Why Earn a Master of Science in Criminal Justice Online at Etown SGPS?
The Master of Science in Criminal Justice at Elizabethtown College is designed for professionals seeking advanced knowledge, ethical leadership, and the practical skills to navigate today's complex and evolving justice system. Grounded in the College's motto of Educate for Service, the program emphasizes applied learning, critical thinking, and ethical decision-making across law enforcement, courts, corrections, victim services, policy, and justice reform. Whether you are pursuing promotion, a specialized role, or continued graduate study, this fully online program delivers the preparation you need.
Program Outcomes:
- Demonstrate advanced knowledge of criminal justice systems and contemporary issues.
- Apply ethical principles and leadership skills in professional practice.
- Conduct and interpret criminal justice research to support evidence-based decision-making.
- Analyze policies and programs for effectiveness, equity, and impact.
- Communicate effectively and apply problem-solving skills in real-world settings.
Online
Program Format
What Career Opportunities Could I Have With a Master of Science in Criminal Justice?
Graduates may pursue advanced career opportunities across policing, courts, corrections, victim services, criminal justice policy, and related justice fields. Central Pennsylvania's large and expanding criminal justice and public service workforce — including law enforcement agencies, corrections, victim advocacy organizations, and county and state government — continues to seek professionals with advanced credentials and leadership preparation.
Understand Tuition Costs and Explore Scholarship Opportunities
SGPS Holiday Discount
Apply by Dec. 31 to receive 20% off your first Etown SGPS spring course beginning Jan. 12, 2026!
Apply Today
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SGPS Holiday Discount
Apply by Dec. 31 to receive 20% off your first Etown SGPS spring course beginning Jan. 12, 2026!
Apply TodayX
The M.S. in Criminal Justice is priced at $695 per credit. Scholarships and financial aid are available to make your Etown SGPS education even more affordable. Below are just a few of the scholarships and programs available to students:
- Alumni Scholarship: 15% tuition discount, available to Elizabethtown College alumni.
- Affinity Partner Scholarship: 15% discount, offered to employees of organizations partnered with Etown SGPS.
- Jay Fellowship Referral Program: This is a referral program that benefits both current students/alumni and prospective students. When a student or alum refers a new student, both the referrer and the referred student receive a complimentary credit for their program of interest.
- Additional Scholarships for Adult Learners: Discover scholarship opportunities designed to support adult learners in achieving their academic goals. View more information on Scholarships for Adult Learners.
Tuition and fees are reviewed and subject to change annually.
Tuition & AidOnline Master of Science in Criminal Justice Requirements and Concentrations
The M.S. in Criminal Justice degree from Elizabethtown College requires 30 credit hours of academic work consisting of ten (10) courses, each worth three (3) credits. Degree candidates must take at least 21 of their credits from Elizabethtown College. The M.S. in Criminal Justice offers two tracks to completion, a full-time one-year program and an accelerated part-time option taking 2+ years.
The Master of Science in Criminal Justice offers two timelines for completion:
- The full-time, one-year track enables qualified candidates the opportunity to complete the program in one year by taking two courses per 8-week sub-term.
- The accelerated part-time track allows busy candidates the flexibility they need to manage a work, life, and graduate school balance. Candidates in this track usually complete the program in two years but have the flexibility to extend that timeframe and step in and out of the program as life requires.
Choose One of Four Concentrations:
The Restorative Justice Concentration explores contemporary approaches to justice that prioritize accountability, healing, and community restoration. Through these courses, students will examine restorative and transformative justice, victimology, juvenile justice reform, and cognitive-behavioral interventions. Within this context, students will analyze how justice systems can effectively respond to crime by supporting victims, offenders, and communities affected by harm. Students will explore the social and psychological dimensions of crime while applying evidence-based strategies to design and implement restorative practices across criminal justice, community, and advocacy settings.
Explore the standalone Graduate Certificate in Restorative Justice.
The Cybercrime and Digital Intelligence Concentration examines the intersection of technology, crime, and security within contemporary criminal justice systems. This program prepares professionals to analyze and respond to technology-enabled crime and emerging digital threats. Emphasis is placed on investigative techniques, legal and policy frameworks, and data-informed approaches to crime analysis and prevention. Students develop the knowledge and analytical skills needed to address cybercrime, support digital investigations, and contribute to cybersecurity and homeland security efforts across public and private sector environments.
Explore the standalone Graduate Certificate in Cybercrime and Digital Intelligence.
The Strategic Criminal Justice Leadership Concentration prepares professionals to lead organizational and policy initiatives within complex criminal justice environments. Students develop competencies in strategic planning, resource management, and organizational change to effectively guide agencies and initiatives. This graduate certificate emphasizes ethical leadership, evidence-informed decision-making, and collaborative leadership across partnerships. Graduates gain the skills to design and implement effective strategies that enhance organizational performance and public outcomes.
Explore the standalone Graduate Certificate in Strategic Criminal Justice Leadership.
Build a well-rounded understanding of the criminal justice field by selecting courses across the program’s concentration areas. This flexible option allows students to explore topics in restorative justice, cybercrime and digital intelligence, and strategic criminal justice leadership while tailoring their studies to their professional interests and career goals.
Application Requirements & Process
To enter our Master of Science in Criminal Justice you will need to:
- Possess a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college or university (preference is given to candidates with a background in criminal justice, psychology, political science, social work, sociology, or related fields).
- Have an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher (waivers possible based on work experience and other factors).
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Complete the graduate application via GradCAS which includes the submission of a $38 nonrefundable application fee.
- You will need to request your official transcript from the undergraduate institution that conferred your bachelor's degree and upload your current resume.
- Additionally, prepare a 2–3 page statement of purpose outlining your career or educational goals and how this degree will support your professional development.
- The application process will require two (2) letters of recommendation that can speak to your professional and academic capabilities. Further instructions will be provided within the application process of GradCAS.
- After submitting your application, the SGPS Team will review it and make an admissions decision.
- If accepted, you will receive an initial offer letter via the applicant portal, which you must accept to proceed with matriculation.
- If the admissions staff have any questions about your application, they will contact you. If you're unsure about anything, you can reach out or meet with our admissions staff for guidance.
