Online Master’s in Criminal Justice: Law Enforcement Emphasis
journey today.
The complex intersection of communities and criminal justice organizations is an ever-shifting landscape shaped by emerging threats and shifting trends. Working professionals in law enforcement and criminal justice must stay current on changing demands to best serve their communities.
Grand Canyon University’s Master of Science in Criminal Justice with an Emphasis in Law Enforcement is intended to provide 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.
This online 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 position yourself for a potential career transition to the law enforcement and criminal justice field. This master’s in criminal justice 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 emphasizes the role of values, morality and ethics in decision-making and leadership responsibilities.
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, flexibly scheduled classes that meet them where they are. That’s why we’re pleased to offer this master’s in criminal justice online via our interactive digital learning platform. You can access your course materials from 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.
The master’s degree in criminal justice aims to inspire you to work toward leadership positions in your field. 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:
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:
Some professionals who choose to earn a Master of Science in Criminal Justice do so not for the purpose of pursuing a law enforcement career but because the curriculum may enhance their ability to perform their job as a social worker, journalist or nonprofit administrator. Getting a closer look at the inner workings of the criminal justice system and criminality may help professionals develop a reputation for niche expertise.1
Experienced police officers who earn a master’s degree in criminal justice: law enforcement emphasis may be equipped to 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
At GCU, we take pride in being an institutionally accredited school — a designation that reflects our commitment to fostering academic excellence and prioritizing quality instruction. The Higher Learning Commission has continually accredited GCU since 1968. The College of Humanities and Social Sciences shares the university’s commitment to upholding the principles and standards established by our accrediting bodies.
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.
Earning an MS in Criminal Justice with an Emphasis in Law Enforcement introduces you to advanced topics in the criminal justice field. For those interested in areas such as forensics, special investigations, criminal rehabilitation or criminal profiling, a law enforcement master’s degree can provide an in-depth examination, with a focus on the threat assessment, prevention and mitigation strategies that are immediately applicable in the field. If you’re passionate about protecting your community and serving your department with integrity and professionalism, then earning a Master of Science in Criminal Justice may be a good choice for you.
According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) eligibility overview, a master’s degree is not required to earn a job with the FBI, but it can certainly help. One way a graduate degree can be beneficial is by reducing the experience requirements needed to apply for an FBI job. Applicants with a bachelor’s degree must also have two years of full-time work experience. Applicants who hold a master’s degree are eligible to apply with just one year of work experience. An advanced degree alone will not be enough to earn a position with the FBI, but it is worth the consideration.2
A degree in criminal justice is similar to a legal studies degree, but there are noteworthy differences. If you choose to earn a degree in criminal justice: law enforcement emphasis, you will take law enforcement courses that primarily explore the applications of law and the justice system for the purpose of dealing with crime. On the other hand, a legal studies degree will focus on the theoretical foundations of law and the intersection of legal issues and society.3
Explore best practices and professional ethics for the criminal justice and law enforcement fields. Apply today to earn your master’s in criminal justice online at GCU.
- Soriano, D. (2019, April 3). What Can You Do With a Master’s Degree in Criminal Justice? U.S. News and World Report. Retrieved Nov. 15, 2023.
- FBI Jobs. (n.d.). Special Agent. FBI. Retrieved Nov. 15, 2023.
- CollegeBoard. (2018, Nov. 16). The Basics of Justice and Law Degrees. CollegeBoard. Retrieved Nov. 15, 2023.