Criminology and Criminal Justice MA
- Master's Degree
- Hybrid
- Greeley Campus
- Online
Less Than 2 Years
Fall Term (Aug.)
$722/Credit
A Master’s Degree for Criminal Justice
Do you want to lead and excel in the field of criminal justice? Our Criminology and Criminal Justice Master of Arts degree is designed for professionals in:
- Law enforcement
- Corrections
- Probation/parole
- Victim advocacy
- Judiciary roles
It’s also a great fit for graduates who want to continue their education right after college.
Keep Working While You Pursue Your Degree
This hybrid program is delivered on our campus in Greeley, Colorado. Because some of your coursework is done online, you will have reduced class time. Class times are on weeknights to fit the schedule of many working professionals.
What You’ll Learn
This master’s program will give you the skills you need for leadership and a better career. You will learn:
- Criminal justice theories and how to use them in real life
- Problem-solving skills for leadership and policy development
- Applying justice across diverse populations
- Applied research and projects
Our experienced teachers will help you choose a path that fits your career goals. Most students focus on research projects that can help them in their jobs right away. Some pursue research that advances the general field of criminology and criminal justice.
Your Career in Criminal Justice
Advance To New Roles
Many criminal justice jobs require a graduate degree for advancement. This degree will give you training in leadership and best practices to help you move up in your career and serve your community better. Take on leadership roles, or begin to specialize in criminal investigation, forensics or emergency management.
Continue To Doctoral Study
This program also prepares you for doctoral study in Criminology, Criminal Justice and related fields. Our master’s program graduates have been admitted to top doctoral programs in the field, including SUNY-Albany, Rutgers University, Penn State University and Indiana University of Pennsylvania.
Course of Study
Convenient Hybrid Delivery
- You can complete this program in less than two years.
- Most courses in the program have hybrid delivery. You will attend on our campus in Greeley, Colorado. But you will spend less time in class because you will complete some tasks online.
- Each hybrid course will meet once per week on a weekday evening. The number of evenings per week that you are in class each term will depend on the number of courses for which you enroll.
- You will take most or all of your coursework in the fall and spring terms, with summers off.
- If you have any approved non-CRJ electives courses, those may be offered fall, spring or summer term.
- Optional internships: we can help you pursue internship opportunities for elective or project credit.
To see specific course offerings, visit the current students page for this program.
Online Course Tutorial
If you do not have recent experience taking classes online, you will have the chance to complete our online course tutorial. The tutorial will help you learn our Canvas course platform, and prepare you to succeed in your online courses!
Courses and Requirements
This is a 30-credit master’s degree program.
Transfer Credit
If you have taken graduate courses that align with program courses, you can request transfer credit. Approved transfer credit can reduce the cost of completing this program. Program faculty will review your transfer credit to confirm that it matches course content and objectives. See the full graduate transfer credit policy for details.
Have Questions? Get in Touch!
Rapha Xavier
Enrollment Counselor
Vivian Guetler, Ph.D.
Program Coordinator
Tuition Rate
Simple Per-Credit Tuition Rate
You pay the same rate whether you are in-state or out-of-state.
Per Credit
Rate for the 2025-26 academic year (fall, spring and summer terms).*
No Student / Technology Fees
Certain courses, e.g., field experiences, may include course fees to support added services and materials.
*Tuition for the 2026-27 academic year will be decided mid-June 2026.
Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP): UNC provides a health insurance plan to all degree-seeking graduate students who are enrolled in 6 or more credits for a term. If you have comparable insurance coverage, and do not want to be charged for SHIP coverage, you can opt out of this plan. Please visit the UNC Student Health Insurance pages for more information.
Estimates of additional costs: For the purposes of determining financial aid, UNC follows Colorado Department of Higher Education (CDHE) and federal guidelines to develop an estimated, average Cost of Attendance (budget) for different student classifications. For your personal tuition estimates, we recommend using the program-specific tuition information above. But UNC’s official Cost of Attendance/Student Budgets page can help you identify other estimated expenses for which you may be responsible while completing your program.
Graduate Assistantships
Paid graduate assistant opportunities are available for this program. We encourage you to apply as early as possible for the best chance at an assistantship. If you have any questions, contact the Program Coordinator.
Federal Financial Aid
Degree-seeking students are encouraged to apply for federal financial aid. Master’s degree students need to be enrolled in a minimum of 5 credits per academic term for financial aid eligibility. Full-time enrollment is based on 9 credits per term.
You will complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The UNC Applying for Aid page provides important dates, including the release date and deadline for each academic year (a Fall-Spring-Summer cycle which begins each August).
- Late FAFSA submissions are still accepted throughout the academic year, but you may not be considered for the maximum amount of aid.
- If the priority deadline has passed for the upcoming/current school year, we encourage you to apply for FAFSA consideration as soon as you enroll for your first courses.
- Depending on the time of year, you may be able to submit an application for the current academic year and an early/priority application for the following academic year.
You can also find helpful information in the Federal Student Aid Resources.
What Our Students Say
Alumnus
"The Criminology and Criminal Justice master’s program at UNC has played a key role in my professional success. Although rigorous, the program has prepared me for the working world by teaching me to meet tight deadlines, building a strong foundation of knowledge, and helping me develop valuable leadership skills."
Kitsya Cordova Mosqueda
Criminology and Criminal Justice Master of Arts
Bond Commissioner Supervisor, Boulder County Jail
Alum
Had it not been for the UNC master's degree, I would not be in the position I am in today. The skills I acquired played a key role in my promotion and continue to help me in my current job assignment. As a result of the knowledge, research, and contacts from the program, I am a stronger leader and manager.
Adam Turk
Criminology and Criminal Justice Master of Arts
Assistant Professor in Sociology & Criminal Justice, University of Montana
Alum
This master's degree was a valuable step in my academic journey. I received hands-on mentorship which directly prepared me for the rigors of doctoral study. The individual support and genuine investment from my professors inspired me to pursue a career in academia. I carry their example into my own teaching and mentoring.
Andrew Thompson
Criminology and Criminal Justice Master of Arts
Program Eligibility
General Admission Requirements
- Possess a baccalaureate degree from an institutionally accredited college or university.
- Have a grade point average (GPA) of 3.00 or better, on a 4.00 point scale, for the most recent degree earned or current degree in progress.
- If you are in the process of completing a previous degree or have special GPA considerations, please read the specific requirements for this program type.
- Note: the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) is NOT required for graduate school admission.
Eligibility for Out-of-State Students
International Student Eligibility
This school is authorized under Federal law to enroll nonimmigrant alien students.
If you are not a U.S. citizen and do not have an existing U.S. visa status, you would be seeking F-1 or J-1 visa status to be able to come to the U.S. to complete this program. You will need to submit financial documentation to prove that you can pay for tuition and living expenses while you will be in the U.S.
If you have a sponsor for your U.S. education, please check with them about any restrictions for your program choice, location, or ability to take online or hybrid courses.
You will need to provide proof of your English language ability or complete the UNC Intensive English Program. Please visit the International Admissions page for information about:
- Minimum English language requirements
- Financial documentation
- Applying as an international student
Meet with an Enrollment Counselor
Visit the Academic Department
Are You Ready to Apply?
Thank you for your interest in this UNC program! Here are some elements you can check to be sure you are eligible and ready to apply to this program.
Program Eligibility
See the Program Eligibility section above.
International Applicants
Please see the International Student Eligibility section above to check your eligibility for this program.
Application Deadlines
- Early application deadline: March 1
- Standard application deadline: July 1
Applying by the early application deadline increases your chance of full consideration for graduate assistantship opportunities to offset program costs.
Application Process Details
On the application, you will choose:
- Criminology and Criminal Justice (M.A.)
- Start term: Fall Term (Aug.)
Your application for admission will not be fully processed until all materials have been received by the Graduate School. Files are reviewed on a first-served basis as soon as they are complete, and students are notified by letter as soon as admission is granted to the program.
View the full program-specific application details in the UNC Graduate Catalog.
Apply to This Program
Register & Start Your Application
Submit a Started Application
Application Checklist & Status