Colorado Technical University offers a Master of Science in Criminal Justice degree program designed to provide you with the opportunity to develop an in-depth foundation of knowledge essential for policy development, planning and decision-making roles in the criminal justice system.

Choose from a Master of Science in Criminal Justice general track or homeland security concentration. In this program you will have the opportunity to analyze issues of law, policy, and society—and work to develop effective strategies to confront issues facing criminal justice practitioners in the real world. Discuss current trends in criminal justice, explore terrorism and Homeland Security management—and examine issues related to victimology, crime prevention and juvenile justice.

• Program Credits: 48
• Each Course Length: 5 Weeks

Program Overview

The Master of Science in Criminal Justice (MSCJ) is a 48-credit-hour program that is offered online and at the Colorado Spring campus. The program is designed to help criminal justice practitioners explore current trends in the areas of corrections, law enforcement, and criminology in order to advance their policy development, planning, and decision making skills in the criminal justice field.

This program does not lead to additional licensure or certification. As such, CTU has made no determination regarding prerequisites for licensure or certification in any state or jurisdiction.

The mission of the College of Security Studies is to provide engaging instruction and knowledge through public service programs that align with industry relevant standards and cultivate professional competencies, critical-thinking, ethical decision-making, and cultural awareness to promote social justice.

For the 11th consecutive year, CTU’s online Master of Science in Criminal Justice degree programs are ranked among the Best Online Master's in Criminal Justice Programs by U.S. News & World Report.

*CTU programs are ranked among U.S. News & World Report’s 2025 Best Online Programs.

Learning Outcomes

MSCJ Program Learning Outcomes

• Apply knowledge of criminal justice principles to analyses and evaluations
• Incorporate the psychological and sociological dimensions of human behavior and crime in analyses and evaluations
• Apply advanced concepts relating to law enforcement, corrections and the courts
• Examine and integrate the emerging trends in the criminal justice system
• Analyze the contemporary issues facing interactions between the community and the criminal justice system that honors inclusion, diversity, and equity