Why Earn Your Criminal Justice Degree at Saint Leo University?
Become an agent of change with a Master's in Criminal Justice. Saint Leo University’s innovative Master of Science in Criminal Justice program enhances the effectiveness and professionalism of both aspiring and active law enforcement professionals. Taught by practitioners with extensive experience in the field, students will examine leading edge strategies to keep citizens and communities safe in today’s ever-changing world.
This program is offered:
Education Center
Online
Ranked among the nation's most military-friendly institutions by G.I. Jobs and Military Advanced Education magazines, Saint Leo University has been educating professionals with their Master's in Criminal Justice for more than three decades.
Est. Time to Complete:
2 years
Credit Hours:
30 hours
Master's in Criminal Justice Program Details
As a criminal justice graduate student at Saint Leo, you will study ethical standards in the administration of justice, insights into criminal behavior and activity, effective leadership principals and practices, public policy making processes, criminal law, professional regulations, and civil liability, application of new and emerging technologies, and more.
Specialization Options
Saint Leo University offers specialization options for criminal justice students. You can customize your degree to match your passions by choosing one of the following concentrations.
Behavioral Studies teaches how criminal behavior and the criminal code interact, as well as how behavioral disorders impact individuals and criminal behavior.
Corrections is designed to provide a better understanding of complex issues of offenders, trends of the 21st century and the problems associated with recidivism.
Criminal Investigations introduces students to violence, sexual deviance, environmental and juvenile crimes.
Critical Incident Management teaches law enforcement skills to manage complex global risks and disasters.
Forensic Science provides the opportunity for you to gain the knowledge required to assist with operations during incidents in which forensic science is a factor through modern, hands-on instruction.
Legal Studies provides students with a well-rounded understanding of legal procedures and how the judicial system operates within the civil and criminal domain.
Learn Your Way:
Online, On Campus, or Near You
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What are the on-campus facilities like?
Students who pursue their degrees at Saint Leo’s main campus near sunny Tampa Bay, Florida, join a community of enthusiastic learners just like them.
Criminal justice students enjoy plenty of engaging learning opportunities both inside and outside the classroom, as well as exciting departmental events.
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What are the benefits of earning your criminal justice degree online?
Saint Leo University’s online learning experience provides a well-rounded education with the flexibility to tailor your course of study to meet your individual needs. We know our students have lives outside school, and we seek to meet them where they are. Online students can count on receiving excellent academics as well as opportunities for hands-on learning.
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It will help me be responsive to the latest needs and issues such as gender identity, issues of technology, abuse, and the concerns of the smartphone generation. What I like is that it will teach me how to use applied theology to discuss these issues.
Fr. Rojas
Are education centers near you offering criminal justice degree programs?
You may also choose to pursue your degree through one of our education centers, which merge a traditional in-person education with the flexibility to match your lifestyle. Education centers offer eight-week academic terms as well as evening and weekend classes.
Career Outlook
No matter which learning experience you choose, you will receive plenty of professional development opportunities, industry knowledge from expert professors, and support from the Saint Leo community. All this together means that you will be ready for a successful career or continued studies upon graduation.
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What skills you will learn?
- Computerized databases;
- Ethical standards in the administration of justice;
- Human resource management;
- Fiscal resource management;
- Personnel law, civil liability, and substantive and procedural laws;
- Information resources and systems;
- Policymaking;
- Organizational leadership in criminal justice agencies
How will you gain real experience?
Hands-on learning
In a capstone course, you’ll address an important problem or launch a program initiative related to the administration of criminal justice.
Internships
Find an internship close to home or work, or with federal agencies such as the U.S. Secret Service, U.S. Customs, Drug Enforcement Administration, U.S. District Court and Florida Department of Law Enforcement.
FBI National Academy Associates
Saint Leo is an approved educational partner by the FBI National Academy Associates.
Experienced faculty
Learn from the best. Saint Leo faculty have served as local and federal agents, chief deputies, detectives and FBI advisors, and are leading experts on all the skills you need to advance to the next stage of your career: interrogation, non-verbal communication, hostage negotiation, and international sex and organ trafficking.
What can you do with a master's in criminal justice degree?
Graduates are prepared for administrative positions in law enforcement, corrections, the courts, private security and security-related positions at the local, state or federal government levels.
What are the top criminal justice degree jobs?
| Career | Growth | Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Law enforcement officer | 7% (As fast as average) | $67,290 per year |
| Forensic Science Technician | 16% (Much faster than average) | $60,590 per year |
From the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2020.
College of Arts, Sciences, and Allied Services
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Saint Leo’s College of Arts, Sciences, and Allied Services offers students a holistic education that lays a strong foundation for critical and independent thinking. The curriculum is designed to help students broaden their horizons and build valuable skills sought by employers. From biology to sociology, the College offers 17 high-quality and flexible programs on campus, online, and through our education centers.
Student Stories
Saint Leo’s nursing program gave me courage to have confidence in myself and my skills. Doing the DEU program expanded my knowledge and independence in my skills. After completing the DEU program, I felt confident in every unit I went to.
Grace Lundfelt
I chose Saint Leo’s nursing program because of its dedication to building a brand new nursing program that is committed to excellence and student success. The program's emphasis on hands-on clinical experience with the DEU preceptorship model and a supportive learning environment aligns perfectly with my goals as a future nurse.
Emma Hayhurst
Our simulations were very well thought out and creative, using the most up-to-date technology, allowing us to experience certain health situations such as delivering babies and providing wound care.
Laynee Marsee Graduate of the inaugural nursing class; Graduated May 2025
I got to apply everything I learned in real time with a single preceptor. The hands-on experience made the lectures come to life and helped me build confidence in my skills. (Regarding Saint Leo Nursing Program's partnership with Advent Health Zephyrhills dedicated education)
Avae Valenti - Graduate of the inaugural nursing class; Graduated May 2025<
Being a part of a program that just is going to grow and grow as the years go by, and to be remembered as the first class is really special.
Nathanael Allen - Graduate of the inaugural nursing class; Graduated May 2025
Being part of the first Saint Leo Nursing cohort has been an incredibly unique and rewarding experience. There was something really special about growing alongside the program. We had the chance to help shape the culture and set the tone for future nursing classes. It wasn’t always easy—there were definitely growing pains—but the sense of community, support, and dedication from the faculty made a huge difference. I felt seen, heard, and truly supported, both academically and personally.
Graduate Brenna Reinhard
News
Accreditation
Saint Leo University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award associate, bachelor’s, master’s, specialist, and doctoral degrees.