Online Master’s Degree in Justice Administration

An online Master’s Degree in Justice Administration will prepare graduates for advanced careers in the criminal justice system. Justice administration master’s degree programs will give students the training and expertise necessary for employment within local law enforcement agencies and crime prevention programs. Justice administration masters programs online allow adult students the opportunity to pursue their advanced studies with flexibility and independence.

Online Master’s Degrees in Justice Administration Requirements

Students enrolled in accredited online masters degree programs in justice administration will need exceptional skills in human personnel leadership and organizational skills. Online masters degree justice administration students who plan to become judicial department administrators may also need to demonstrate specific knowledge of the laws and ethics surrounding federal, state and local governmental organizations. Furthermore, good online master degree programs in justice administration will prepare all students to develop their problem-solving and administrative skills.

Along with an online bachelor’s degree in justice administration, students pursuing an online justice administration masters degree may have degrees such as:

• Bachelor of Arts in Psychology in Criminal Justice
• Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice
• Bachelor of Science in Justice Studies
• Bachelor of Science in Public Safety and Emergency Management

Individuals pursuing online master’s degrees in justice administration may have experience in fields such as human resources and law enforcement.

Online Justice Administration Master’s Degree Education

Good online master’s degree programs in justice administration typically take between 2 to 3 years to complete. The types of justice administration degrees offered by the best justice administration master’s programs online include:

• Master of Science in Justice Administration (MS in Justice Administration)
• Master of Arts in Justice Administration (MA in Justice Administration)
• Master of Science in Criminal Justice

Information on Justice Administration Courses

Online master’s degrees in justice administration core courses include court systems, issues in terrorism, and criminal law. The best online master programs in justice administration require specific courses such as: Civil Employment Law, Public Administration, Human Resource Management, and the History of the Justice System. Furthermore, top online schools offer online masters degrees in justice administration will provide an interdisciplinary curriculum draws on material from political science, psychology and sociology. Some sample courses required to earn an online master in justice administration include:

• Issues in Terrorism
  This course provides an examination of domestic and international impact of terrorism on justice agencies.
• Juvenile Justice Administration
  Students in this online masters justice administration course will explore the administration of juvenile justice agencies and their clients.
• Court Systems
  Students in this course learn about federal and state judicial systems.
• Criminal Law
  Students in this online master degree in justice administration course will explore how crimes are classified. Topics covered include types of evidence and their admissibility, along with policies for gathering evidence.
• Justice Administration Ethics
  This course introduces students to potential ethical dilemmas they may face in their profession.

Specializations and Concentrations

Because justice administration is a broad field, in order to become an expert in a specific niche, some online master’s justice administration students will pursue specialties or concentrations in areas including:

• Domestic Violence
• Homeland Security and Defense
• Violent Crime
• Capital Punishment
• Media and Criminal Justice
• Terrorism
• Substance Abuse
• Ethics
• Criminal Justice Policy

Careers in Justice Administration

Individuals who obtain an online masters degree in justice administration may choose to work with federal, state, or local governmental agencies. Correctional facilities, drug enforcement and homeland security are other options as well for graduates of top online masters programs in justice administration. Other rewarding career opportunities for individuals who hold an online masters in justice administration include:

• Federal Criminal Investigators
  A federal criminal investigator is an someone who enforces laws and solves crimes for a federal agency. The average annual salary is $88,174. The job growth rate is predicted to be on a fast pace.
• Federal Correctional Officer
  Correctional officers guard inmates inside and outside local, state, and federal prisons. The average salary for federal correctional officers is $53,459. The field has a very satisfying employment outlook.
• Human Resource Managers
  Human resources managers handle personnel decisions, including hiring, training, benefits, and compensation. The average HR Manager salary is $76,000. The job growth is predicted to be faster than average.
• Border Protection Agent
  Graduates of accredited online master’s degree justice administration programs who decide to become U.S. Border Patrol agents will protect thousands of miles of international land and water boundaries. The average salary for these agents is $63,550. The job growth is predicted to be faster than average.
• Criminal Justice Counseling
  These professionals, who have earned their justice administration masters degree online, are needed to assist with the expanding prisoner population and juvenile offender population. The average salary for criminal justice counselors depends on the exact industry; however, the general estimate is $51,450. The job growth is expected to be faster than average.

Many of the skills learned in online master’s programs in justice administration are versatile and could benefit administrators in any organization. Exceptional students may wish to expand their education and expertise and further their career ambitions should consider a master’s degree in justice administration from a top online school.