Online Master's in Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement

What Is a Master of Science in Criminal Justice Law Enforcement Degree at GCU?

The complex intersection of communities and criminal justice organizations is subject to change over time. Working professionals in law enforcement and criminal justice must stay current on changing demands to best serve their communities. Grand Canyon University’s (GCU) Master of Science in Criminal Justice with an Emphasis in Law Enforcement provides students with a working framework for addressing 21st century topics.

Prepare to meet evolving challenges by examining key issues in crime analysis and strategic planning with this online law enforcement degree, offered by the College of Humanities and Social Sciences. Get an up-close look at crime prevention programs, contemporary crime trends and risk management in policing.

This online master’s in criminal justice degree is designed to enhance the career qualifications of working professionals who are already active in law enforcement. It can also prepare individuals for a career transition to the law enforcement and criminal justice field. This modern law enforcement master's degree program was thoughtfully developed to align with contemporary needs and challenges, based on guidance from local, state, and federal law enforcement specialists.

What Will You Learn During a Master’s in Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice Degree Program?

The master’s in criminal justice program inspires students to work toward leadership positions in their fields. Students become skilled communicators who can reason with analytical clarity and convey information to a variety of stakeholders. As a private, Christian university, GCU emphasizes the role of values, morality and ethics in decision making and leadership responsibilities. Some of the courses for this program include:

• Crime Analysis and Case Management
• Strategic Analysis and Organizational Planning
• Exploration of Law and Public Policy
• Crime Prevention and Public Relations
• Advanced Crime Analysis

The Master of Science in Criminal Justice with an Emphasis in Law Enforcement degree curriculum begins with a survey of criminal behavior. Criminal profiling, psychopathology and crisis intervention are examined in the context of the criminal justice system. Students explore a holistic view of society, examining the interrelatedness of law and socioeconomic concerns. Other core competencies students will 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

What Can You Do With a Master’s Degree in Law Enforcement?

There will always be a need for well-educated professionals in the law enforcement and criminal justice fields. Graduates with a criminal justice and law enforcement degree emphasis may be equipped to pursue a high-level position in law enforcement, such as chief of police, senior officer, commander, shift supervisor, sergeant or lieutenant. Other careers that may be related to this degree include:

• First-line supervisor of correctional officers
• First-line supervisor of police and detectives
• Criminal justice and law enforcement teacher

There are many other career possibilities for those with a law enforcement degree. Some graduates may choose an entrepreneurial path as a contractor. Skilled communicators may pursue a position as a liaison between the criminal justice system and local law enforcement entities.