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Master of Professional Studies in
Criminal Justice Policy and Administration

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Summary Courses Careers Costs and Aid

This master's degree is designed for those who want to address pressing criminal justice issues facing society. Learn to evaluate the societal workings that create crime, assess equity in policy enforcement, and propose data-driven and evidence-based solutions that benefit the greater society.

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Complete your Penn State course work at your own pace and 100% online.

Apply by March 31 to start May 13

30 Credits $1,017 per credit

Prepare for Your Future in Criminal Justice Policy and Administration

  • broaden your perspective to identify the origins of crime

  • identify the different value systems that create different types of crime

  • investigate the justice systems’ impacts on the creation, enforcement, and execution of laws

  • incorporate research when evaluating and developing policies to promote equity in the criminal justice system

This 30-credit master's in criminal justice policy and administration devotes its curriculum to analyzing policies, evaluating research, and developing policy proposals. This allows you to specialize your study in policy and administration without needing to take courses outside of your focus.

The degree consists of 18 credits of core courses and allows you to choose from a number of electives to customize your learning to your interests and career goals. You will finish your education with a capstone course, the opportunity to apply your newfound knowledge to a project selected by you and your faculty adviser.

Required Courses (18 credits)

  • 3
    credits

    The course presents an overview of key issues in theory and research on each major sector of the criminal justice system — policing, prosecution, criminal defense, courts, and corrections.

  • 3
    credits

    This course provides a survey of social science theories of criminal behavior at the individual and group levels.

  • 3
    credits

    This course provides a survey of social science research methods, applied to the study of criminal justice topics and the evaluation of criminal justice policies.

  • 3
    credits

    This course provides a survey of criminal procedure and related constitutional law.

  • 3
    credits

    This course provides a survey of ethical systems and theories.

  • 3
    credits

    The purpose of this course is to teach the student the theory behind a particular statistical technique and its appropriate use.

Electives (select 9 credits)

You will have the opportunity to tailor your program of study to your interests by choosing from a list of elective courses. The elective courses will be chosen in consultation with your adviser.

  • 3
    credits

    This course focuses on the significance of race, class, and ethnicity to criminal justice processing and criminal offending.

  • 3
    credits

    Relates organizational and public policy management approaches to police, courts, and correctional institutions.

  • 3
    credits

    Principles of administration as they relate to a police organization and policy development.

  • 3
    credits

    Control and treatment of offenders in the community, probation and parole organizations, diversion programs, innovative sentences, supervision techniques.

  • 3
    credits

    This course studies how police organizations from different countries communicate, cooperate, and collaborate with each other in order to respond to global crime threats.

  • 3
    credits

    This course is about transnational crime activities happening around the world.

  • 3
    credits

    This course aims to understand the role of law enforcement in counterterrorism by analyzing the challenges, issues, and difficulties in policing global terrorism.

  • 3
    credits

    This course is an examination of theory, research, and policy involving courts and their sentencing decisions.

  • 3
    credits

    Introduction to the analysis of public policy within its organizational and political contexts, including an emphasis on an economic perspective.

  • 3
    credits

    Development of basic concepts and issues in public administration; administrative theory and public policy processes.

  • 3
    credits

    The origins of judicial review, landmark decisions of the Supreme Court, and their impact on the American form of government.

  • 3
    credits

    Analysis of the roles, procedures, and policies characterizing the American legal system.

  • 3
    credits

    Advanced analysis of public policy, emphasizing policy evaluation and the factors that determine policy success and failure.

  • 3
    credits

    Students will examine the social and psychological processes underlying leadership in organizations.

Culminating Experience (3 credits)

The culminating capstone experience provides you with an opportunity to apply your course knowledge to a project. You will work with your faculty adviser to mutually determine the choice of project topic and its exact form. For example, the capstone experience could be an academic research project, an evidence-based policy evaluation, or the development of a program.

You will be expected to utilize theories, literature, and methods acquired during other courses in the online criminal justice policy and administration degree program. The report will be formally presented to peers in the program and faculty members at the end of the semester (i.e., final presentation via videoconference). The capstone report must be approved by the faculty adviser to meet course requirements. 

  • 3
    credits

    During their final semester the student will work closely with a faculty adviser (selected to match the student on substantive and/or methodological expertise) on a self-selected criminal justice and policy administration-related project.

Course Availability

If you're ready to see when your courses will be offered, visit our public LionPATH course search (opens in new window) to start planning ahead.

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You can use the knowledge gained from this program and the support of Penn State career resources to pursue careers in a variety of fields, depending on your goals.

Job Titles Related to This Degree

The following roles are often held by people with this type of degree:

  • Correctional Counselor
  • Criminalist
  • Probation and Parole Officer
  • Public Safety Director

Employment Outlook for Occupational Fields Related to This Degree

Estimates of employment growth and total employment are provided by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and are subject to change. While these occupations are often pursued by graduates with this degree, individual outcomes may vary depending on a variety of factors. Penn State World Campus cannot guarantee employment in a given occupation.

Emergency Management Directors

2.5%
employment growth (10 years)
11,290
total employment

Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialists

0.1%
employment growth (10 years)
89,920
total employment

Detectives and Criminal Investigators

-0.7%
employment growth (10 years)
107,400
total employment

Excel as a Criminal Justice Professional

This program can give you the skills you need to become an effective communicator and leader with the ability to not only perform a detailed evaluation of complex policy issues, but also offer practical data-based recommendations. As a graduate of this program, you can be qualified to bring about change in any number of criminal justice or legal organizations in the public and nonprofit sectors, including:  

  • state departments of corrections
  • state sentencing commissions and parole boards
  • local, county, and state law enforcement, especially in the administration sector
  • local court administration, especially drug, DUI, and restorative justice courts
  • local, probation, parole, and community corrections agencies
  • public and private offender treatment agencies
  • state policy agencies focused on criminal justice (e.g., the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency and similar agencies in other states)

Career Services to Set You Up for Success

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From the day you're accepted as a student, you can access resources and tools provided by Penn State World Campus Career Services to further your career. These resources are beneficial whether you're searching for a job or advancing in an established career.

  • Opportunities to connect with employers
  • Career counselor/coach support
  • Occupation and salary information
  • Internships
  • Graduate school resources 

Ready to Learn More?

Get the resources you need to make informed decisions about your education. Request information on this program and other programs of interest by completing this form.

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Ready to take the next step toward your Penn State master's degree?

Apply by March 31 to start May 13. How to Apply

Learn about this program's tuition, fees, scholarship opportunities, grants, payment options, and military benefits.

Graduate Tuition

Graduate tuition is calculated based on the number of credits for which you register. Tuition is due shortly after each semester begins and rates are assessed every semester of enrollment.

2023–24 Academic Year Rates

Tuition rates for the fall 2023, spring 2024, and summer 2024 semesters.
How many credits do you plan to take per semester? Cost
11 or fewer $1,017 per credit
12 or more $12,203 per semester

2024–25 Academic Year Rates

Tuition rates for the fall 2024, spring 2025, and summer 2025 semesters.
How many credits do you plan to take per semester? Cost
11 or fewer $1,027 per credit
12 or more $12,325 per semester

Financial Aid and Military Benefits

Some students may qualify for financial aid. Take the time to research financial aid, scholarships, and payment options as you prepare to apply. Military service members, veterans, and their spouses or dependents should explore these potential military education benefits and financial aid opportunities, as well.

A figure walking on a path that includes a certificate part of the way through their progress

Show mastery of specific subjects before your degree is complete. Thanks to shared courses across programs, students can often earn a certificate along with their degree in less time than if they earned them separately.

Certificate Program Related to This Degree

The following certificate can be earned while completing this degree program:

Build the knowledge and skill base needed to succeed in the international security field. Courses from the 9-credit Graduate Certificate in Global Justice and Security can be applied to a Master of Professional Studies in Criminal Justice Policy and Administration.

Learn more  

Stand Out among Your Peers

A highly respected Master of Professional Studies in Criminal Justice Policy and Administration could not only provide you with valuable skills and knowledge but also help you stand out among your peers and step into leadership roles.

This master's degree is part of an Integrated Undergraduate/Graduate program (IUG) that provides undergraduate criminology students the opportunity to earn both a bachelor's degree and master's degree in approximately five years.

Academically strong students who are pursuing their B.S. or B.A. in Criminology (CRIM) at University Park would typically apply to the online graduate program during the semester in which they will complete 60 credits. Current undergraduate students interested in the IUG pathway can email the program office for more details.

Adult student doing course work online while a child plays nearby

Whether you are looking to finish your program as quickly as possible or balance your studies with your busy life, Penn State World Campus can help you achieve your education goals. Many students take one or two courses per semester.

Our online courses typically follow a 12- to 15-week semester cycle, and there are three semesters per year (spring, summer, and fall). If you plan to take a heavy course load, you should expect your course work to be your primary focus and discuss your schedule with your academic adviser. 

To Finish Your Degree in One to Two Years

  • Take 3–4 courses each semester

To Finish Your Degree in Two to Three Years

  • Take 2–3 courses each semester 

To Finish Your Degree in Three to Four Years

  • Take 1 course each semester

Convenient Online Format

This program's convenient online format gives you the flexibility you need to study around your busy schedule. You can skip the lengthy commute without sacrificing the quality of your education and prepare yourself for more rewarding career opportunities without leaving your home.

A Trusted Leader in Online Education

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Penn State has a history of more than 100 years of distance education, and World Campus has been a leader in online learning for more than two decades. Our online learning environment offers the same quality education that our students experience on campus.

Information for Military and Veterans

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Are you a member of the military, a veteran, or a military spouse? Please visit our military website for additional information regarding financial aid, transfer credits, and application instructions.

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Apply by March 31 to start May 13

Application Instructions

Deadlines and Important Dates

Complete your application and submit all required materials by the appropriate deadline. Your deadline will depend on the semester you plan to start your courses.

  • Summer Deadline

    Apply by March 31 to start May 13

  • Fall Deadline

    Apply by July 31 to start August 26

  • Spring Deadline

    Apply by December 4, 2024, to start January 13, 2025

Steps to Apply

  1. For admission to the Graduate School, an applicant must hold either (1) a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited U.S. institution or (2) a tertiary (postsecondary) degree that is deemed comparable to a four-year bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited U.S. institution. This degree must be from an officially recognized degree-granting institution in the country in which it operates.

    Integrated Undergraduate/Graduate (IUG) Program Candidates

    Academically superior undergraduate criminology students who want to be considered for the IUG program will need to apply and be accepted to both the Graduate School and IUG program. Please contact the program office to better understand the special admissions requirements associated with the program.

  2. You will need to upload the following items as part of your application:

    A copy of an official transcript from each institution attended, regardless of the number of credits or semesters completed. Transcripts not in English must be accompanied by a certified translation. Penn State alumni do not need to request transcripts for credits earned at Penn State, but must list Penn State as part of your academic history. Upon admission and your acceptance of admission, you will be asked to send an additional official transcript. You will receive instructions at that time.

    Statement of Purpose — A two- to three-page essay articulating career and educational goals that demonstrate the student's written communication skills and basic statistical knowledge.

    Résumé — a current curriculum vitae (vita) or résumé.

    References (3) — You will need to initiate the process through the online application by entering names, email addresses, and mailing addresses of references. Upon submission of your application, an email will be sent to each recommender requesting they complete a brief online recommendation regarding your commitment for success in an online program. Please inform all recommenders that they must submit the form in order for your application to be complete.  

    Test Scores — GRE test scores are not required.

    English Proficiency — The language of instruction at Penn State is English. With some exceptions, international applicants must take and submit scores for the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS). Minimum test scores and exceptions are found in the English Proficiency section on the Graduate School's "Requirements for Graduate Admission" page. Visit the TOEFL website for testing information. Penn State's institutional code is 2660.

  3. To begin the online application, you will need a Penn State account.

    Create a New Penn State Account

    If you have any problems during this process, contact an admissions counselor at [email protected].

    Please note: Former Penn State students may not need to complete the admissions application or create a new Penn State account. Please visit our Returning Students page for instructions.

  4. You can begin your online application at any time. Your progress within the online application system will be saved as you go, allowing you to return at any point as you gather additional information and required materials.

    • Choose Enrollment Type: "Degree Admission"
    • Choose "WORLD CAMPUS" as the campus

    Checking Your Status 
    You can check the status of your application by using the same login information established for the online application form. 

    Technical Requirements  
    Review the technical requirements for this degree program. 

  5. 5. Complete the application.

    The Graduate School Application

Admissions Help

If you have questions about the admissions process, contact an admissions counselor at [email protected].

Customer service representative wearing a headset

Have questions or want more information? We're happy to talk.

To learn more about the Master of Professional Studies in Criminal Justice Policy and Administration, please contact:

World Campus Admissions Counselors
Phone: 814-863-5386
Email: [email protected]

In this program, you will study with highly regarded faculty from the Penn State College of the Liberal Arts' Department of Sociology and Criminology and the Penn State Harrisburg School of Public Affairs. Our distinguished faculty have special training and experience teaching in an online environment. You can expect the same caliber of academic quality that you associate with Penn State.

Faculty

  • Eileen M. Ahlin

    • Ph.D., Criminology and Criminal Justice, University of Maryland, College Park
    • M.A., Sociology, George Mason University
    • B.A., Administration of Justice and Sociology, Penn State

    Dr. Eileen M. Ahlin is an associate professor of criminal justice in the School of Public Affairs at Penn State Harrisburg. She joined the faculty in 2013 after 15 years with a private corporation, where she conducted criminal justice research at the federal, state, and local levels. Her teaching and research interests include violence, neighborhood effects, corrections, research methods, and criminological theory.

  • Jennifer Gibbs

    • Ph.D., Criminology and Criminal Justice, University of Maryland, College Park
    • Certificate, University Teaching and Learning, University of Maryland, College Park
    • M.S., Criminal Justice Administration, Niagara University
    • B.A., Psychology, Keuka College

    Dr. Jennifer Gibbs' research interests focus on policing topics, including violence against police, public attitudes toward police, diversity in recruitment and retention, and terrorism. Her work on social distance and attitudes toward police, co-authored with Dr. Jonathan Lee, received recognition in the 2016 Emerald Literati Network Awards for Excellence. At Penn State World Campus, Dr. Gibbs typically teaches courses on policing (CRIMJ 210: Policing in America; CRIMJ 408: Police Administration) and ethics (CRIMJ 465: Ethics in Criminal Justice).

  • Ahmet Guler

    Ph.D., Public Administration and Policy, Rockefeller College of Public Affairs and Policy, University at Albany

    Dr. Ahmet Guler, associate teaching professor in the Department of Sociology and Criminology at Penn State, is director of graduate studies in criminal justice policy and administration. His research focuses on criminal justice policy, policing, terrorism, criminal justice reform, information technology in criminal justice, and transnational crime.

  • Don Hummer

    • Ph.D., Social Science-Criminal Justice, Michigan State University
    • M.S., Criminal Justice, Shippensburg University
    • B.S., Sociology/Anthropology, Elizabethtown College

    Dr. Don Hummer is co-author/editor of The Culture of Prison Violence, Handbook of Police Administration, and the forthcoming The Technology Revolution in Criminal Justice. His work, focused primarily on offender treatment and control, has appeared in peer-reviewed outlets such as Aggression and Violent Behavior, Probation Journal, Law & Policy, and The Prison Journal.

  • Jonathan Lee

    • Ph.D., Criminology, Sam Houston State University
    • M.A., Criminal Justice, Penn State
    • B.A., Economics, Hankuk University of Foreign Studies

    Dr. Jonathan Lee is an associate professor of criminal justice at Penn State Harrisburg's School of Public Affairs. He specializes in quantitative research on sociology and psychology of deviance, police-public relations, and police decision-making. He is associate editor of International Journal of Offender Therapy and Comparative Criminology, a consultant to Dauphin County DA's Office and police agencies, and principal investigator of criminal justice projects funded by U.S. Department of Justice.

  • Siyu Liu

    • Ph.D., Criminology and Criminal Justice, University at Albany (SUNY)
    • M.A., Criminology and Criminal Justice, University at Albany (SUNY)
    • B.A.; B.S., Peking University

    Dr. Siyu Liu graduated from Peking University with bachelor’s degrees in biomedical English and psychology. She obtained her master’s degree in criminology and criminal justice in 2010 and a doctoral degree in the same field in 2014 from the School of Criminal Justice from the University at Albany (SUNY). She specializes in quantitative research on the topics of juvenile delinquency, police legitimacy, and the death penalty in China. Her research has a comparative focus through empirical studies of China and the United States.

  • Jennifer L. Schally

    • Ph.D., Sociology, University of Tennessee
    • M.A., Community Psychology and Social Change, Penn State
    • B.S., Sociology, Penn State

    Dr. Jennifer L. Schally joined the faculty at Penn State Harrisburg in 2014 after earning her Ph.D. in sociology at the University of Tennessee. Her research interests are mainly in green criminology and crimes by the powerful, including harms to nonhuman animals. She regularly teaches courses in criminology and race and crime. Dr. Schally’s work has appeared in the Journal of Sociology and Social Welfare, the American Journal of Community Psychology, and the Journal of Interpersonal Violence. Her book, Legitimizing Corporate Harm: The Discourse of Agribusiness, was published by Palgrave in 2018.

  • Emily R. Strohacker

    Ph.D., Sociology, University of Central Florida

    Dr. Emily Strohacker joined the School of Public Affairs at Penn State Harrisburg in August 2017 as an assistant professor of criminal justice. Her areas of research interest include criminology, deviance, and victimology, specifically in the areas of cyber victimization and sexual victimization. She regularly teaches courses in victimology, research methods, and criminology. Her published works have appeared in Crime & Delinquency, Journal of Psychoactive Drugs, and Police Quarterly.

  • Jeffrey T. Ulmer

    Ph.D., Sociology, Penn State

    Dr. Jeffery T. Ulmer is a professor of sociology and criminology at Penn State, and serves as associate department head. His work spans such topics as courts, criminal case processing, sentencing, and corrections, as well as criminological theory, religion and crime, and violent crime. 

Ready to take the next step toward your Penn State master's degree?

Apply by March 31 to start May 13. How to Apply

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