Online Master’s in Criminal Justice: Law Enforcement Emphasis
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Overview

Strengthen Your Role in Advocating for Justice 

Emerging threats and trends continually shape the complex relationship between communities and criminal justice organizations. Law enforcement and criminal justice professionals must stay informed and adaptable to effectively address the changing needs of the populations they serve.

Grand Canyon University’s Master of Science in Criminal Justice with an Emphasis in Law Enforcement is intended to strengthen your knowledge in criminal justice law enforcement by providing you with a framework for addressing key issues in crime analysis and strategic planning. Offered by the College of Humanities and Social Sciences, you can get an up-close look at crime prevention programs, contemporary crime trends and risk management in policing.

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Why GCU

Advance Your Expertise in Modern Law Enforcement

This online1 master’s degree in criminal justice is designed to enhance the career qualifications of working professionals who are already active in law enforcement. It can also help you be a more competitive candidate for a potential career transition to the law enforcement and criminal justice field. This master’s in criminal justice: law enforcement emphasis was developed to align with contemporary needs and challenges, based on guidance from local, state and federal law enforcement specialists.

As a private, Christian university, GCU weaves faith-integrated courses into its curriculum to prepare law enforcement professionals to lead with integrity. Emphasizing ethical decision-making, moral responsibility and servant leadership, the program encourages students to reflect on their impact within the criminal justice system. This foundation helps future leaders uphold justice with compassion, accountability and a strong commitment to their communities. 

Earn Your Master’s in Criminal Justice Online

GCU is committed to enhancing the accessibility of higher education for all, including working professionals who need convenient, flexible classes. That’s why we’re pleased to offer this criminal justice degree law enforcement emphasis via our interactive digital learning platform. You can access your course materials from almost anywhere and engage in academically relevant conversations with fellow learners and instructors. Benefit from hearing from a range of viewpoints and perspectives as you immerse yourself within a modern, conveniently delivered curriculum.

Go to College Online at GCU!
Coursework

Law Enforcement Emphasis Course Topics

The curriculum is designed to help you become a skilled communicator who can reason with analytical clarity and convey information to a variety of stakeholders. 

In these law enforcement courses, you will examine:

  • The relationship between psychology, sociology and criminal justice
  • The role of crisis intervention, criminal profiling and psychopathology
  • The intersection of law and socioeconomic issues
  • Professional ethics in criminal justice and law enforcement
  • Contemporary law enforcement management practices
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Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement Curriculum

The curriculum begins with a survey of criminal behavior. Criminal profiling, psychopathology and crisis intervention are examined in the context of the criminal justice system. You will explore a holistic view of society, examining the interrelatedness of law and socioeconomic concerns.

Other core competencies you are expected to acquire include:

  • The detection of patterns in crime data and the examination of the techniques, trends and uses of crime analysis
  • The use of crime analysis in managing cases and preventing criminal activity
  • The relationship between the police and the public, with an emphasis on positive interactions, greater communication and crime prevention
  • Strategic analysis and organizational planning practices to enhance agency performance
Careers

Explore Careers With a MS in Criminal Justice: Law Enforcement Emphasis

Many professionals may choose to pursue a Master of Science in Criminal Justice not to switch careers, but to advance within law enforcement. This degree provides a deeper understanding of criminal behavior, justice policy, and strategic leadership to assist you in positioning yourself for supervisory or specialized roles such as sergeant, lieutenant, or police chief.2

Experienced police officers who earn a master’s degree in criminal justice: law enforcement emphasis may be equipped to position themselves to potentially pursue a high-level position in law enforcement, such as:

Police sergeant

Police lieutenant

Deputy chief or chief of police

Federal law enforcement agent

Fraud investigator

Correctional caseworker

Court officer

Sheriff

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Accreditation

Earn Your Master's From an Institutionally Accredited University

At GCU, we take pride in being an institutionally accredited university — a designation that reflects our commitment to fostering academic excellence and prioritizing quality instruction. The Higher Learning Commission has continually accredited GCU since 1968.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

As you consider your options for higher education and the future of your career path, you may find these frequently asked questions and answers helpful in your decision-making process.

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Strengthen Your Skills for Protecting Communities

Examine best practices and ethical standards in criminal justice and law enforcement. Apply today to earn your master’s in criminal justice: law enforcement emphasis online at GCU.

Apply Now
  1. Excludes programs with residencies and practicums.
  2. CollegeBoard. (2018, Nov. 16). The Basics of Justice and Law Degrees. CollegeBoard. Retrieved Nov. 15, 2023.

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