Criminal Justice

Master of Science in Criminal Justice

Earn your master’s in criminal justice online from South University. The Master of Science in Criminal Justice program dives into the historical and contemporary criminal justice system, examining relationships among law enforcement, the courts, and corrections. Prerequisites for the graduate criminal justice program are limited so that qualified students with bachelor’s degrees in related fields such as criminology, psychology, business or public administration, anthropology, political science, sociology or related social sciences may enroll, along with students who have undergraduate degrees in criminal justice.
Upon completion of the Master of Science in Criminal Justice program, you can choose to enter doctoral programs in related fields or seek a leadership position within law enforcement, corrections, local and state government, or legal institutions*.
Please note: While you may be able to take some general education courses at the campuses, all other courses, including specialized courses, will be taken online.
*South University does not promise or guarantee licensure, employment, or salary amounts.

Build a Strong Foundation For Your Future
Available Locations
South University Campuses
Select a location to learn more
* Not all programs at campuses are offered Online.
Outstanding Education for Remarkable Careers
We're committed to helping our graduates make an impact in their professional and personal lives. We applaud our alumni and the difference they make. Check out what some of our Criminal Justice & Legal Studies graduates have to say.
What's New
Latest News and Blogs

Jun 24, 2025
Unlock Your Potential with a PharmD + MBA in Healthcare Administration
South University's Pharmacy program offers an MBA in Healthcare Administration as part of its curriculum.

Jun 12, 2025
Anesthesiologist Assistant Students Transform Global Anesthesia Safety
The Anesthesia Assistant students held their 10th Annual Chili Cookoff fundraiser to help purchase materials for safer anesthesia care.

Jun 11, 2025
Alumni Spotlight: Advancing Clinical and Leadership Skills
Angela Eckles graduated from South University in 2024 and she credits her education with helping her career.

Jun 03, 2025
The Foundations of a Healthy Academic Relationships
In this final installment of the QEP series, learn how to foster healthy academic relationships and use those connections to support your schooling.

May 28, 2025
Alumni Spotlight: Career Change to Physical Therapy Assistant
Amy Wright Owens knows first-hand how physical therapist assistants can change lives. Read about her journey to become a PTA in this blog.

May 28, 2025
South University's Disaster Response Exercise 2025
Read how South University, Columbia hosted its annual Disaster Response Exercise in April.
Fill out the form and a representative will contact you today to better understand your academic goals plus answer any questions you may have.
Campuses offer flexible learning formats* including: on-campus, virtual instructions, and online courses.
*Clinical, practicum, and externship requirements exist in certain programs and require field experiences. Learning formats may not be flexible.
Success! Your request was submitted. We'll be in touch soon!
In the meantime, you can view some of our FAQs.
If you want to talk to an admissions representative ASAP, please contact us at 1-888-444-3404.