arts Developmental Psychology
“Saint Leo is not just an academic institution, it’s a formation institution. Saint Leo embraced me for who I am, showed faith that I could be my best, and solidified the light that was shining within me.”
Charles Onyeneke ’17
University Campus, Theology
“As a child, my great-grandmother taught me how to pray and to lean on God. Saint Leo inspired us all to learn with compassion and reminded me to keep the faith.”
Brent Patterson ’21
Center for Online Learning, Religious Studies
“As a teacher, building relationships with my students is key to their success. Saint Leo creates those same relationships with its students.”
Brooke Wittington ’17
Education Center, Education
“I had never experienced something as holistic and rewarding as research. Saint Leo University inspired me to take a huge step outside my comfort zone, and I have never looked back.”
Karl Nyman ’22
University Campus, Biology
“Saint Leo inspired me to enjoy learning again, and they had a patient ‘let’s figure this out’ approach.”
Lauren Thomas ’22
Education Center, Management
News
Accreditation
Saint Leo University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award associate, bachelor’s, master’s, specialist, and doctoral degrees.