The criminal justice system plays a crucial role in any society governed by the rule of law. A Criminal Justice master’s degree from PennWest Global Online will place you at the forefront of this discipline, whether your career path is focused on law enforcement, criminal investigations, threat assessment, national security or another related field.
As a student you will be mentored by faculty who are among the top criminal justice experts in the country. They’ll help you build a strong foundation in theoretical knowledge and research skills, which you will learn to apply in one of three specific concentrations.
Relevant, hands-on learning plays a major role in this program. Choose a capstone experience that best supports your career plans. Options include an internship, study abroad, thesis or research publication. You may also receive credit for qualified prior learning at locations such as the FBI Academy.
You will develop the critical thinking and communication skills that allow you to conduct in-depth analyses of significant issues, policies and practices. You’ll graduate with a degree that will help you achieve a meaningful career and a successful life.
Get real-world experience in a concentration that interests you.
Learn from pioneers in the field, including experts from the FBI Academy at Quantico, Va.
Associated with the Pennsylvania Center for Investigative and Forensic Sciences, which provides real-time, investigative consulting and professional training for law enforcement professionals.
Ranked #7 in the nation for top online criminology degree by GuideToOnlineSchools.com
Varies by concentration
100% online
Graduate Admissions
gradadmissions@pennwest.edu
724-938-4187
Varies by concentration
If you are fascinated by behaviors that surround criminal activity, this concentration will put you on the path to a rewarding career. You’ll gain specialized knowledge in the field, through courses such as Advanced Behavioral Crime Analysis Theory, Violent Crime Analysis, Equivocal Death Analysis and Geographic Death Analysis. You’ll also gain knowledge of the ethical and legal aspects of behavioral crime. Count on our experienced faculty to provide insight and guidance. They include a renowned federal agent and war crimes investigator, a former intelligence officer and terrorist specialist, a criminal justice research and policy analyst, and other criminal justice experts. Upon completion of this 30-credit program, you will be equipped to advance your career in local, state or federal law-enforcement agencies, victim-witness units, threat assessment teams and correctional institutions.
Credits: 30
Start Terms: Fall, Spring
Admission Requirements: 3.0 transcript
Build your knowledge, skills and abilities in the field of forensic linguistics. Learn to use linguistic cues to build aprofile of a criminal suspect, assess threatening communications and examine suspicious documents.
Your coursework will teach you to create courtroom-ready reports regarding verbal and non-verbal threats, ransom demands, suicide notes and other communications associated with serious criminal, civil and national security matters.
Upon completion, you will be qualified to work as a practitioner or consultant in this growing field, adding value to any criminal justice team.
Credits: 36
Start Terms: Fall
Admission Requirements: 3.0 transcript
Prepare to take on a leadership role in the field of criminal justice. This concentration gives you an in-depth understanding of the core components of our criminal justice system – law enforcement, courts and corrections. At the same time, it offers you the opportunity to study numerous contemporary topics that will give you an informed perspective of the major issues and concerns in the field.
Opt for advanced studies in forensic issues, advanced forensic accounting and litigation, digital and cyber forensics. Or delve into corporate and occupational fraud and white-collar crimes.
With this master’s degree, you will have what it takes to advance your career to an exciting new level.
Credits: 36
Start Terms: Fall, Spring
Admission Requirements: 3.0 transcript
What Can I Do with a Master’s in Criminal Justice?
PennWest’s online Criminal Justice graduate program is the ideal way to advance your career in a variety of fields, including law enforcement, criminal investigation, violent crime analysis or threat assessment. You can also use it as a springboard to doctoral-level studies, such as PennWest’s first-in-the-nation Doctor of Criminal Justice (DCJ) program.
Conditional Admission Requirements
PennWest’s three campuses, California, Clarion and Edinboro universities, have been delivering award-winning online programs for more than 20 years. You’ll graduate with a degree from Pennsylvania Western University, completely supported by the expertise and community of learners on our brick-and-mortar campuses.