Masters degree in Criminology

Learn more about the Masters degree in Criminology and Justice studies and what it can do for your career...

Criminal justice organizations, like all other industries, require employees, corrections programs and law enforcement programs to revolve around a core of educated individuals who have an indepth understanding of their industry.

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Masters programs in criminology provide students with the advanced knowledge and skill set necessary to develop a fundamental understanding of the role of criminal justice organizations. Leaders in this industry need to have a firm comprehension of the criminal mind, the corrections process, the role of law enforcement, and the theories behind development of new procedures and programs in the criminal justice field.

What you will learn...

Specifically, a Masters degree program in Criminology will provide you with knowledge in most if not all of the following areas:

Masters in Criminology Concepts

  • Correctional philosophy
  • Law enforcement strategies
  • Victimology
  • Juvenile delinquency
  • Modern theories of crime
  • Origins of law
  • Psychology of criminal behavior
  • Human development
  • Mental health & psychopathology
  • Issues of human diversity
  • Statistics and psychometrics
  • Professional ethics
  • Traditional criminological theories
  • Functions of criminal justice organizations
  • The impact of the application of law on society

Masters in Criminology Justice Programs ...

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Online Schools:

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**Representatives at the University of the Rockies and Kaplan University will provide you with more information about their Masters degree programs in Criminology and about possible future career prospects associated with this degree.

In addition, you should contact schools offering similar programs, such as Forensic Psychology and Public Safety, to make sure you are embarking in the right educational direction for your career ambitions. Below are a list of schools offering such programs online:

Salary Benefits...

As stated in a Bureau of Labor and Statistics Current Population Survey from May of 20081:

  • Across the country, supervisors and managers of Police officers and Detectives earned a median salary of $76,820. The top ten percent of these supervisors and managers in criminal justice organizations earned an average of $114,300.
  • Detectives and Criminal Investigators across the nation had a median salary of $63,840 while the top ten percent earned $97,870.
  • Police and Sheriffs averaged a median salary of $52,810.The top ten percent of earned $79,680.
  • The average salaries of those who hold a Masters degree in 2008 was $1,228/week, while those only holding a Bachelor's degree was $978/week.

Advancement...

Most advancement occuring after one earns a Masters degree in Criminology or in a similar field occurs within the career such as moving into supervising or managerial positions. However, there are many individuals who continue their educational careers by earning a doctoral degree in criminal justice or criminology as well.

These individuals often take on consulting positions or professor positions within Universities. Typically, those who continue their education to the doctoral level will experience higher salaries and more autonomous career options.

Career possibilities for those with a Master's degree in Criminology...

  • Corrections Officer
  • Probation Officer
  • Sheriff
  • Sergeant
  • Lieutenant
  • Community College Instructor
  • Supervisor or Manager of Police Officers and Detectives

Resources:
1 BLS Statistics from 2008