Criminal Justice Degree Online: You Have Questions?
We Have Answers.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
- What if I have more questions after reading through the website?
- Why do I need a master's degree in criminal justice?
- What should I look for in a distance learning program?
- Why is regional accreditation important?
- How are the courses delivered?
- I am not computer savvy. Can I do this?
- What are the computer requirements for participation in this program?
- Do I need to travel to Ohio to complete the online MCJ program?
- How long does this master’s program take?
- How many credits and courses do I take each quarter?
- Are there any prerequisites that I need to take?
- I’ve already taken some graduate courses. Can those courses be transferred in?
- How much time will I need to devote to this program?
- I have a very busy work and family life and cannot attend classes each week. Will this program work for me?
- How much does this program cost?
- Will the diploma I earn upon graduation say “online” anywhere on it?
- How do I get started?
What if I have more questions after reading through the website?
An Enrollment Advisor is available to answer all your questions. To have your Online MCJ Enrollment Advisor contact you, click on Request Info and complete the Contact Info form or call 1-800-645-5078.
Why do I need a master’s degree in criminal justice?
Graduate education opens the door to all types of career opportunities. These include administrative and leadership roles that can result in a substantially higher income and increased job satisfaction. The online MCJ degree is specifically designed for working professionals and is granted by a leading university with a reputation for high standards, rather than a generic degree often offered in non-traditional programs.
What should I look for in a distance learning program?
We recommend you search for a program that has extensive distance learning experience, regional accreditation, low student attrition, a dedicated and highly respected full-time faculty, high student satisfaction, and minimal or no travel required. Unlike correspondence courses, UC's prestigious distance learning programs are not self-paced or independent study. Instead, they combine the benefits of a traditional instructor-led education with the convenience and interactivity of online technologies.
Why is regional accreditation important?
Regional accreditation is an important consideration because it is the primary type of institutional accreditation used by major colleges and universities in the United States. Some institutions with online programs hold a different type of accreditation or no accreditation at all, because they are unwilling or unable to meet the rigorous standards of regional accreditation. Additionally, most educational institutions holding regional accreditation do not recognize credits or degrees earned at institutions that are not regionally accredited. Keep this in mind if you plan to transfer from one college or university to another part-way through a degree program, or if you plan to pursue additional degrees at different colleges or universities. Finally, many employers only recognize regionally accredited coursework and degrees as legitimate credentials toward qualifying for job opportunities, advancement, and pay increases.
How are the courses delivered?
Courses use a combination of manuals, textbooks, research articles, the Internet, and workplace applications. All materials will come to you via the Internet or mailed directly to your home or office.
I am not computer savvy. Can I do this?
Yes. In addition to guidance from your Program Manager throughout the program, technical support is available online or by telephone.
What are the computer requirements for participation in this program?
To participate in the online Master’s in Criminal Justice program you will need an up-to-date computer system. Click here for all of this program’s current computer requirements.
Do I need to travel to Ohio to complete the online MCJ program?
No. The University of Cincinnati has designed the program to be delivered 100% online, anywhere in the country or world. The program uses distance learning Internet technologies and professional facilitators to eliminate travel requirements without sacrificing the tremendous value of peer and faculty interactions. However, upon completion of the online MCJ, you are welcome (but not required) to participate in graduation ceremonies with your peers on campus.
How long does this master’s program take?
The online MCJ program includes 48 quarter-credit hours of coursework and can be completed in as little as two years of part-time study or one year of full-time study.
How many credits and courses do I take each quarter?
You will enroll in two 3-credit hour courses each quarter term for a total of 6 credits.
Most students opt for the two-year program for working professionals. They complete two 3-credit courses each term, taken back-to-back to enable them to focus on one course at a time. Students in the full-time, one-year, program complete four courses each term, two at a time.
Are there any prerequisite courses that I need to take?
No. Students meeting the admission requirements can join the program without taking prerequisites, and can begin in any term: Fall, Winter, Spring, or Summer.
I’ve already taken some graduate courses. Can those courses be transferred in?
Students may transfer up to 12 hours of graduate credit in criminal justice or criminology courses from a regionally accredited college or university. These credits must have been earned within the last 5 years prior to entrance into the program and can be used only for Special Topics Courses. Talk to an Enrollment Advisor to discuss the petition process or click the Transfer Credits page for more details.
How much time will I need to devote to this program?
Study time is up to each individual, but most part-time students require 12-15 hours per week. Students in the one-year program usually require 24-30 hours per week. The UC distance learning structure is designed to let students study on their own schedule -- while ensuring that they stay on the right track with the support of their peer group and facilitator.
Yes. You can complete your studies in the comfort of your home or workplace, with no site visits ever needed. In addition, you have access to your courses 24 hours a day, letting you schedule your coursework around your other commitments.
How much does this program cost?
The University of Cincinnati’s comprehensive online MCJ program offers the same quality education as its campus-based program at a highly competitive, affordable fee. After a one-time application fee of $40, the courses are $404* per credit hour for Ohio residents and $414* for Non-Ohio residents. See the Tuition & Financial Aid page for more details or click here for information on some of the various financial aid options available.
*Tuition rates are based on the current Tuition schedule. Tuition and fees are subject to change.
Will the diploma I earn upon graduation say “online” anywhere on it?
Students who graduate from UC’s online Master’s in Criminal Justice program receive the same prestigious degree and the exact same diploma as students attending on our campus. In fact, you should plan to attend graduation ceremonies to celebrate your outstanding accomplishment with your fellow graduates.
If you’re ready to take the first step towards advancing your career in the field of criminal justice, click on the Apply Online button at the top of the page and follow the Application Instructions. You can also contact a UC Enrollment Advisor at 1-800-645-5078 for answers to any of your application questions.