100% Online Criminal Justice Graduate Programs

100% Online

#10 Best Online CJ Program 20251

16:1
Student-Faculty
Ratio

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Programs Curriculum Careers

Gain the Skills To Succeed Across the Criminal Justice System.

For more than 80 years, Michigan State University has prepared criminal justice professionals for successful careers. Experience our 100% online master’s degree and graduate certificate programs in this growing field and prepare for advancement or start your career without neglecting your personal and professional commitments.

Work alongside faculty members with decades of field experience whose research has directly informed and impacted criminal justice policy and practice. In as few as two years, you’ll graduate ready to make a difference wherever you serve.

You can tap into MSU’s wide-ranging criminal justice network. Our graduates are employed by the Michigan State Police, the Detroit Police Department, General Motors, Quicken Loans, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles and more.

MSU currently offers three online criminal justice master’s programs and an online graduate certificate.

Immerse yourself in a curriculum informed by the Department of Justice, and learn from world-renowned faculty who played an instrumental role in the origin and development of the field.

  • An 80+ year legacy in criminal justice education
  • #5 Best Online CJ Program for Veterans 20251
  • #11 Best Criminal Justice & Corrections Schools2
  • #63 Best National University3
  • #30 Top Public Schools3
  • #4 Learning Communities3
  • #53 Most Innovative Schools3

Rise Above the Competition

An advanced online degree or graduate certificate from Michigan State University can give you a competitive edge in your career. Not only will you have the credentials, but you’ll also have the leading-edge knowledge and skills to excel.

Gain the skills you need to succeed in various law enforcement settings while exploring cutting-edge topics like counterterrorism, global crime control, intelligence analysis and more.

This master’s in criminal justice program includes an optional security management specialization for students seeking additional study in private and government security. You can also choose from diverse electives to suit your goals and interests.

Gain an understanding of cybersecurity and build digital investigation skills that allow you to help curb cybercrime. Built for students with technical and non-technical backgrounds, this 30 credit, 10-course master’s degree in cybercrime and digital investigation could launch or advance your career investigating or responding to cybercrime in law enforcement, government and private industry.

Master the latest intelligence tools, ethical field-research tactics and practical law enforcement methods. You’ll graduate ready to make an impact in law enforcement operations at all levels of government.

Built for both students and working professionals, the 15-credit-hour cyber criminology and cybersecurity certificate can be completed in one year and provides a comprehensive foundation in data systems, digital forensic investigations and cyber terrorism/warfare. Apply your skills to careers in digital forensics, law enforcement, cybersecurity or intelligence analysis, whether in the government or the private sector.

A Leader in Criminal Justice

Founded in 1935, the School of Criminal Justice is part of the College of Social Science and is one of the oldest and most renowned programs in the world. Our areas of expertise include: law enforcement intelligence, cybersecurity and cyber forensics, and emerging crime and justice issues. Graduates go on to distinguished careers in public service, private security and more.

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Online Programs That Provide Flexibility for Success.

As an online student with MSU, you receive the same high-quality education as an on-campus student. You gain access to all that the Michigan State University School of Criminal Justice has to offer. With easy-to-use technology, rich multimedia and engaged faculty, MSU’s online programs are a great way to learn while maintaining your personal and professional commitments. We provide 24/7 technology support and full access to MSU’s extensive libraries and electronic resource collections.

Experience a Curriculum Informed by the DOJ

Michigan State University has been advancing the common good with uncommon will for more than 160 years. One of the top research universities in the world, MSU pushes the boundaries of discovery and forges enduring partnerships to solve the most pressing global challenges while providing life-changing opportunities to a diverse and inclusive academic community. MSU’s Criminal Justice faculty includes Dr. David Carter, an internationally recognized author and academic on law enforcement intelligence, and Dr. Thomas J. Holt, an internationally recognized scholar in cybercrime and cyberterror.

Position Yourself for Higher Earnings

Rise through the ranks and excel in leadership positions with our online criminal justice graduate programs. Depending on your degree, you can prepare for a variety of in-demand roles, including options listed below.

Average Annual Salaries 2024

  1. Information Security Analyst: $112,0004
  2. Police Supervisor: $99,4105
  3. Special Agent (FBI, DEA, DHS): $89,9346
  4. Detective or Criminal Investigator: $86,2807
  5. Security Manager: $80,0718
  6. Intelligence Analyst: $77,3459
  7. Fraud Investigator: $67,71910
  8. Probation Officer $59,86011
  9. Crime Analyst: $52,87812
  10. Private Investigator: $52,12013

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Sources

  1. U.S. News & World Report. “Best Online Master’s in Criminal Justice Programs.” 2025 U.S. News & World Report College Rankings Guide. Retrieved November 21, 2024 from https://www.usnews.com/.
  2. College Factual®. “2025 Best Criminal Justice & Corrections Schools.” Retrieved November 21, 2024, from
    https://www.collegefactual.com/majors/protective-security-safety-services/criminal-justice-and-corrections/rankings/top-ranked/.
  3. U.S. News & World Report. “Michigan State University Rankings.” 2025 U.S. News & World Report College Rankings Guide. Retrieved November 21, 2024, from https://www.usnews.com/.
  4. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. “Information Security Analysts.” Sept. 6, 2023. Retrieved Jan. 24, 2024 from https://www.bls.gov/.
  5. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. “Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2022: 33-1012 First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives.” Apr. 25, 2023. Retrieved Jan. 24, 2024 from https://www.bls.gov/.
  6. PayScale. “Average Special Agent (Federal) Salary.” Retrieved Jan. 24, 2024 from https://www.payscale.com/.
  7. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. “Police and Detectives.” Sept. 6, 2023. Retrieved Jan. 24, 2024 from https://www.bls.gov/.
  8. PayScale. “Average Security Manager Salary.” Retrieved Jan. 24, 2024 from https://www.payscale.com/.
  9. PayScale. “Intelligence Analysts.” Retrieved Jan. 24, 2024 from https://www.payscale.com/.
  10. PayScale. “Average Fraud Investigator Salary.” Retrieved Jan. 24, 2024 from https://www.payscale.com/.
  11. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. “Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialists.” Sept. 6, 2023. Retrieved Jan. 24, 2024 from https://www.bls.gov/.
  12. PayScale. “Average Crime Analyst Salary.” Retrieved Jan. 24, 2024 from https://www.payscale.com/.
  13. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. “Private Detectives and Investigators.” Sept. 6, 2023. Retrieved Jan. 24, 2024 from https://www.bls.gov/.