Hero Image

Master of Science in Criminology & Criminal Justice

School of Justice

College of Justice, Safety & Military Science

Master of Science in Criminology & Criminal Justice

School of Justice

College of Justice, Safety & Military Science

On-Campus & Online

Options

36 Credit Hours

to Graduate

On-Campus: $0 Per Semester

Online: $0 Per Semester

Free Books

for All Students

Become a Forward-Thinking Criminal Justice Leader

Prepare to take on leadership roles and apply proven organizational management and criminal justice theories and practices to the administration of justice. EKU’s Master of Science in Criminology and Criminal Justice provides individuals with the experience and training in social policy, advocacy, research, decision-making, and leadership needed to advance their careers in justice administration or to pursue a PhD and an academic or research-based career.

Learn More


Loading…

Career Outlook


The criminal justice system employs nearly two million people across the nation and offers a variety of career opportunities. These opportunities include corrections, law enforcement, the court system, probation and parole, justice support agencies, nonprofit agencies, research/data analyses, consultancy, and academia.

– U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

A Master of Science in Criminology & Criminal Justice can help you gain the management, communication, and analytical skills needed to make your mark in criminal justice leadership and influence policy makers to better address societal barriers to justice.

Job Titles Include:

  • Federal agent
  • Caseworker
  • Counselor
  • Policy analyst
  • Victims advocate

Graduates are prepared for career advancement and to take on leadership roles within community organizations that promote diversity and support the equitable treatment and human rights of all people.

Employers Include:

  • Cincinnati / Northern Kentucky International Airport Police Department
  • Department of Juvenile Justice
  • Lake Cumberland Youth Development Center

The Office of Academic and Career Services is a one-stop shop for all your career and professional development needs.

Services Include:

  • Creating/updating your resume and cover letter
  • Interviewing tips and coaching
  • Career documents review
  • Job search

Why EKU?

  • Free textbooks through EKU BookSmart
  • No application fee
  • Reduced tuition for active-duty military members and their spouses
  • Designated a Program of Distinction by the state of Kentucky
  • Research assistant positions
  • Low professor to student ratio, resulting in personalized attention and high quality learning experience
  • Close partnerships between faculty and graduate students are the cornerstone of the EKU graduate experience and student-faculty collaborative research, and even publishing, is encouraged
  • Our faculty are highly accomplished researchers and authors and take seriously the idea of fully integrating this cutting-edge knowledge into the classroom
  • Generous credit transfer policy
  • Dynamic, supportive learning environment

Curriculum & Enrollment


Focusing on urgent social issues, EKU’s curriculum blends academic and professional preparation to address leadership and administration, policy research and analysis, as well as qualitative and quantitative research methods through topics such as advanced criminal justice studies, criminological theory, and criminal justice evaluation & statistical analysis, as well as a range of elective courses.

A minimum of 36 credits are required to graduate.

View the degree requirements:

Please review the admissions requirements before applying for this or any program. If you have questions about the program or are planning to register for classes, please speak to the program advisor.

Students may transfer up to 9 hours of credit from accredited institutions.

Previously earned credits must be reviewed upon admission to EKU for appropriate articulation.

On-Campus Program

Online Program

Students seeking clear admission should:

  • meet the requirements of the Graduate School
  • hold a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution of higher learning with a 3.0 grade point average (GPA)

Please contact the department for funding application requirements.

Enrolling & Advising Information


EKU’s College of Justice, Safety, and Military Science is committed to delivering high-quality enrollment and academic advising for our students. We strive to create an atmosphere of mutual trust and meaningful engagement to help students reach their academic goals and have a rewarding educational experience.

Interested in enrolling? Reach out to our college enrollment advisor today.

Amy Eades

Enrollment Advisor

859-622-5086
Amy.Eades@eku.edu

Schedule an Appointment

Student Stories & Features


Upcoming Events

Halls Open

Residence Halls Open for the Spring 2025 semester. Front desks begin normal operating hours.

News & Updates

The Right Fit

Beau Mosley, ’23, started his career as a police officer for the Kentucky State Police in 2009, then moved into transportation safety. Now Mosley is the chief risk officer and […]

Related Programs

Master of Public Administration

Common Job Titles: urban/regional planner, nonprofit director, community relations manager

Modalities: online and on-campus

Credit Hours: 36

M.S. in Safety, Security & Emergency Management

Common Job Titles: environmental health officer, health & safety advisor, facilities manager

Modalities: online and on-campus

Credit Hours: 36


Contact Information

School of Justice Studies

Stratton Building
Room 467

859-622-1978
jus.dean@eku.edu