Build a path to leadership in criminal justice.

EKU’s Master of Science in Criminology & Criminal Justice helps you build the research, policy, leadership and decision-making skills needed to advance in justice administration or prepare for doctoral study.

Online and on-campus options. 30–36 credit hours. Built for future criminal justice leaders.

30–36credit hours to graduate

Onlineand on-campus options available

$600per credit hour

Supportfrom enrollment through graduation

Criminal justice leadership

Build the skills to lead in justice-focused careers.

Whether you want to advance in law enforcement, corrections, courts, victim advocacy, research, policy or nonprofit work, EKU’s master’s program gives you a flexible path to strengthen your expertise and prepare for leadership.

Every Path Made Possible.

For criminal justice students, that means flexible online and on-campus options, practical career preparation and support that helps make graduate education feel achievable.

✓Study leadership, administration, policy research, analysis and criminal justice theory.
✓Choose an online path with accelerated 7-week terms and no campus visits required.
✓Receive support from enrollment counselors, faculty, advising and career resources.

Student Story

See what your path in criminal justice could look like.

“I chose EKU because of its strong and well-respected criminal justice program and the opportunities for hands-on learning and professional growth. I wanted to attend a school where I could build meaningful connections, gain practical experience, and prepare to make a positive impact in law enforcement and serve my community in leadership.”Ahmaud Harris, EKU Criminal Justice graduate

Get Your Personalized Next Steps

Program focus areas

Prepare for leadership, policy, research and advancement.

EKU’s curriculum blends academic and professional preparation so you can better understand justice systems, evaluate policy and prepare for leadership roles.

Leadership & Administration

✓Justice administration
✓Organizational management
✓Decision-making and leadership

Research & Policy

✓Policy research and analysis
✓Qualitative and quantitative methods
✓Criminal justice evaluation
✓Statistical analysis

Career Paths

✓Law enforcement and corrections
✓Courts, probation and parole
✓Victim advocacy, nonprofit work and research

Coursework focuses on advanced criminal justice studies, criminological theory, leadership, policy analysis, research methods and evaluation. Students may also transfer up to 9 hours of approved graduate credit from accredited institutions.

Why EKU?

A flexible graduate degree with real career value behind it.

EKU gives criminal justice graduate students a supportive, career-focused experience with online and on-campus options designed to fit different goals and schedules.

Leadership preparation

Build the management, communication and analytical skills needed for criminal justice leadership roles.

Affordable tuition

At $600 per credit hour, EKU provides a clear path to a graduate credential in criminology and criminal justice.

Online and on-campus options

Choose the format that fits your goals, with online options designed for working professionals.

Career-focused outcomes

Prepare for advancement in law enforcement, corrections, courts, probation and parole, policy, advocacy, research and related fields.

Research and policy skills

Strengthen your ability to understand data, evaluate programs and contribute to better justice policy and practice.

Low-cost textbooks

BookSmart helps keep textbook costs more predictable as you move through the program.

Frequently asked questions

Answers to common criminal justice master’s questions.

Get the clarity you need before taking the next step.

Who is this program for?

Students with a bachelor’s degree who want to advance in criminal justice, strengthen leadership and research skills, pursue justice administration roles or prepare for doctoral study.

Is the program online?

Yes. EKU offers online and on-campus options. Online students have accelerated 7-week terms, six start dates per year and no campus visits required.

How many credit hours are required?

A minimum of 30 credit hours is required for the online program and 36 credit hours for the on-campus program.

Ready to take the next step in criminal justice?

With flexible options, career-focused coursework and personalized support, EKU’s M.S. in Criminology & Criminal Justice helps make your next career move possible.

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