MASTER OF ARTS IN CRIMINAL JUSTICE AT MEREDITH COLLEGE
ADVANCE YOUR CAREER. GO STRONG.
You can connect with a graduate admissions counselor in a variety of ways—choose the one that’s most convenient for you. We look forward to hearing from you!
Bianca Harris
bnharris@meredith.edu
(919) 760-8082
Our Online Master of Arts in Criminal Justice
The field of criminal justice is changing. Technological advancements coupled with world events have created an ever-increasing need for criminal justice professionals who have insight into the sociological, legal, theoretical, and practical arenas of law enforcement.
Professionals also need greater knowledge of forensic psychology, particularly as it relates to issues around trauma, substance use disorder, threat assessment, mental illness, and victimology. Managers, administrators, and police chiefs are expected to both understand the criminal justice system and have the skills to deal with people in a humane manner. Our M.A. in Criminal Justice faculty take a social justice and women-focused approach to help you develop these skills.
At Meredith, you’ll benefit from our strong reputation in criminology and sociology, our connections with professionals on every level, and our deep commitment to improving the lives of others. Our fully online criminal justice program will allow you to continue working full-time while earning your degree.
In addition, Meredith’s program is an effective nontraditional pathway to corrections and criminal justice jobs. From teachers to social workers to counselors, there is a growing need for professionals with varying backgrounds and experiences. Meredith can help you make the transition to this exciting and growing field.

Master of Arts in Criminal Justice Programs
Advance your career through this online program that prepares you for criminal justice administrative and leadership positions. This is a 36-hour master’s degree.
Managers and supervisors in criminal justice professions are increasingly expected to have a greater understanding of forensic psychology research, theories, and practical uses.
The behavioral forensics track requires nine additional hours or three classes to the 36 required for the M.A. in Criminal Justice.
Why Get Your Master of Arts in Criminal Justice From Meredith?


- Learn in classes taught by experienced practitioners and receive individualized career guidance from our connected faculty.
- As an online criminal justice programs in North Carolina, Meredith offers the flexibility to pursue the program at the pace that works best for you.
- Every student participates in a 2-3 hour on-campus orientation that includes technology training, tips for studying at the graduate level, and more to ensure your success.
- Have the option to concentrate in behavioral forensics, an increasingly expected area of knowledge for criminal justice professionals.
- Get a high-quality education at a moderate price.
- Tuition is $610 per credit hour.
- Hone the writing skills you need to write reports and court documents, keep accurate field notes, and more.
- Network with a robust community of criminal justice professionals.
- Prepare to manage critical emerging issues in criminal justice, including gender, substance abuse, addictions, mental illness, juvenile delinquency, re-entry, domestic violence, and trauma.
- Our program includes a social justice and women-focused approach to prepare you to deal with these issues appropriately and effectively.
- Courses include
- Criminological Theory
- Data Analysis in Criminal Justice
- Gender and Criminal Justice
- Research Methods in Criminal Justice
- Trauma and Criminal Behavior
- How long does it take to get a master’s degree in criminal justice?
- It takes 18 months to 2 years to complete Meredith’s M.A. in criminal justice.
- The M.A. in Criminal Justice is a 36-credit hour program.
- The M.A. in Criminal Justice with a Behavioral Forensics Concentration is a 45-hour program.
- An M.A. in Criminal Justice is appropriate for those with an undergraduate degree in the following areas and who want to earn a master’s degree:
- Criminal Justice
- Criminology
- Sociology
- Psychology
- Political Science
- Communication
- Earn your undergraduate degree and your M.A. in five years through Meredith’s 3+2 accelerated M.A. in criminal justice program.
What Can You Do With a Master of Arts in Criminal Justice?
Criminal justice administration is a growing and evolving field with a positive employment outlook. For example, police and detective jobs are expected to grow by 7% by 2026, while federal probation officer jobs are predicted to grow by 20% in the same timeframe.
- Jobs with an M.A. in Criminal Justice degree include management-level positions in police administration, security management, correctional administration, government management, management of juvenile corrections, and border patrol supervision.
- Almost all criminal justice professionals in law enforcement, courts, corrections, and private security use research and skills based on forensic psychology, and these skills are increasingly becoming mandatory for advancement in the field.
- Criminal justice supervisors, managers, administrators, and subject matter experts need a better understanding of forensic psychology for practical use in investigations, arrest and detention, court proceedings, incarceration, and re-entry into society after incarceration.
- Individuals with a master’s in criminal justice make on average $45,000 – $59,000 per year. Depending on the career path, individuals can earn a salary of $100,000 or more.
- Analyst, UBS Investment Bank
- Chief Probation Parole Officer, N.C. Department of Adult Correction
- Field Specialist, N.C. Department of Adult Correction
- Police Officer Trainee, Raleigh Police Department
- Police Sergeant, Henderson Police Department
- Travel & Tourism Supervisor, N.C. Department of Commerce

Videos About Meredith’s Master of Arts in Criminal Justice
“I chose to earn my M.A. in Criminal Justice because it would allow me to move into a career where I am helping my community’s most vulnerable people.”

M.A. in Criminal Justice News

Managers and supervisors in criminal justice professions are increasingly expected to have a greater understanding of forensic psychology research, theories, and practical uses. To support this need, Meredith College has added a concentration in behavioral forensics to its Master of Arts in Criminal Justice program.

Two members of Meredith’s criminal justice faculty were elected to North Carolina Criminal Justice Association roles.

M.A. Program Director Bianca Harris released a list of all reentry resources in the state of North Carolina by county.
Contact Information
Bianca Harris
Lux 224
(919) 760-8082
bnharris@meredith.edu