Criminal Justice Masters Programs Online

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Online Masters Programs in Criminal Justice [geo-in-name] No GRE Required

What is a No GRE REquired Online Masters Program in Criminal Justice?

Online masters in criminal justice no GRE required are designed to help working professionals achieve enhancements in their career without re-entering the traditional classroom setting and without worrying about the stress of preparing for and taking the GRE.

List of 10 Online Masters in Criminal Justice No GRE

The master’s degree in criminal justice can help you get into a concentration or into leadership roles in your field. See the list of sponsored partner schools below for online criminal justice programs that admit students with no GRE scores required.

#1: Boston University

Boston University offers award-winning online learning programs that connect students to world-class faculty. With BU’s innovative approach, course faculty are supported by an Instructional Designer who helps design the course, build the instructional materials and website, and serves as project manager.

About the Online Criminal Justice Masters at Boston University

In the online master’s in criminal justice program at BU, students:

  • Analyze criminal behavior and theories of social control
  • Apply principles of leadership in organizational settings
  • Gain an informed perspective of law enforcement, the judicial system, and corrections

Online MCJ students can learn from faculty with extensive field experience and network with a global community of criminal justice professionals. The online MCJ degree at Boston University does not require GRE scores for admission.

Available Online Criminal Justice Concentrations

  • Cybercrime Investigation & Cybersecurity
  • Strategic Management

#2: Arizona State University

Arizona State University is a public research university founded almost 30 years before Arizona was granted statehood. The School of Criminology & Criminal Justice is a nationally recognized leader in higher education, known for world-class faculty engaged in cutting edge research.

About the Online Criminal Justice Masters at Arizona State University

The online master of arts program in criminal justice at Arizona State University is taught by prestigious criminal justice professionals with expertise in policing, gangs, fraud, corrections and courts.

Students of the graduate program may be trained in research methods and statistics, program planning and management, policy analysis, and program evaluation. There is no GRE required for admission to the online MA in criminal justice.

#3: Bethel University

Bethel University is a private, Christian institution with campuses across Tennessee. Bethel’s program in criminal justice is one of only 14 schools in the nation endorsed by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

About the Online Criminal Justice Masters at Bethel University

The online master’s in criminal justice offered at Bethel University is a flexible program designed for busy law enforcement professionals.

Students will explore the laws, practices, technologies and skills relevant to today’s leaders in the field, while sharing best practices with a cohort of other criminal justice professionals. No GRE is required for this online graduate program.

#4: Sam Houston State University

Sam Houston State University is a doctoral research university in Texas where historically, over 50% of students are “first-generation.” SHSU Online utilizes a wide variety of instructional media, small class sizes and around-the-clock support to provide quality and convenient distance education to students from around the world.

About the Online Criminal Justice Masters at Sam Houston State University

The online master’s in criminal justice program at Sam Houston aims to prepare students for a variety of criminal justice careers such as law enforcement, corrections, securities and social services.

Students have the opportunity to benefit from strong faculty relationships with local, state, and national criminal justice agencies. Geared toward working professionals, the degree program can be completed online in two years. No GRE scores are required for admission to SHSU, unless the candidate’s GPA is lower than 3.0.

Available Online Criminal Justice Concentrations

Some of the concentrations for the online criminal justice master’s degree includes:

#5: Saint Joseph’s University

Saint Joseph’s University is a Jesuit university located on the edge of metropolitan Philadelphia that offers students a liberal arts curriculum in addition to advanced study in their chosen field.

The university’s user-friendly online platform allows students to immerse themselves within the digital environment from any device, anywhere.

About the Online Criminal Justice Masters at Saint Joseph’s University

The online master of science in criminal justice (MSCJ) program from Saint Joseph’s University is designed to create scholar/practitioners—working criminology professionals who understand the latest research trends and strategies in the field.

Curriculum examines the criminal justice system from the perspective of industry leaders, learn about the causes of crime and the importance of justice for all, and hone writing and communication skills integral to effective leadership.

Graduates can apply what they learn in the online MSCJ in a wide variety of careers, from social work to law enforcement. No GRE is required for admission.

Available Online Criminal Justice Concentrations

#6: Grand Canyon University

Grand Canyon University is Arizona’s premier private Christian university. The school is growing rapidly, with tens of thousands of online students attending class from across the globe. GCU is constantly refining the online digital platforms delivering the school’s outstanding campus experience to virtual settings.

About the Online Criminal Justice Masters at Grand Canyon University

The master of science in criminal justice with an emphasis in legal studies program at GCU aims to help law enforcement professionals and other decision makers address issues in public policy, social research and justice administration.

Students are presented with the practical skills necessary to consult in criminal justice organizations with an emphasis on real-world preparation. This online program has no GRE requirement.

#7: Saint Leo University

Saint Leo University is a private, Catholic, liberal arts university serving people of all faiths in a student-centered environment. Saint Leo offers a practical model for life and leadership based on a moral consciousness that recognizes the dignity, value, and gifts of all people.

About the Online Criminal Justice Masters at Saint Leo University

The online graduate program in criminal justice at Saint Leo introduces students to law and policymaking, computerized databases, ethical standards, management of human and fiscal resources, information resources and organizational leadership.

The curriculum strives to prepare for administrative positions in various criminal justice-related fields and security positions at the local, state or federal government levels.

No GRE is required for admission. Both traditional and accelerated formats are available so the motivated student may be able to complete a degree in less than two years.

Available Online Criminal Justice Concentrations

#8: Colorado Technical University

Colorado Technical University has been educating career-focused students on campuses in Colorado Springs and Denver since 1965. The online school educates students across the world, from students in China to U.S. military personnel stationed overseas.

About the Online Criminal Justice Masters at Colorado Technical University

The online master’s in criminal justice degree at Colorado Technical University teaches the knowledge and skills essential for policy development, planning, and decision-making roles in the criminal justice system. Students discuss current trends in criminal justice, terrorism, and Homeland Security management, as well as issues related to victimology, crime prevention, and juvenile justice.

No GRE is required for admission to Colorado Technical University’s criminal justice program.

Available Online Criminal Justice Concentrations

  • General Track
  • Homeland Security

#9: Lewis University

Lewis University is a private Catholic university in Illinois that is a recognized Military Friendly School. Students at Lewis are taught in small classes by expert faculty who bring real-world experience to the classroom.

Online students are guided through their entire academic career at Lewis by their own personal Student Services Coordinator.

About the Online Criminal Justice Masters at Lewis University

The online MS in criminal justice at Lewis prepares students to pursue leadership roles in law enforcement, to protect their community, and become an advocate for social justice.

Candidates can learn to think critically about crime and justice issues and apply creative solutions to address them while recognizing the importance of social justice and safeguarding human rights.

In preparation for leadership roles in criminal justice, students also learn how to effectively manage personnel and allocate resources in the delivery of criminal justice services.

No GRE is required for admission into the master’s in criminal justice degree program at Lewis.

#10: Lasell College

Lasell College is located just outside Boston, Massachusetts, and operates with a philosophy of connected learning that infuses the physical and online classroom environment with the most current educational technology.

Lasell faculty are leaders in their fields known for creatively integrating challenging coursework with practical experience, and fostering active citizenship and social responsibility.

About the Online Criminal Justice Masters at Lasell College

The online master’s in criminal justice at Lasell is designed for working professionals looking to enter, or advance in, a wide range of careers. The program prepares candidates to serve the public by teaching critical thinking, quantitative reasoning, communication and investigative skills, effective uses of technology, and diversity and cultural issues.

Students learn from faculty with real-world experience and insight, have the opportunity to build a professional network of professors and classmates with unique perspectives, and gain hands-on experience through a capstone project. There are six start dates throughout the year and no GRE required for the Lasell criminal justice program.

Available Online Criminal Justice Concentrations

Fun Fact In May 2017, Alaska had the highest annual mean wage for criminal investigators, at $116,130! Mean wage varies by geographical location—the other states where criminal investigators are highest paid are California, New Jersey, Maryland, and Virginia. As expected, Washington, D.C. metro area had some of the highest mean wages at $121,620, and one of the highest employment levels in the field.

Difference Between No GRE Required and GRE Waivers

Most of the programs on this list do not request GRE scores from applicants under any circumstance—they are not required for admission. While this isn’t terribly rare for online degree programs, you may find the possibility of a GRE waiver even more common.

What is the difference between programs with no GRE required and GRE waivers?

Factors such as previous work experience in your field of study, high undergraduate GPA, and sometimes military service may qualify you for a GPA waiver. If you are looking to save time and money by circumventing the GRE, contact the admissions office in the school of your choice to inquire about a waiver and any relevant forms.

Top States for Employment for Lawyers
StateEmploymentAnnual Mean Wage
California79,980$149,670
New York73,560$142,990
Florida47,630$94,870
Texas42,870$125,890
District of Columbia32,090$161,900

Bureau of Labor Statistics

4 Ways to Have GRE Waived for Online Criminal Justice Master’s

Preparing for and taking the GRE can add a significant delay to the start of your graduate school career. While some programs have no GRE requirement, many offer the possibility of a GRE waiver.

Check out some ways you might qualify for a GRE waiver during the admission process, depending on specific school requirements.

1: Professional Experience

In an effort to make programs more accessible, some online graduate programs are beginning to offer a GRE waiver for candidates with a minimum number years of professional experience in a relevant criminology and criminal justice field.

2: High GPA

Some criminal justice grad programs have an either/or policy regarding GRE scores and high GPA, as either one can demonstrate that you are ready and able to study and succeed. If you meet a minimum GPA requirement—often 3.0 or higher, but some as low as 2.8—you may not have to submit GRE scores with your application materials.

3: Previous Graduate Degree

Applicants who have earned a previous graduate-level degree at an accredited US institution could qualify for a GRE waiver when applying to a master’s program in criminal justice. Usually, transcripts may be requested to show a minimum GPA in graduate coursework.

4: Earn a Certificate First

Criminal justice graduate certificates are a faster, cheaper learning endeavor that doesn’t result in a degree—however, credits earned in a certificate program can usually be applied toward a future master’s degree.

Occasionally, programs that offer graduate certificates will offer a GRE waiver to students applying to a master’s degree program if they have completed a certificate with a minimum GPA.

Top Salary Metro Areas in the United States: Lawyers
Metro AreaAnnual Mean SalaryEmployment
San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA$181,1205,470
Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura, CA$161,9001,200
San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA$161,90016,770
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV$160,92044,870
Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT$160,3902,250

Bureau of Labor Statistics

Find the Best Online Criminal Justice Master’s Program for You!

Click on any of the sponsored school listings on this page to learn more about their online graduate degree programs in criminal justice schools, including how to apply and admissions requirements. Get started on the path to your future career today!

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