Criminal Justice Administration
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- A stepping stone for career advancement in law enforcement
- Combines criminal justice with administration
- Fully online
Program Details
- Next Start Date
- January 21st
- Est. Program Length
- 1–2 years
- Course Length
- 8 weeks
- Cost per Credit
- $388.80*
- Credit Hours
- 30
- Credits Accepted
- 9
*Price reflects tuition for Oklahoma residents. Non-resident tuition is $734.80 per credit hour. There is a non-resident tuition waiver available if certain requirements are met. Speak to an enrollment counselor for more information. An additional semester fee of $89 will apply for all students and possible charges for course related fees. Fees and tuition subject to change.
Request InfoYour Future as a Leader Starts Here
Discover what it takes to respond to the needs of your community as a leader with the online Master in Criminal Justice Administration degree from East Central University. Through an innovative curriculum, you’ll strengthen your professional skills and build an advanced academic foundation in law enforcement as you prepare to advance your career in the field of criminal justice.
Designed with working professionals in mind, this online criminal justice master’s program is offered fully online through an interactive digital classroom. Share your ideas with classmates and receive answers to your questions, along with unparalleled academic support from a faculty of experienced educators. Choose from flexible course options and navigate your online criminal justice master’s degree at a pace that’s convenient for your schedule.
Topics of Study
While preparing individuals for diverse leadership positions within law enforcement, our online Master in Criminal Justice Administration program delivers instruction on essential topics, including:
- The functionality of agencies within the criminal justice system
- Advanced criminology theory
- Analysis of crime patterns
- Litigation in the criminal justice system
- Effective decision-making
- Addictions theory
- Crime reduction strategies
- Organizational leadership
Program Objectives
By the time you graduate, you will be able to:
- Use a multidisciplinary approach to increase students’ understanding of leadership in criminal justice agencies and organizations.
- Produce ethical criminal justice leaders who are responsible and informed decision makers.
- Cultivate critical thinking skills that are applicable in criminal justice agencies and organizations.
- Teach students to utilize evidence-based practices in criminal justice, leadership, and administration.
Courses & Requirements
Our online criminal justice master’s degree requires the completion of 30 credit hours.
- CRJS 5013
- CRJS 5113
- CRJS 5323
- CRJS 5433
- HURES 5103
- HURES 5433
Administration in the Criminal Justice System
3 Credits
An overview of criminal justice administration concentrating primarily on issues which are unique to the various criminal justice areas. The class will focus on interdepartmental and interdepartmental functions within the criminal justice system.
Political and Legal Aspects of the Criminal Justice System
3 Credits
This course is designed to help the student understand the impact of political and legal decisions on the criminal justice system. Emphasis will be placed on the student’s understanding of how agencies within the criminal justice system can function within a legal political climate.
Foundations of the Criminal Justice Profession
3 Credits
To provide students with a thorough knowledge of the criminal justice system. All major aspects of criminal justice will be covered. The course will provide the framework for all other required courses
Advanced Criminological Theory
3 Credits
Examination of classic and contemporary theoretical explanations of crime from multiple criminological perspectives including classical, biological, psychological, and sociological theories. Analysis of crime patterns and crime correlates and substantive focus on the application of such theories to criminal justice agencies, community, and society.
Human Services Research
3 Credits
Development of skills in reading, interpreting, using research. Evaluation of research for practice application will be required to prepare a research proposal consistent with current social science research methodology to include a research question or hypothesis.
Organizational Leadership and Decision Making
3 Credits
An integrative approach to the study of major leadership and decision making theories. This course will explore strategies and options for integrating values into leadership decision making. Applying those strategies to real world case studies and developing tools to navigate those situations where there is pressure to compromise values or disengage from our ethics or moral compass
- CRJS 5333
- CRJS 5213
- HURES 5123
- HURES 5303
- HURES 5183
- HURES 5283
- WRPM 5113
Crime Reduction Strategies
3 Credits
This course examines crime prevention as an alternative to a reactive criminal justice operations. It reviews current theories of, and leading research on, the main approaches to preventing crime, including developmental, situational, and community prevention. A special focus is placed on assessing the effectiveness of prevention programs and policies
Litigation in the Criminal Justice System
3 Credits
The primary focus of this course will be on individual and agency liability. The course will include issues in the scope and breadth of liability, confinement, and discussion of ways to provide individual and agency protection from liability
Grant Proposal Writing
3 Credits
Development of skills required to write and manage grants for human services and related organizations. The student will learn to develop grant ideas, complete narrative information, submit required forms, and develop budgets necessary to compete for funding through a variety of federal, state and private organizations.
Program Evaluation
3 Credits
This course provides an introduction to program evaluation for the human service administrator. Basic techniques needed for determining the effectiveness and efficiency of various human service programs will be covered, including: needs assessment, program outcomes and management information, costeffectiveness analysis, and evaluation of indirect services.
Addictions Theory
3 Credits
This course is an exploration of the historical and contemporary substance abuse counseling theories. In-depth attention will be given to the following models: strengths perspective, motivational interviewing, harm reduction, and stage-of-change. Ethics and best practices will be discussed. A consumer-centered approach is taken in the class.
Psychopharmacology and Substance Abuse
3 Credits
This course is an introduction to psychoactive drugs and their mechanisms of action, effect on the human body, common abuse, and clinical use. Specific areas covered include the physical, cognitive, emotional, and behavioral effects of psychoactive drugs.
Advanced Native American Law
3 Credits
The study of issues related to Native Americans and the law. Emphasis on the analysis of sovereignty issues, treaties and Native American courts.
Admission Requirements
To be accepted into the online criminal justice master’s program, you must meet the following criteria:
- Have a minimum cumulative 3.0 grade-point average for all undergraduate coursework to date
How to Apply
To apply, you must submit the following materials*:
- Online application
- College transcripts from accredited institutions
- Current resume
- Three references including the author’s name, mailing address and email address
- A personal statement. Explain your career goals, how an ECU degree will help accomplish those goals, your interest in the field and any actions you have taken to pursue this interest. You must also describe any skills, attributes or experiences you possess that would aid in your future profession.
*Non-native English-speaking students must have a minimum 79 Internet-based, 213 computer-based, or 550 paper-based TOEFL score or a minimum 6.5 IELTS score
Have a question about this program or the admission process? Get connected to one of our knowledgeable enrollment counselors.
Costs & Financial Aid
| Curriculum Component | Requirements | Cost | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition | 30 credit hours | $388.80* | $11,664.00 |
| Total with transfer credits (up to 9) | $8,164.80 | ||
*Price reflects tuition for Oklahoma residents. Non-resident tuition is $734.80 per credit hour. There is a non-resident tuition waiver available if certain requirements are met. Speak to an enrollment counselor for more information. An additional semester fee of $89 will apply for all students and possible charges for course related fees. Fees and tuition subject to change.
Financial Aid
At ECU Online, we strive to ensure your education is as affordable as possible. Learn more about your options for financing your education by visiting our Financial Aid page.
View Financial AidMilitary Benefits
East Central University is a proud military-friendly school. Discover how your status as a U.S. military veteran or active-duty service member can help you earn your degree by visiting our Military & Veterans page.
View Military BenefitsNative American Students
Eligible Native American students can find financial aid programs, heritage scholarships, grants, and academic support services to help ensure their success at ECU.
View our Native American Students pageAre You the First in Your Family to Go to College?
At ECU, we recognize that “going first” can be difficult. We provide the extra financial support, scholarships, resources, services, and skills you need to succeed.
View our First-Generation College Students pageTransfer Students
If you’ve taken college-level courses elsewhere, you could save time and money earning your degree by transferring credits to ECU and may qualify for scholarships.
View our Transfer Students pageCareer Outlook
As you complete your online criminal justice master’s degree, you’ll explore the field’s essential topics and prepare for a rewarding leadership career in law enforcement. Upon completion of the program, you’ll be equipped to apply advanced skills immediately to the workplace in a variety of roles, including:
First-Line Supervisor
First-line supervisors play a vital leadership role in police departments and correctional facilities. These professionals oversee and manage daily procedures carried out by police officers and corrections officers to ensure best practices are followed and resources are utilized efficiently.
Average annual salary: $68,908
U.S. Secret Service Agent
Secret Service agents are law enforcement professionals who work to protect government officials and their families. Their duties often involve accompanying government officials to public events and surveilling government buildings to ensure safety.
Average annual salary: $62,400
All information cited from PayScale.
Program FAQs
The program can be completed fully online in as little as one year.
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