Advance your career in criminal justice while you lead and serve with a flexible degree program designed to accommodate your work schedule.
Locations
- Armstrong Campus (In Person)
Why Earn a Master’s Degree in Criminal Justice at Georgia Southern?
- Exclusively designed for working law enforcement professionals.
- Flexible, hybrid class schedule that fits your life.
- On-site instruction in Savannah only required one week a month.
- Affordable tuition.
- 30 credit hours to complete degree.
The executive track of Georgia Southern’s master’s degree in criminal justice is built for people already working in law enforcement who are ready to advance their careers. Our unique program is flexible, blending online coursework with in-person instruction in a hybrid rotation that fits your busy work schedule. The program is also affordable, making it easy for you to achieve your career goals. You’ll graduate with a deeper understanding of justice administration, crime and the law—and a deeper commitment to public service and leadership.
To be eligible for the EMCJ program, you must hold a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution and be a certified, registered, or exempt peace officer currently employed with a Georgia law enforcement agency recognized by the Georgia P.O.S.T. Council.
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What Can You Do With a Master’s Degree in Criminal Justice?
The master’s degree in criminal justice prepares you for senior leadership roles or advanced studies in the criminal justice industry. For professionals already working in criminal justice, a master’s degree gives you a competitive edge and elevates your command potential. You may lead local police departments or federal agencies, or deepen your expertise as a probation officer, crime analyst or victim advocate. You’ll also be equipped to shape the future of criminal justice by working as an educator, teaching future criminal justice professionals, or as a policy analyst or researcher.
Where our graduates work:
- Police and sheriff departments
- Correctional facilities
- Federal law enforcement agencies
- Government agencies
- Military
- Nonprofits
- School systems
What our graduates do:
- County and local law enforcement officers
- Correctional officers
- Sheriff’s Department personnel
- Georgia Bureau of Investigation Agents
- All University System of Georgia law enforcement agencies
- Federal agents
What You’ll Learn
You’ll refine your critical thinking, analysis and research skills, while studying criminal justice systems, criminal behavior and victimology. Together with your peers, you’ll examine the social inequalities that influence crime and criminal behavior and explore advanced theories in criminal justice and public policy development. In addition to core courses, you’ll select from cybercrime, criminal justice or criminology as an area of emphasis to deepen your expertise. Your studies will conclude by writing a capstone policy paper.
See the CurriculumBuild Your Experience
Build the expertise and connections you need to take your criminal justice career to the next level—and enjoy a comprehensive program of support tailored to your goals.
Accelerate Your Advance
Complete your degree in just two years with an exclusive program designed for the law enforcement community that will prepare you for promotion to higher leadership.
Learn While You Work
Keep working full-time while you study, thanks to our unique program design. Each semester consists of two three-week modules, with only one week requiring on-site attendance at our campus in Savannah.
Affordable Tuition and Amenities
We offer this unique program at our standard tuition rate for graduate courses, along with very affordable rates for on-campus housing and amenities, so you can achieve your career goals.
Take Action
Admission to this program is competitive. At a minimum, for regular admission the applicant must have:
- A Bachelor’s degree from an appropriately accredited, four-year institution in criminal justice/criminology or related field (that adequately prepares students for success in this field. This application requirement will be waived for applicants who successfully complete the Post-Baccalaureate Cyber Certificate.)
- A 3.00 cumulative grade point average or higher on completed requirements for a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution. (This application requirement will be waived for applicants who successfully complete the Post-Baccalaureate Cyber Certificate.)
- Letter of Application detailing: a) academic background and/or professional credentials, b) relevant research and work experience, c) career goals and reasons for enrollment in this program.
- Two letters of recommendation addressing the applicant’s: 1) academic work; 2) professional experience, if any; 3) ability to handle master’s level curriculum, and 4) how the applicant can be expected to contribute to the program. (This application requirement will be waived for applicants who successfully complete the Post-Baccalaureate Cyber Certificate.)
Additional admission requirements for the executive track:
- A letter of recommendation from their current criminal justice employer/supervisor (in lieu of two letters of recommendation).
- Additional Admission Requirements – Executive Track: Be a current POST-certified law enforcement officer in the state of Georgia.
Follow these steps to complete the Georgia Southern application:
- Visit our website for the College of Graduate Studies. Complete the requested information and create a login name and password.
Follow this link and initiate an on-line application. The cost for the application is $50. After completing this on-line form, the application must be supported by transcripts, GRE scores, two letters of recommendation, and a statement of your career goals and research interests. International students should submit scores from the TOEFL exam (Test of English as a Foreign Language), and have transcripts evaluated by World Education Services (WES).
Apply as a Graduate StudentYou’ll have access to a wide range of support, from the Justice Studies Club to graduate student forms and resources.
See Student ResourcesRelated Programs
Take the Next Step
Make a difference as you lead and serve. Discover how Georgia Southern’s flexible Executive Master’s in Criminal Justice Program can fit your full-time schedule.
Contact Us
Department of Criminal Justice and Criminology
Georgia Southern University
P.O. Box: 8105
Statesboro, GA 30460
912-478-8007
Fax: 912-478-4999
cjcrim@georgiasouthern.edu
Executive Master’s in Criminal Justice Program Coordinator
Dr. Adam Bossler
Armstrong Campus
Phone: 912-344-2526
abossler@georgiasouthern.edu