Developed by law enforcement professionals, for law enforcement professionals.

Cumberlands’ online Master’s in Criminal Justice Administration (MJA) program is uniquely designed to provide opportunities for rural and local criminal justice agency personnel to interact with other professionals employed in criminal justice administration jobs throughout the nation, all while gaining first-hand perspective of how larger law enforcement agencies, such as state and federal authorities, operate.  

Our online Master’s in Criminal Justice Administration is designed to accommodate both pre-professional students interested in furthering their education and those already working in criminal justice careers who wish to advance within their respective agencies. With highly experienced criminal justice faculty, we are aware of the risks and pressures faced by personnel in this field. We are committed to helping non-traditional students earn their Master Degree in Criminal Justice Administration online by allowing them to work, study, and interact with faculty as their professional schedules permit.

Anchor: Stats
Anchor: Programs & Requirements
Programs & Requirements

Programs & Requirements

Master’s in Criminal Justice Administration

This MJA degree can be completed in as little as one year. University of the Cumberlands’ Master of Science in Criminal Justice Administration (MJA) program is for both recent baccalaureate graduates as well as in-service professionals hoping to secure further training in and credentials for effective service and leadership in justice administration through a master of science program. 

Criminal justice administration course rotation and program features are thoughtfully designed to best suit your personal schedule and needs. As an online master’s in criminal justice administration degree candidate, you will need to complete common core coursework, one specialization, and a capstone project.

Course Requirements

A content emphasis area of at least twelve (12) hours must be earned in one of these disciplines:

  • Addiction Studies
  • Corrections
  • Criminal Psychology
  • Cybersecurity
  • Digital Forensics
  • Homeland Security
  • Juvenile Justice
  • Law Enforcement
  • Criminal Justice Education and Leadership

For a full list of course offerings or more program specific information, visit our Academic Catalog

The Criminal Justice Management Certificate is a graduate-level online certificate open to members of law enforcement in the state of Kentucky and all across the United States.

Required Courses (12 hours)

  • CROL 531 Foundations of Justice Administration 
  • CROL 537 Leadership Fundamentals
  • CROL 631 Law Enforcement Administration
  • CROL 632 Critical Issues in Law Enforcement: Race & Gender
Anchor: Mission & Goals

Mission and Goals

The Master of Science in Criminal Justice Administration (MJA) program builds upon your foundational knowledge and skills within the realm of criminal justice.

Be prepared for professional careers and advancement within the criminal justice system.
Understand key principles of the courts, law enforcement, corrections, juvenile justice, and more.
Enhance your skills in critical thinking and communication.
Embody crucial leadership qualities and management skills.
Practice applying statistics and social science research methods in correct situations.
Anchor: Career Outcomes

Criminal Justice Administration Careers & Outcomes

All stats from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Police Officer: $65,790

Police Officer: $65,790

Maintain order and protect life and property by enforcing local, tribal, state, or federal laws and ordinances. Perform a combination of the following duties: patrol a specific area; direct traffic; issue traffic summonses; investigate accidents; apprehend and arrest suspects or serve legal processes of courts. 

Corrections Officer: $47,920

Corrections Officer: $47,920

Correctional officers guard people in penal institutions and guard those in transit between jail, courtroom, prison, or other point. Bailiffs are law enforcement officers who maintain order in courtrooms.  

FBI Agent: $66,020

FBI Agent: $66,020

Detectives and criminal investigators gather facts and collect evidence of possible crimes.  

Emergency Management Director: $76,730

Emergency Management Director: $76,730

Emergency management directors prepare plans and procedures for responding to natural disasters or other emergencies. They also help lead the response during and after emergencies. 

Homeland Security Agent: $66,020

Homeland Security Agent: $66,020

Detectives and criminal investigators gather facts and collect evidence of possible crimes. 

Information Security Analyst: $102,600

Information Security Analyst: $102,600

Information security analysts plan and carry out security measures to protect an organization’s computer networks and systems. 

Anchor: FAQs

Common Questions

A master's degree in criminal justice administration prepares students for leadership roles in criminal justice and security. It covers essential topics such as law enforcement, corrections, and emergency management, focusing on administrative and managerial skills.

Typically, a master's in criminal justice administration can be completed in as little as one year. The program requires around 31 credit hours, depending on the university's curriculum.

Yes, you can earn a master's in criminal justice administration online. Many universities offer flexible online programs designed to accommodate both pre-professional students and working professionals.

A master's degree in criminal justice administration is worth it for those seeking advanced roles in the criminal justice field. It enhances your knowledge, skills, and qualifications, leading to better job opportunities and higher salaries.

With a master's in criminal justice administration, you can pursue careers such as police officer, corrections officer, FBI agent, emergency management director, homeland security agent, and information security analyst.

To get a master's in criminal justice administration, you need to apply to an accredited program, complete the required coursework, and fulfill any necessary practicum or internship requirements. Some programs may also require a capstone project or thesis.

In criminal justice, you can earn degrees at various levels, including an associate's degree, bachelor's degree, master's degree, and doctorate. Each degree level offers different career opportunities and specializations.

Criminal justice administration management involves overseeing and coordinating activities within criminal justice agencies. This includes managing personnel, developing policies, ensuring compliance with laws and regulations, and improving the efficiency and effectiveness of the organization.

The Master of Science in Justice Administration program accepts transfer of credit from a variety of properly credentialed academic and professionally-affiliated institutions and programs, including- but not limited to-the schools and organizations identified below. Please inform your Graduate Admissions Counselor if you have coursework you would like evaluated during the admissions process. All graduate academic course work must reflect a minimum grade of "B" to be eligible for transfer. Documentation received is reviewed by the MJA Director, MJA faculty, and the UC Registrar. Upon completion of the review process the student will be notified of the decision regarding what credit has been determined to be eligible for posting as credit to the student’s graduate degree plan and/or graduate transcript.

  • Kentucky Law Enforcement Council
  • Kentucky Department of Criminal Justice Training
  • Southern Police Institute (SPI)-University of Louisville
  • Lexington-Fayette Division of Police- Sgt. Academy
  • FBI National Academy
  • Kentucky Criminalistics Academy (KCA)
  • Command Officer's Development Course (CODC)- University of Louisville
  • North Carolina State University- AOMP
  • Police Law Institute- North Carolina Justice Academy
  • Northwestern School of Police Staff and Command- Northwestern University
  • National Criminal Justice Command College (NCJCC)- University of Virginia
  • National Forensic Academy- University of Tennessee
  • National Forensic Academy Collegiate Program- University of Tennessee at Martin
  • Department of Homeland Security (BITAC)
  • State POST Councils
  • Police Executive Research Forum (PERF)
  • Senior Management Institute for Police (SMIP) (PERF)
  • National Computer Forensics Institute (NCFI)
  • Forensic Science Academy- Virginia Department of Forensic Science
  • Texas Police Chiefs Association- Law Enforcement Command Officer Program (LECOP)
  • Law Enforcement Management Institute of Texas (LEMIT)- Leadership Command College
  • Institute for Law Enforcement Administration (TX) (ILEA)- School of Executive Leadership

Criminal Justice Certifications Accepted for Graduate Students

  • CLEE (Certified Law Enforcement Executive) - (9 credit hours)
  • CPM (Certified Public Manager) - (6 credit hours)
  • LADC (Licensed Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselor) - (6 credit hours)
  • LCDC (Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor) - (6 credit hours)
  • CADC (Certified Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselor) - (6 credit hours)
  • GCFE (GIAC Certified Forensic Examiner) - (6 credit hours)
  • CEM Certified Emergency Manager- CROL 663 Criminal Justice Training and Education I (6hrs) or CROL 664 Criminal Justice Training and Education II (6 hrs) 
 
Anchor: Faculty

Faculty Experts in Criminal Justice

Get to know more about your future criminal justice professors.

Dr. Jack Brown

Dr. Jack Brown

Director of Graduate Studies
Criminal Justice
Master in Criminal Justice

Dr. Jack Brown

Contact Information

jack.brown [at] ucumberlands.edu
NKY Campus
Dr. Bo Bennett

Dr. Bo Bennett

Adjunct Faculty
Criminal Justice
Master in Criminal Justice

Dr. Bo Bennett

Contact Information

boderick.bennett [at] ucumberlands.edu
Dr. Jennifer Larson

Dr. Jennifer Larson

Adjunct Professor
Criminal Justice
Master in Criminal Justice

Dr. Jennifer Larson

Contact Information

jennifer.larson [at] ucumberlands.edu

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