• Course Delivery
    100% Online
  • Total Credits
    33
  • In-State Tuition Per Credit
    $320.00
  • Out of State Tuition Per Credit
    $450.00

Criminal Justice and Public Safety, MS

Master of Science

What you study

The IU Online MS in Criminal Justice and Public Safety focuses on the intersection of these two exciting fields. The program will appeal to individuals interested in the fields of policing, homeland security, and emergency management. Complete coursework in a variety of special topics, including crime mapping, geographic information systems, and cybersecurity, among others. The flexible online program also meets the needs of individuals currently working in criminal justice and security careers.

How you benefit

As a student in the program, you: 

  • Examine criminal justice and public safety system actors, agencies, and processes.
  • Explore the underlying operations of police, emergency management, courts, and corrections agencies.
  • Identify the major policy issues in criminal justice and public safety systems.
  • Learn to communicate effectively with individuals working in the complex and diverse criminal justice or public safety sectors.
  • Explore the philosophical underpinnings and development of law, and critically evaluate how criminal justice and public safety policies balance individual rights and public order.
  • Analyze criminal justice and public safety policies using a variety of tools, including quantitative research methods and statistical techniques, to improve criminal justice and public safety agencies.
  • Identify and critically analyze current criminal justice and public safety policies using available research and empirical evidence to discuss the strengths and limitations of various approaches.

Tailor your degree to your professional interests by choosing one of two concentrations:

  • Public safety
  • Criminal justice

This 100 percent online, consortial program is taught by IUPUI, IU East, IU Kokomo, IU Northwest, and IU Southeast. 

Download a printable PDF summary of the MS in Criminal Justice and Public Safety.

Tailor your degree to your professional interests by choosing one of two concentrations:

  • Public safety
  • Criminal justice

Public Safety Concentration

Assess public safety risks using various analysis tools and develop plans to prepare, manage, and mitigate natural and human-made crises.

Criminal Justice Concentration 

Analyze the nature and extent of crime, critically evaluate major theories of crime, and assess the effectiveness of criminal justice systems, non-criminal justice programs, and other policies and practices that respond to crime.

Your IU Online MS in Criminal Justice and Public Safety prepares you for such careers as: 

  • Correctional officer supervisor
  • Police and detective supervisor
  • Criminal investigator
  • Emergency management director
  • Security manager
  • Public safety officer

To graduate with the MS in Criminal Justice and Public Safety, you must complete 33 credit hours.

Requirements are broken down as follows:

  • Core courses (15 credit hours)
  • Concentration courses (18 credit hours)

To be accepted to this program, you must have:
  1. A bachelor's degree
  2. 2.7 GPA or above on a 4.0 scale

NOTE: This program is authorized, exempt, or not subject to state regulatory compliance and may enroll students from all 50 states

To apply to this program, complete an online application that includes:
  • Official transcripts
  • GRE scores 
  • 250-word personal statement explaining background and goals for entering the program
  • TOEFL scores (international students only)
  • Supplementary materials such as letters of recommendation, writing samples, and related materials may also be submitted but are not required
Application Dates

Fall semester: Aug 1

Spring semester: Jan 1

Summer 1 semester: May 1

Summer 2 semester: Jun 15

CJUS-P 501 -or SPEA-J 582

Proseminar: Criminal Justice I -or- Criminal Justice Systems

3 Credits

CJUS-P 619 -or- SPEA-J 666

Crime and Public Policy -or- Criminal Justice Policy and Evaluation

3 Credits

SPEA-J 502 -or- CJUS-P 594

Research Methods in Criminal Justice and Public Safety -or- Introduction to Research Methods

3 Credits

SPEA-V 506 -or-CJUS-P 595

Statistical Analysis for Effective Decision Making -or- Data Analysis in Criminal Justice

3 Credits

Criminal Justice Concentration:

SPEA-J 501 -or- CJUS-P 502.

Public Safety Concentration:

SPEA-J 528

Evolution of Criminological Thought and Policy I -or- Proseminar: Criminal Justice II

 

Risk Analysis for Public Safety

SPEA-J 586*

Public Safety in the U.S.

3 Credits

*Overview of criminal justice and public safety. Definitions of public safety and identification of major components. Functional description of major public safety agencies. Discussion of basic issues in public safety. Management in public safety system. 

Find course descriptions with our Search Schedule of Classes/Courses tool.

CJUS-P 512Corrections3 Credits
CJUS-P 515Police in Society3 Credits
CJUS-P 517Juvenile Justice3 Credits
CJUS-P 519Probation and Parole3 Credits
CJUS-P 602Courts and Criminal Justice3 Credits
CJUS-P 623Violent Behavior3 Credits
CJUS-P 627White-Collar Crime3 Credits
CJUS-P 629Victimization3 Credits
CJUS-P 634Sentencing Theory and Practice3 Credits
CJUS-P 671Comparative Criminal Justice Systems3 Credits
CJUS-P 680Seminar: Issues in Criminal Justice and Public Safety3 Credits
CJUS-P 680Seminar: Issues in Criminal Justice and Public Safety3 Credits
CJUS-P 682Seminar on Law Enforcement and Minorities3 Credits
SPEA-J 520Mapping and Analysis3 Credits
SPEA-J 520Mapping and Analysis for Public Safety3 Credits
SPEA-J 524Crisis Management for Public Safety3 Credits
SPEA-J 531National and Homeland Security in America3 Credits
SPEA-J 550Topics in Criminal Justice and Public Safety1-3 Credits
SPEA-J 581Public Safety Law3 Credits
SPEA-J 587Criminal Violation: Problems and Characteristics3 Credits
SPEA-J 588Law and Control in Society3 Credits
SPEA-J 682Planning and Management3 Credits
SPEA-V 560Public Budgeting and Finance3 Credits
SPEA-V 561Public Human Resources Management3 Credits

Tuition & Fees

Cost for Indiana Residents
  • Per Credit Hour
  • Tuition: $320.00
  • 3 Credit Hours
  • Tuition: $960.00
Note: 

Additional fees will apply.


-Rate is determined by program of enrollment. 

Cost for Out of State Residents
  • Per Credit Hour
  • Tuition: $450.00
  • 3 Credit Hours
  • Tuition: $1350.00
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