Widener's online master's in criminal justice program provides a foundation in criminological theory and research methods with a focus on developing knowledge for practical application.
In Widener's master of criminal justice (MCJ) program, you will learn from criminal justice leaders and practitioners with years of teaching experience, expand your knowledge of the criminal justice system, sharpen your critical thinking and research skills, and find unique opportunities to nurture a rewarding career in criminal justice.
The MCJ degree curriculum allows students to explore why crime occurs, discover how components of the criminal justice system work, and critically assess ongoing challenges faced by various parts of the system. Built on a basis of intensive study, the curriculum encourages the development of effective analytical and problem-solving skills in the areas of:
View the Loading... for information regarding the master's program requirements.
MCJ Program Options to Consider
Our flexible curriculum, with a variety of electives, gives you the opportunity to choose a specialization tailored to your personal interests and career goals.
Specializations include:
Loading...: Develop expertise in fraud analysis and forensic accounting with a specialization in white collar crime.
Loading...: Students whose professional and career goals are in organizational leadership or working in government or nonprofit sectors can specialize in public administration by completing courses from Widener’s masters in public administration program. [Please note: MPA courses are offered in-person on our Chester campus.]
Students pursuing careers that require clinical experience in the psycho-legal aspects of criminal justice can choose to graduate with a dual degree in criminal justice and psychology (PsyD/MCJ). This program is designed to fit within the 5-year duration of our doctoral program in psychology.
For more information about this dual degree, view the Loading....
The criminal justice certificate is designed to provide an introduction to criminal justice for students interested in gaining entry into any area of the criminal justice field and for established professionals in the field looking to advance their careers. After completion of the certificate program, students can apply to the master's program, and if accepted, courses can be transferred to that program.
We review applications on a rolling basis.
The flexible MCJ program offers classes taught by full-time faculty members who hold PhD degrees and have published research in the field of criminal justice, or by adjuncts with master’s degrees or law degrees and are practitioners in the field.
With online courses, the MCJ program is designed to meet the needs of busy professionals. Whether you're established in a career or a recent graduate looking to pursue an advanced degree, you can earn your degree with courses tailored to your interests and professional goals.
Learn more about how an online master’s degree in criminal justice can fit into your ever-changing schedule.
Learn from professors whose leadership and research are shaping the criminal justice field. Our instructors include full-time faculty and practitioners in the criminal justice system, each with diverse research experiences, published research, and expertise in their field.
Criminal justice majors have the opportunity to join various clubs and organizations across and outside of campus to expand their network, including the Criminal Justice Organization, the Alpha Phi Sigma - Criminal Justice Honor Society, and many more
Our criminal justice professors stay up-to-date on recent technologies and research shaping the criminal justice field.
"Our criminal justice programs provide students with one-on-one individualized attention to nurture the student's growth academically and professionally. I enjoy the small class sizes and teach by facilitating discussions and welcoming diverse worldviews. This pedagogy fosters student participation, listening, and critical thinking skills."
I enjoy mentoring students inside and outside the classroom. It is a pleasure to watch individuals grow from being criminal justice students to criminal justice professionals, influencing and bettering the system. Seeing their success as alumni is so rewarding for me! In addition, our flexible curriculum allows students to direct their academic career in a way that makes the most sense for their career goals. I am also excited about our accelerated 4+1 program that allows strong students to complete an undergraduate and graduate degree in five years.
In the current economic climate, many people are turning to graduate school as a way to succeed in a rapidly changing world.
Launch your criminal justice career—or prepare to rapidly advance in the field—through our flexible graduate program.
Kapelski Learning Center, Room 334
Kapelski Learning Center
Room 334
