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Criminal Justice, Online, MA

Discover Seattle University’s top-rated online criminal justice degree. Study crime, ethics and leadership. Get started on a master's in criminal justice now.

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About this Program

Advance Your Career and Serve Your Community with an Online Master’s Degree in Criminal Justice

Seattle University’s Online Master’s in Criminal Justice program prepares open-minded professionals to become leaders for change, rebuilding a just, humane and anti-racist criminal justice system.

In this academically rigorous program, you'll analyze crime and its impact through a diverse, socially conscious lens while examining criminology policies and operations. Serve your community, advance your career and study criminology from the best—all online and on your schedule.  

 As one of the premier programs in criminal justice, you'll benefit from:

Transition to Semester Calendar

Begin your graduate program on the quarter system before Summer 2027 and continue your studies as Seattle University transitions to a semester calendar. The university is planning for a smooth transition so you can stay on track toward your degree. Learn more about the Graduate Programs Move to Semesters.

No Application Fee

We are committed to removing barriers to graduate education by waiving the application fee for all applicants.

Online Criminal Justice Degree at a Glance

Learn how this degree from the Department of Criminal Justice, Criminology and Forensics will contribute to your career goals. Then, explore course requirements and see how impactful a Seattle University degree can be.

Enrolling Spring 2027

The Online Master's in Criminal Justice (MACJO): The MACJO curriculum consists of 55 credits: 18 3-credit courses and one 1-credit course. You will take 11 foundation courses (31 credits) and 8 elective courses (24 credits).

Enrolling Fall 2027

The Online Master's in Criminal Justice (MACJO): Complete your degree in just 30 credits. The curriculum includes 16 credits of foundation coursework and 14 credits of electives, giving you the flexibility to tailor your studies to your career goals.

Seattle University graduates in criminal justice (CJ) should be able to:

  • Evaluate and analyze a contemporary CJ issues with advanced knowledge of CJ terminology, major topic areas/issues in criminal justice and criminological theory and ethical issues in crime and justice.
  • Design a research proposal and conduct computer-based statistical analysis at basic (descriptive) level.
  • Understand the interdisciplinary nature of criminal justice and ethical issues in law enforcement, courts and corrections.
  • Articulate key concepts in criminology and criminal justice.
  • Prepare and present a paper orally using multimedia/technology.
  • Master content in upper-level specialization courses.

Study quantitative and qualitative research methods and comprehensive exposure to key areas of criminal justice research. 

The MACJO with Specialization in Criminal Justice Research and Evaluation curriculum consists of foundation courses, elective courses and specialization area courses.

Highlighted Courses:

  • Qualitative Research Methods in Criminology and Criminal Justice
  • Analytic Methods for Crime Analysis

Enhance your knowledge of the application of criminological theory to investigative practice and to develop investigative skills and expertise. 

The MACJO with Specialization in Criminal Justice Research and Evaluation curriculum consists of foundation courses, elective courses and specialization area courses.

Highlighted Courses:

  • Criminal Behavior, Profiling, and Crime Analysis
  • Theories and Techniques of Crime Scene Investigation

Prepare to lead meaningful change by addressing today's most critical criminal justice challenges, from victim advocacy and human trafficking to restorative justice, equity, and policy reform.

The MACJO with Specialization in Criminal Justice Research and Evaluation curriculum consists of foundation courses, elective courses and specialization area courses.

Highlighted Courses:

  • Victims of Crime: Reasons, Responses, and Realities
  • Restorative & Community Justice

Below is a sample schedule: 

Semester 1 (9 credits)

CRJS 5010: CJ Theory (3 credits)

CRJS 5020: Advanced Criminological Theories (3 credits)

CRJS 5060: Advanced Research Methods (3 credits)

Semester 2 (9 credits)

CRJS 5100: Criminal Justice Administration: Theory and Research (3 credits)

CRJS 5070: Advanced Statistics (3 credits)

Elective/Specialization (3 credits) 

Semester 3 (10 credits)

Elective/Specialization (3 credits) 

Elective/Specialization (3 credits) 

Elective/Specialization (3 credits) 

CRJS 5900: CJ Capstone Seminar (1 credit)

Semester 4 (6 credits)

Elective/Specialization (3 credits) 

Elective/Specialization (3 credits) 

Semester 5 (6 credits)

Elective/Specialization (3 credits) 

Elective/Specialization (3 credits) 

Elective Courses:

  • CRJS 5110: Criminal Justice Legislation and Policy (3 credits)
  • CRJS 5120: Qualitative Research Methods in Criminology and Criminal Justice (3 credits)
  • CRJS 5150: Criminal Behavior, Profiling, and Crime Analysis (3 credits)
  • CRJS 5160: Theories and Techniques of Crime Scene Investigation (3 credits)
  • CRJS 5180 Victims of Crime: Reasons, Responses, and Realities (3 credits)
  • CRJS 5200: Restorative/Community Justice (3 credits)
  • CRJS 5210:  The Ethics of Social Control (3 credits)
  • CRJS 5230: Punishment and Social Theory (3 credits)
  • CRJS 5260:  Terrorism Extremist Violence Hate Crime (3 credits)
  • CRJS 5240: Analytic Methods for Crime Analysis (3 credits)
  • CRJS 5530: US Marshals Practicum (1 credit)
  • CRJS 5540: DEA Practicum (1 credit)
  • CRJS 5550- The Psychopath (3 credits)
  • CRJS 5551: Trafficking & Transnational Organized Crime (3 credits)
  • CRJS 5550: ATF Practicum (1 credit)
  • CRJS 5560: Forensics Practicum (1 credit)
  • CRJS 5570: Trial Skills Practicum (1 credit)
  • CRJS 5580: FBI Practicum (1 credit)
  • CRJS 5600: Forensic Anthropology (3 credits)
  • CRJS 5650 : Medicolegal Death Investigation (3 credits)
  • CRJS 5700: Restorative Justice: Behind Bars (3 credits)
  • CRJS 5910: Special Topics (1 to 5 credits)
  • CRJS 5950: Internship (1 to 3 credits)
  • CRJS 5960: Independent Study (1 to 3 credits)
  • CRJS 5970: Teaching Assistantship (1 to 3 credits)
  • CRJS 5980: Research Assistantship (1 to 3 credits)
  • CRJS 5810: Murder Movies and Copycat Crimes (3 credits)
  • CRJS 5990: Thesis 1 to (3 credits)
  • PUBM 5310: Public Budgeting (3 credits)
  • PUBM 5720: Administrative Law (3 credits)

Please note: This is a sample schedule. Courses timing and codes are subject to change during the transition to the semester system. Course content will remain unchanged.

What You’ll Learn

Explore our 2026–27 courses to see what you may study as part of your degree. Course offerings will evolve as we transition to a semester calendar. 

Course Catalog

Preparing for Leadership in Criminal Justice

The criminal justice field is evolving as agencies respond to complex social challenges, data-driven policing and community accountability. Today’s professionals need strong analytical, ethical and leadership skills.

With Seattle University’s online Master of Arts in Criminal Justice, you’ll build expertise in policy, research and justice reform while continuing to work in the field. The program prepares graduates for leadership roles in law enforcement, corrections, federal agencies, nonprofit organizations and policy-focused careers across the justice system.

Powered by Lightcast Data , this information draws on millions of job postings, career profiles and other data collected each day to deliver near–real-time insights into workforce trends. Occupations listed are generic outcomes associated with the field, and salary figures reflect median earnings for the career listed, not necessarily those of individuals who have recently graduated.

Upcoming Info Session

Additional Events

Hear From Our Faculty and Students

Hear from our faculty and students as they share their passion for criminal justice, what makes our program unique and the diverse career paths this degree opens up.

Hear From Our Alumni

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Jessica Chandler, '17 MA

"The program provided advanced knowledge into the criminal justice system which prepared me for a career in policing. The program also provided valuable networking resources and partnerships with local agencies. This provided the opportunity to intern with the Seattle Police which led to my decision to work in law enforcement. To this day, I still maintain contact with mentors I’ve met through the program."

Criminal Justice
Seattle Police Department

Jennifer Satterwhite Professional Headshot
Jennifer Satterwhite, MACJ '16, Crime Prevention Coordinator, Seattle Police Department

Popular Careers and Career Paths

The criminal justice field offers many career opportunities. Our graduates are working in law enforcement, private security, community and institutional corrections, court services, victim services, social services, academia and/or investigation in a range of public and private agencies.

They have rewarding careers as data analysts, law enforcement officers, forensic scientists, victim advocates, criminal investigators, researchers, policymakers, advocates and teachers in community colleges and universities.

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Crime and Justice Research Center

We recognize that crime and its prevention, response and reparation are community concerns. We address those through the integration of perspectives, strategies and approaches based on evidence-based practices and collaborative engagement.

Learn More
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Internships for Career Preparation

While internships are not required for academic credit, there are a wide range of internship and employment opportunities in criminal justice at the local and national level. Students have had internships and volunteer experiences in city, county, state and federal agencies.

Explore Now

The Crime and Justice Research Center Advisory Committee

Deep Connections in Seattle and Beyond

Our Criminal Justice Advisory Committee, with more than 100 members, includes key professionals from more than 50 agencies in local, state, federal and private criminal justice agencies, including the FBI, DEA, ACLU, Microsoft Global Securities Risk Operations, Seattle Police Department, WA State Department of Corrections, the Public Defender Association and many more.

Meet the Advisory Committee

Members make important contributions through assisting with program development, internships and collaborative research and service initiatives, preparing for employment trends, and determining the best ways to serve our students’ needs.

Learn More

Student Accomplishments

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Kabrianna Tamura, '19 MA

Congratulations to Kabrianna Tamura for receiving the first ever New York Neuropsychology Group and CUNY’s Language Justice Symposium, “Language Justice Equity Award. Of all CUNY (25 campuses) only three student abstracts were accepted to present at the symposium (hers titled: Preventing a “Deaf Penalty” in Neuropsychology: A Step Towards Linguistic Equity), and Kabrianna was then selected as the award recipient.

Criminal Justice

Featured Faculty

All Faculty & Staff

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Get in Touch

If you have any questions about the program or application, we’re here to help.

Valerie Zerda

Admissions Counselor

Valerie Zerda