Advocate for Justice With a Law Enforcement Focus
Grand Canyon University’s Master of Science in Criminal Justice with an Emphasis in Law Enforcement is intended to provide you with a framework for addressing key issues in crime analysis and strategic planning. Offered by the College of Humanities and Social Sciences, you can get an up-close look at crime prevention programs, contemporary crime trends and risk management in policing.
Locations
Tuition Rate
Online: $590 per credit [More Info]
Transfer Credits
Up to 12 credits or 1/3 of the total program requirements in transfer (whichever is less)
Fill out the Lopes Eval to find out what will transfer
Admission Requirements
- Undergraduate Degree*
- 2.8+ GPA
- GMAT: 500
- GRE: 300 combined**
Or Passing Test Scores:
* Degree must be from an accredited college or program that has been approved by GCU.
** Combined verbal/quantitative, after August 2011 (1,000 combined verbal and quantitative, prior to August 2011).
Take Law Enforcement Courses From GCU
This online master’s degree in criminal justice is designed to enhance the career qualifications of working professionals who are already active in law enforcement. It can also help you position yourself for a potential career transition to the law enforcement and criminal justice field. This master’s in criminal justice was developed to align with contemporary needs and challenges, based on guidance from local, state and federal law enforcement specialists.
As a private, Christian university, GCU emphasizes the role of values, morality and ethics in decision-making and leadership responsibilities
Earn Your Master’s in Criminal Justice Online
GCU is committed to enhancing the accessibility of higher education for all, including working professionals who need convenient, flexibly scheduled classes that meet them where they are. That’s why we’re pleased to offer this master’s in criminal justice online via our interactive digital learning platform. You can access your course materials from anywhere and engage in academically relevant conversations with fellow learners and instructors. Benefit from hearing from a range of viewpoints and perspectives as you immerse yourself within a modern, conveniently delivered curriculum.
Master’s Degree in Criminal Justice: Law Enforcement Emphasis Course Topics
The master’s degree in criminal justice aims to inspire you to work toward leadership positions in your field. The curriculum is designed to help you become a skilled communicator who can reason with analytical clarity and convey information to a variety of stakeholders.
In these law enforcement courses, you will examine:
- The relationship between psychology and criminal justice, with a look at crisis intervention, criminal profiling and psychopathology
- The intersection of law and socioeconomic issues
- Professional ethics within the criminal justice and law enforcement fields
- Contemporary law enforcement management practices
Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement Curriculum
The curriculum begins with a survey of criminal behavior. Criminal profiling, psychopathology and crisis intervention are examined in the context of the criminal justice system. You will explore a holistic view of society, examining the interrelatedness of law and socioeconomic concerns.
Other core competencies you are expected to 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
Career Opportunities for Graduates With an MS in Criminal Justice
Some professionals who choose to earn a Master of Science in Criminal Justice do so not for the purpose of pursuing a law enforcement career but because the curriculum may enhance their ability to perform their job as a social worker, journalist or nonprofit administrator. Getting a closer look at the inner workings of the criminal justice system and criminality may help professionals develop a reputation for niche expertise.1
The complex intersection of communities and criminal justice organizations is an ever-shifting landscape shaped by emerging threats and shifting trends. Working professionals in law enforcement and criminal justice must stay current on changing demands to best serve their communities.
Experienced police officers who earn a master’s degree in criminal justice: law enforcement emphasis may be equipped to pursue a high-level position in law enforcement, such as:
Earn a Master of Science in Criminal Justice From an Institutionally Accredited University
At GCU, we take pride in being an institutionally accredited school — a designation that reflects our commitment to fostering academic excellence and prioritizing quality instruction. The Higher Learning Commission (HLC) has continually accredited GCU since 1968. The College of Humanities and Social Sciences shares the university’s commitment to upholding the principles and standards established by our accrediting bodies.
Master’s in Criminal Justice: Law Enforcement Emphasis FAQs
As you consider your options for higher education and the future of your career path, you may find the following frequently asked questions and answers helpful in your decision-making process.
Course List
Credit Summary
Major38 Credits
Degree Requirements38 Credits
Core Courses
UNV-503
2 Total Credits
Introduction to Graduate Studies in the Liberal Arts
JUS-506
4 Total Credits
Criminal Behavior Analysis
JUS-620
4 Total Credits
Exploration of Law and Public Policy
JUS-522
4 Total Credits
Ethics and Decision Making
JUS-510
4 Total Credits
Research Methods
JUS-515
4 Total Credits
Organizational Behavior and Leadership
JUS-632
4 Total Credits
Crime Prevention and Public Relations
JUS-636
4 Total Credits
Crime Analysis and Case Management
JUS-640
4 Total Credits
Advanced Crime Analysis
JUS-650
4 Total Credits
Strategic Analysis and Organizational Planning
Strengthen Your Skills for Protecting Communities
Explore best practices and professional ethics for the criminal justice and law enforcement fields. Apply today to earn your master’s in criminal justice online at GCU.
