Master of Science in Criminal Justice

Summer 1 Classes Begin May 5, 2025

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Advance your career in criminal justice with a degree from Saint Leo.

Saint Leo University's flexible program enhances the effectiveness, professionalism, and policy-making abilities of aspiring and active law enforcement professionals. With two program tracks, you can choose the one that works best for your life.

Traditional Program: 2 years, take a maximum of two classes per 16-week semester or one online class per eight-week term.
Accelerated Program: Allows you to complete the program in less than two years, with approval from the Director of Graduate Studies in Criminal Justice.

Criminal Justice with one of the six specializations requires 18 credits in core Criminal Justice courses, 12 credits in prescribed specialization courses, and 6 credits in elective courses.

The Master’s of Criminal Justice program and specializations are eligible for the Next Level Grad Award Discount. At Saint Leo University, we believe that investing in our students is an investment in our community, so we are committed to helping qualifying students finance their education through the Next-Level Grad Award. This award offers substantial cost savings to our online graduate students. Fill out the form above for details about the program and the Next Level Grad Award Discount.

Available Specializations:

The area of behavioral studies plays an important role in the investigation of criminal offences. This course of study will focus on the way that criminal behavior and the criminal code interact together to solve some of the world’s most heinous, violent criminal acts, clinical aspects of behavioral disorders as they impact individuals and criminal behavior, the use of behavioral cues when conducting interviews, and the important function of how these cues work within the courts system.

This course of study is designed to provide the learner with current leadership practices, understanding the complex treatments and issues of offenders, trends of the twenty-first century, health care practices, and the problems associated with recidivism.

This course of study will focus on the way the different investigative methodologies interact together to solve some of the world’s most heinous criminal acts. The course introduces the student to the investigative methodologies to solve crimes involving violence, sexual deviance, environmental, and the juvenile population.

Learn law enforcement skills to manage complex global risks and disasters. Critical Incident Management students explore the impact of terrorism on homeland security, management of critical incident operations, risk identification and assessment, the psychological aspects of critical incidents, hostage negotiations, and the prevention of terrorist attacks.

Through up-to-date, hands-on instruction, you will gain the practitioner's experience to assist with criminal justice agency operations during incidents in which forensic science is a factor. Students in the Forensic Science specialization program explore a variety of topics, including the history of forensic science and criminalistics, as well as courtroom acceptance of new forensic technologies. You'll get to perform hands-on laboratory analysis, and learn about the management of physical evidence and much more.

The Legal Studies specialization is well-suited for those individuals who have an interest in further understanding the role of the legal system within the United States. This course of study will provide students with a well-rounded understanding of legal procedures and how the judicial system operates within both civil and criminal domains.

Specially Designed For Adult Learners

Saint Leo’s 75+ undergraduate and graduate online degree programs prepare you to take advantage of growing career opportunities in a variety of in-demand fields. Taught by accomplished faculty with real-world experience, Saint Leo courses are paired with a convenient learning environment that is backed by years of experience in delivering online programs.

For additional information including prerequisites, degree requirements, and financial aid opportunities, please fill out the form provided and a friendly admissions representative will be happy to assist you.