Criminal Justice (Master's)

Keiser University’s Master of Arts degree in Criminal Justice provides an intensive study of theory and practice in the field of criminal justice. The program fosters independent learning and enables students to contribute intellectually to the corrections, law enforcement and administration of justice professions. Students learn to manage components of the criminal justice system through course work in areas such as correctional systems, law enforcement, court systems, criminal justice and criminology theory, juvenile justice, gender, race, and crime, professionalism and ethics, criminal justice research, and management and leadership in criminal justice.

Graduates demonstrate a conceptual understanding of advanced criminal justice systems and critically analyze and solve problems based on applied research methods.

Program Goals

• Cultivate well-rounded professionals equipped with the theoretical knowledge and practical skills to address contemporary challenges, promote justice, and enhance public safety within their communities.
• Develop effective leaders who possess the skills to manage and communicate in a professional and ethical manner across criminal justice and community service settings in the public and private sector.

Program Objectives

Keiser University’s MACJ program enables students to contribute to the criminal justice profession and fosters independent learning. Upon completion of this program, students are able to:

• Evaluate an agency’s ability to meet the safety needs of a community including corrections, law enforcement and administration of justice
• Evaluate, research and critically analyze gaps or deficiencies in criminal justice services
• Effectively and ethically lead and manage criminal justice, community services, and human/social services professionals in both public and private sectors
• Evaluate contemporary criminal justice systems and their policies and practices
• Evaluate the psychological basis, nature and causes of crime: typologies and offenders
• Demonstrate professional communication skills in writing through organizing, thinking critically, and communicating ideas and information in documents and presentations.

Applicants desiring to enter Keiser University must submit an application to the Admissions Office well in advance of the start date. This permits proper scheduling and ensures availability of classroom space. Applications for Winter, Spring, Summer, or Fall semesters should be made as early as possible, as these entry dates are normally the time of greatest enrollment.

Keiser University may accept transfer credits from a college or university recognized by the by the U.S. Department of Education (USDE). Coursework must be equivalent in content, level, and credit hours to the corresponding Keiser University course/s. Qualified, accepted master’s degree seeking students may transfer a maximum of 12 graduate level credits, but no more than two-thirds of the total credit hours (whichever is less), required for the program unless otherwise specified by a programmatic accreditor.

Acceptable courses will be equivalent to a B grade or higher unless otherwise specified by programmatic requirements.

Keiser University requires that, at a minimum, a student complete at least one third of the credit hours required for any graduate or post-baccalaureate professional degree through instruction offered by Keiser University.

Courses in the MACJ program are eight weeks in length.

Keiser University publishes this program as 33.0 graduate semester credit hours, approximately 22 months in length (this will vary if a student transfers in credits).

Keiser University’s Graduate School Academic Calendar runs three semesters a year, beginning in January, May and August, and each semester is made up of two eight-week terms — six start dates a year.

Keiser University charges tuition and education fees per semester, based on scheduled credit hours. Each semester is 16 weeks. The rates below are the university’s published Tuition and Fee Disclosure for the Graduate School, effective Fall Semester 2026, and are subject to annual review.

This program is charged at the rate for Master’s degree and graduate-level certificate programs.

An education fee of $750.00 per semester is charged for all graduate-level programs. One-time charges on enrolment are an application fee of $55.00 and a registration fee of $145.00.

Keiser University’s graduate criminal justice programs cater to experienced professionals ready to advance their careers through master’s or doctoral study. With flexible online learning, our program aligns with your leadership goals and strategic decision-making objectives. Whether you aim to move into executive roles, influence criminal justice reform, or contribute to academic research in the criminal justice field, Keiser provides the advanced education and practical insight needed to make a lasting impact as a criminal justice professional.