An online master’s degree in law and justice may provide students with in-depth training and skills needed to work in the different fields of law and justice. In these upper-level programs, students may learn how to provide individuals with public safety, study criminology, and examine issues pertaining to criminal justice. Popular areas of concentration may include sociology and crime, law enforcement, legal studies, and criminology.

Upon graduation, students may either seek upper-level employment or pursue a doctoral degree in law and justice. Master’s-level graduates may seek employment opportunities in local, state, and federal government.

Program Overview

• Prerequisite: Bachelor’s Degree
• Program Length: One to two years to complete
• Post-Grad Options: Employment or Doctoral Program
• Projected Employment Growth: 5% (2010-2020)*

Program Concentrations

A master’s-level law and justice degree program may include several law-based electives and major-specific coursework for the chosen area of concentration. Students may take courses in criminal behavior, law enforcement, crime scene investigating, and the criminal justice system. Possible areas of concentration for a law and justice master’s degree program may include the following:

• Criminal Justice
• Criminology
• Justice, Law, and Society
• Law and Justice
• Law Enforcement
• Legal Studies
• Sociology and Crime

Career Options

Master’s-level law and justice graduates may seek employment opportunities in federal, state, and local governments. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, law and justice employment opportunities as correction officers are expected to increase by 5% from 2010-2020.*

Possible careers include:

• Criminologist
• Corrections Officer
• Drug Abuse Counselor
• Probation Officer
• FBI Agent

Continuing Education

Students who successfully complete an online master’s degree program in law and justice may opt to further their education and enroll in a doctoral-level degree program. A research-heavy law and justice doctoral degree program may provide students with additional knowledge on criminal behavior, public policy, and the penal system.

*U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook