Our legal and justice system is a complex network of organizations and public servants who can often impact our daily lives. Within it, criminal justice administrators are needed to provide leadership and solid decision-making based on research, analysis, and forward-thinking ideas that advance the cause of liberty and justice for all.
About Salem’s Online Master’s in Administration of Justice Degree
Salem University’s Master of Science in Criminal Justice with a specialization in Administration of Justice was developed to ensure the student who successfully completes the program has demonstrated academic strengths in leadership, public policy and decision-making skills that contribute to being a successful manager or administrator within a criminal justice organization including police, courts, and corrections. Our administration of justice degree curriculum touches on the many parts that make up the whole of our modern criminal justice system, including constitutional law, law enforcement, community relations, and justice operations, all within a modern, global perspective. The culmination is a master’s degree in administration of justice that can prepare you to bring innovative critical thinking and problem-solving skills into this field.
We’ve designed our master’s degree programs to be fully online, with a high-quality curriculum that aims to provide opportunities for professional growth and development; develop skills that allow you to conduct research and integrate theory and practice; and promote excellence in leadership, scholarship, work, and life. And we do all of this within a framework that fits into your current life and responsibilities with our unique, one-course-a-month schedule.
What Can I Do With A Master’s Degree in Administration of Justice?
A master’s degree with an emphasis in criminal justice administration can help expand your career opportunities to include advanced and senior-level positions, like:
- Patrol Supervisor
- Lieutenant
- Precinct Captain
- Unit Manager
- Associate Warden
- Warden
- Day Reporting Center Manager
- Crisis and Transition Services Specialist
What Will I Learn In Salem’s Administration of Justice Program?
Our Master of Science in Criminal Justice in Administration of Justice degree program builds on the core concepts and fundamentals in criminal justice, including criminological theory, ethics, and policy analysis. We take an in-depth look at the ideologies and behaviors that influence constitutional doctrine, how to apply legal principles to policies and procedures, evaluating police strategy, avenues for improving police-community relations, global challenges and ethical issues in criminal justice, and beyond. Everything you learn with our administration of justice master’s program is brought together in a capstone sequence that combines an in-depth research project geared toward your specialization and a comprehensive portfolio review that assesses your attainment of the learning objectives.
Your courses will cover topics like:
- Analyzing criminological theory within the context of current research findings to identify ways to improve decision-making or to implement new practices or procedures
- Evaluating criminal justice policies to critique both intended and unintended consequences and the ethical principles in current criminal justice management and practices
- Creating researchable questions and applying appropriate statistical methods to improve evidence-based decision-making
- Distinguishing unique management problems and challenges in the field of criminal justice, offering support for administrative policy-making
What Administration of Justice Master’s Degree Classes Will I Take?
The Master of Science in Criminal Justice degree program with a specialization in Administration of Justice requires the completion of core semester credits that include:
- CJU505 Criminological Theory
- CJU510 Research Methods in Criminal Justice
- CJU515 Criminal Justice Policy Analysis
- CJU520 Ethics in Criminal Justice Management
- CJU535 Management in Criminal Justice Organizations
- CJU598 Research Project in Criminal Justice
- CJU599 Capstone
You’ll also take credits in the criminal justice administration specialization:
- CJU540 Advanced Constitutional Law
- CJU545 Law Enforcement and the Community
- CJU550 Special Topics in Criminal Justice Administration
How Long Will It Take to Get My Master’s Degree in Administration of Justice?
On average, a full-time student can earn their master’s degree with a specialization in Administration of Justice in approximately 10 months. However, we recognize every student is different, with different circumstances. It would be best to contact one of our admissions advisors to discuss your specific questions and goals.
Frequently Asked Questions
A master’s degree in Criminal Justice is a graduate-level program that offers advanced education in areas related to law enforcement, criminology, corrections, and criminal justice administration.
Graduates can pursue roles such as law enforcement administrator, criminal investigator, policy analyst, correctional manager, and legal consultant.
You may specialize in law enforcement, corrections, criminology, homeland security, and forensic psychology to focus on specific interests. Please contact us for more information.
While some programs prefer applicants with relevant work experience, others may accept individuals with a strong academic background and a commitment to the field.
The curriculum may include courses on criminal behavior, justice administration, research methods, ethics, criminal law, and policy analysis.
Many programs offer practical experiences, such as internships, research projects, and field placements, to provide hands-on learning and networking opportunities.
Yes, many programs are designed for working professionals, offering flexible schedules and online or evening classes.
The duration varies, but it often takes about 1.5 to 2 years of full-time study. Part-time options might extend the duration.
Why Should I Choose Salem University?
Since 1888, Salem University has built upon our tradition of accessible, affordable higher education by constantly innovating and looking to the future. We aim to develop lifelong learners who embrace problem-solving with a global perspective. We offer:
- Accelerated undergraduate and graduate programs of study with continuous enrollment via distance education or on-campus
- A unique one-course-a-month format that allows students to focus on a single subject at a time and build their knowledge in a way that feels natural
- Online courses are structured to work within the constraints of full-time employment, allowing you to earn your degree with minimum disruption to your busy schedule
- Supportive faculty and staff who serve as thought leaders and mentors
- A beautiful 100-acre campus situated in the Smoky Mountains where programs of study are available for campus residents and commuter students
Admission Requirements
Admission to Salem is open to all qualified applicants regardless of race, color, creed, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, or ability/disability. Anyone wishing to attend Salem can obtain the necessary application from the Office of Admissions or apply online. The completed application should be submitted to the Office of Admissions at the earliest possible date. The University admits students on a rolling, monthly start basis. Acceptance is within the discretion of Salem University; some programs have additional admissions requirements.
