Master of Science (M.S.)

Criminal Justice

With online classes held in two seven-week sessions during fall and spring semesters, McNeese offers a convenient option for earning your master’s in criminal justice at your own pace.

Program Highlights

Criminal Justice Master’s Degree Program Highlights

The Master of Science online degree in criminal justice offered through McNeese’s Department of Social Sciences provides advanced studies in a range of fields associated with criminal justice, such as corrections, criminology, ethics and justice administration. Explore course work in forensics, serial killers and other special topics while developing knowledge and skills in court and correctional administration, ethics and theory.

Link conceptual ideas to relevant problems

Jobs related to criminal justice require research, analytical and critical-thinking skills. The continued need for public safety is leading to increased opportunities for law enforcement supervisors and leadership in public agencies and related fields. Completing the criminal justice master’s program at McNeese may help you earn higher salaries over the course of your career and qualify for promotions or other jobs.

At a Glance

Degree Type: Master of Science (M.S.)

Program Length: 1.5 years (36 credit hours)

Availability: online

Criminal Justice is offered 100% Online.
Program Overview
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Program overview

Explore More for Criminal Justice Majors

With small class sizes and affordable tuition rates, the online master’s degree in criminal justice at McNeese offers a variety of additional benefits to make it a first choice for graduate students:

Financial Aid and Scholarships:

With one of the lowest tuition rates in Louisiana, McNeese also awards some form of support to almost 70% of graduate students, with an average financial aid award of more than $12,000. Learn more about how to apply from the Office of Financial Aid.

Specialized Program Electives:

Choose from a variety of options for criminal justice electives, including online classes in related disciplines such as sociology, psychology and criminology. You can also explore your interests and work directly with faculty through special independent research classes.

Expert Faculty:

With real-world experience, professional credentials and specialized training, program faculty bring a wealth of knowledge and passion to the classroom. Their interests and expertise include law, law and gaming enforcement, civil rights and constitutional law, international human trafficking, human rights, gender and the law, criminology and corrections.

Excellence With a Personal Touch:

With small class sizes — typically no more than 17 graduate students — McNeese’s online master’s degree in criminal justice supports the development of a community where faculty can provide personalized attention, from teaching to advising, that will enrich your educational experience.

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Careers and Opportunities

What Can You Do With a Criminal Justice Degree?

With a graduate degree in criminal justice, you may qualify for a variety of government and private industry jobs in probation and parole, juvenile justice, security and criminology.

Graduate Schools or Programs

  • Juris Doctorate in Law
  • Ph.D. in Criminal Justice
  • Ph.D. in Criminology
  • Ph.D. in Human Development and Family Studies

Potential Job Titles or Employers

  • Calcasieu Parish Police Jury
  • Department of Child and Family Services
  • Department of Homeland Security
  • Federal Agencies such as the FBI, CIA and DEA
  • Federal Bureau of Prisons
  • Imperial Calcasieu Human Services Authority
  • Louisiana Department of Corrections
  • Louisiana Office of Juvenile Justice
  • Multi-Agency Resource Center (MARC)
  • Office for Citizens with Developmental Disorders
  • Texas Department of Criminal Justice
  • U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement

Take their word for it

My Story, #MyMcNeese

“I completed the M.S. in Spring 2017 while working full time at McNeese and part time as a painting instructor. The structure of the course allowed me to complete assignments in a non-traditional manner. The online course and schedule worked best being that I was normally at work during the day. The access to my professors was also a plus. I could visit them during office hours, via email or by telephone. I was even given the opportunity to instruct an undergraduate course that allowed me to use what I learned and personal experiences to explain key subject matter in the class.” 


- Ryan Preatto - Multicultural Engagement Coordinator, McNeese State University - M.S. in Criminal Justice ’17

Community Service

Graduate students in the corrections courses of McNeese’s master’s in criminal justice program are working on a proposal for “Standard Operating Procedures for Transitional Work Programs” with the Louisiana Department of Public Safety and Corrections Services. Service-learning projects such as this provide practical experience in real-life settings while making a difference in the community.

Student Support

As the criminal justice program at McNeese grows, graduate students are benefiting from the support of the local law enforcement community. The Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office has helped with recruitment and the McNeese Police Department has provided grants and other means of support to provide equipment.

Career Fair

Dozens of potential employers come to campus to recruit students with a master’s in criminal justice for jobs, including the Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office, Carlyss Fire Department, City of Sulphur, Department of Children and Family Services, Louisiana Methodist Children’s Home, Office of Juvenile Justice, St. Nicholas Center for Children and University of Louisiana at Lafayette.

Criminal Justice

Programs Related to the Master’s in Criminal Justice

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Master of Arts in Psychology - Applied Behavior Analysis

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Program Contact

Dr. Gregory Clark - Department Head

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