The Best Online Master’s in Law Enforcement Administration Programs

Michigan State University

Michigan State University makes it easy for distance learners to complete the law enforcement administration coursework while receiving a campuslike experience. The asynchronous coursework is delivered via Dream2Learn, a virtual learning system that provides the lessons and gives students a way to collaborate on group projects as if they were in a real on-campus classroom.

Program OverviewDepartment Name: School of Criminal Justice
Program Name: Master of Science Degree in Judicial Administration
Accrediting Body: Higher Learning Commission

DeliveryFormat: Online

Program requirementsPrerequisites: Undergraduate degree
Credit Requirements: 30 credits

Program LengthProgram Options: Full-time, part-time
Program Length: 2-3 years
Program start dates: Summer, Fall, Spring

Admission RequirementsApplication deadline: Summer or Fall: February 1; Spring: September 1
GPA: 3.2

University of San Diego

The University of San Diego offers a Law Enforcement Agency (LEA) and military-friendly law enforcement and public safety administration program. The program grants benefits for veterans, active military, and current members of a LEA, who want to advance their careers in leadership or administrative roles. Eligible students can benefit from reduced tuition costs and flexible payment options to make earning their master's degree less of a financial burden. Graduates of the FBI National Academy may also transfer up to 12 credits towards the program.

Program OverviewProgram Name: Master of Science in Law Enforcement and Public Safety Leadership
Accrediting Body: Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC)

DeliveryFormat: Online

Program requirementsPrerequisites: Bachelor's degree
Credit Requirements: 31 credits

Program LengthProgram Length: 20 months
Program start dates: Fall: September 4; Spring: January 22; Summer: May 21

Admission RequirementsApplication deadline: Fall: August 7; Spring: December 3; Summer: April 22
GPA: 2.75

Colorado State University-Global Campus

Colorado State University-Global Campus was created in 2007 by the CSU System to provide high quality online education for modern learners. The master's in law enforcement program develops leaders through distance education and prepares them for advanced roles within their respective fields. The curriculum was designed to establish a strong foundation on traditional criminal justice topics, but also focuses on contemporary, cutting edge areas such as cybercrime, terrorism, international investigations, forensics, white collar crime, data analytics and technology.

Program OverviewProgram Name: Master of Science in Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement Administration
Accrediting Body: HLC

DeliveryFormat: Online
Instruction Style: Asynchronous

Program requirementsPrerequisites: Undergraduate degree
Credit Requirements: 36 credits

Program LengthProgram Length: 2 years
Program start dates: Every month

Admission RequirementsApplication deadline: Rolling
GPA: 3.0

Wilmington University

Wilmington University designed its master's in administration of justice program for students who are already working in a related field and can't commit to a full-time schedule but want to earn their degree for career advancement. Upon earning their degree, students can transition into management-level positions in homeland security and local, state and federal law enforcement agencies.

Program OverviewDepartment Name: College of Social and Behavioral Sciences
Program Name: Master of Science in Administration of Justice
Specialized Concentration: Leadership and Administration
Accrediting Body: Middle States Commission on Higher Education

DeliveryFormat: Online, Hybrid

Program requirementsPrerequisites: Baccalaureate degree
Credit Requirements: 36 credit hours

Program LengthProgram Length: 2 year
Program start dates: January 14

Salve Regina University

Salve Regina University gives students a way to put into practice what they learn in the master's in law enforcement administration program. Students are able to sign up for both state and federal internships to improve their skills in the field.

Program OverviewDepartment Name: Graduate Studies and Continuing Education
Program Name: Master of Science in Administration of Justice and Homeland Security
Specialized Concentration: Leadership in Justice
Accrediting Body: New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC)

DeliveryFormat: Online, On-campus

Program requirementsPrerequisites: Bachelor's degree in any undergraduate major from a regionally or nationally accredited college or university
Credit Requirements: 36 credit hours

Program LengthProgram start dates: January 22

Bellevue University

Students in the online master's in law enforcement administration program at Bellevue University are part of a cohort, meaning they remain together as a group upon enrolling in the program. This format allows them to build lasting relationships and to collaborate on assignments as they work toward earning their degree, as well as to develop networking opportunities for career advancement after college.

Program OverviewProgram Name: Master of Science in Justice Administration and Crime Management
Accrediting Body: Higher Learning Commission

DeliveryFormat: Online

Program requirementsPrerequisites: Bachelor's or Master's degree from a regionally accredited college or university
Credit Requirements: 36 credit hours

Program LengthProgram Length: 2 years
Program start dates: Fall, Spring

Admission RequirementsApplication deadline: Rolling
GPA: 3.0

Sam Houston State University

Sam Houston State University designed its law enforcement administration program for criminal justice professionals who want to move into management-level positions. The curriculum includes subjects in leadership psychology and law enforcement management, providing the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed at the next level.

Program OverviewDepartment Name: College of Criminal Justice
Program Name: Master of Science in Criminal Justice Leadership and Management
Accrediting Body: Forensic Science Education Programs Accreditation Commission (FEPAC)

DeliveryFormat: Online

Program requirementsPrerequisites: Baccalaureate degree
Credit Requirements: 36 Credit Hours

Program LengthProgram Length: 2 years
Program start dates: January 16

Admission RequirementsApplication deadline: Rolling

Georgetown University

Students in the law enforcement administration program at Georgetown University have the flexibility to tailor the program to their specific educational and career needs. Distance learners can select between online and hybrid classes, enroll on a full- or part-time basis and take as many as five years to earn their degree.

Program OverviewDepartment Name: School of Continuing Education
Program Name: Master's in Applied Intelligence
Available Concentrations: Law Enforcement, Homeland Security
Accrediting Body: Middle States Commission on Higher Education

DeliveryFormat: Online, On-campus

Program requirementsPrerequisites: Bachelor's Degree
Credit Requirements: 33 credit hours

Program LengthProgram Options: Full-time, part-time
Program Length: 2-5 years
Program start dates: January 9

Admission RequirementsApplication deadline: December 1
GPA: 3.0

University of Cincinnati

The University of Cincinnati offers an accelerated law enforcement administration program for full-time students. Distance learners can complete the entire degree program in one year and even reduce that time with transfer credits from a previous graduate program.

Program OverviewDepartment Name: College of Criminal Justice
Program Name: Master of Science in Criminal Justice
Specialized Concentration: Law Enforcement & Crime Prevention
Accrediting Body: North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCA)

DeliveryFormat: Online

Program requirementsPrerequisites: Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited university
Credit Requirements: 33 semester hours

Program LengthProgram Options: Full-time, part-time
Program Length: 2 years
Program start dates: Fall; Spring: January 7; Summer: May 8

Admission RequirementsApplication deadline: Fall; Spring: December 1; Summer: April 1
GPA: 3.0

Columbia College

Columbia College takes a hands-on approach to teaching students in the master's in law enforcement administration program. The courses are structured in a way to maximize student interaction, creating a collaborative educational environment for distance learners.

Program OverviewDepartment Name: School of Humanities, Arts & Social Science
Program Name: Master of Science in Criminal Justice
Specialized Concentrations: Law Enforcement Administration, Corrections Administration

DeliveryFormat: Online, On-campus

Program requirementsPrerequisites: Baccalaureate degree
Credit Requirements: 36 credit hours

Program LengthProgram Length: 2 years
Program start dates: January 7

Admission RequirementsApplication deadline: December 1
GPA: 3.0

University of North Texas

University of North Texas gives students a way to shorten their time in the online master's in law enforcement administration program with a generous credit transfer program. Students can transfer up to 9 credit hours into the program, helping them to take only the necessary courses to earn their degree and reducing their time in school.

Program OverviewDepartment Name: College of Health and Public Service
Program Name: MS in Criminal Justice with Concentration
Specialized Concentration: Justice Policy and Administration

DeliveryFormat: Online

Program requirementsPrerequisites: Undergraduate degree
Credit Requirements: 36 credit hours

Program LengthProgram Length: 2 years

Admission RequirementsGPA: 3.0

Saint Joseph's University

Saint Joseph's University has more than 160 years of educational experience and has developed one of the more rigorous and structured curricula in that time. Students in the law enforcement administration program learn foundational and advanced topics in analytical reasoning, forensic financial analysis and more, gaining invaluable skills and knowledge for use in their careers.

Program OverviewProgram Name: Master of Science in Criminal Justice
Specialized Concentration: Federal Law Enforcement
Accrediting Body: Middle States Commission on Higher Education

DeliveryFormat: Online

Program requirementsPrerequisites: Bachelor's Degree
Credit Requirements: 30 credits

Program LengthProgram Length: 2 years
Program start dates: January, March, May, July, August, October

Admission RequirementsApplication deadline: Rolling
GPA: 3.0

Bethune-Cookman University

Students who want a well-rounded knowledge of law enforcement administration should enroll in the online master's program at Bethune-Cookman University. This program not only includes the basics of administrative leadership in public and private criminal justice environments but also covers foundational theories of justice and ethical standards, giving students a solid foundation for leadership careers at the administrative level.

Program OverviewDepartment Name: School of Graduate Studies
Program Name: Master of Science in Criminal Justice Administration (MSCJA)
Accrediting Body: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

DeliveryFormat: Online

Program requirementsPrerequisites: Bachelor's Degree
Credit Requirements: 33 credit hours

Program LengthProgram Length: 18 months
Program start dates: January 14

Admission RequirementsApplication deadline: November 1
GPA: 2.75

University of Wisconsin-Platteville

The University of Wisconsin-Platteville offers several concentrations and customized focus paths in its master's in law enforcement administration program. Students are able to select a single concentration or a primary focus path to increase their knowledge for assuming leadership positions in the field.

Program OverviewProgram Name: Master of Science in Criminal Justice
Specialized Concentration: Criminal Justice Management

DeliveryFormat: Online

Program requirementsPrerequisites: Undergraduate degree
Credit Requirements: 30 credit hours

Program LengthProgram Options: Full-time, part-time
Program Length: 2 years
Program start dates: January 22

Admission RequirementsGPA: 2.75

University of the Cumberlands

The University of the Cumberlands caters to novices of law enforcement who are entering the field for the very first time. Online students learn the foundations of law enforcement and can customize their degree with specializations such as juvenile justice administration to create a program that's truly their own.

Program OverviewProgram Name: Master of Science in Justice Administration
Available Concentrations: Law Enforcement, Homeland Security, Corrections, Juvenile Justice
Accrediting Body: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

DeliveryFormat: Online

Program requirementsPrerequisites: Baccalaureate degree
Credit Requirements: 31 credit

Program LengthProgram Options: Full-time, part-time
Program Length: 2 years
Program start dates: Spring I: January 7; Spring II: March 4; Summer I: May 6; Summer II: July 1; Fall I: August 26; Fall II: October 21

Admission RequirementsApplication deadline: Rolling
GPA: 3.0

Saint Leo University

Distance learners in Saint Leo University's law enforcement administration program benefit from state-of-the-art tools, software and resources to improve their productivity in the program. Students can access the university's digital library, receive online tutoring, join online clubs and more at the click of a button.

Program OverviewProgram Name: Master of Science in Criminal Justice
Available Concentrations: Behavioral Studies, Corrections, Criminal Investigations, Critical Incident Management, Forensic Science, Legal Studies
Accrediting Body: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

DeliveryFormat: Online

Program requirementsPrerequisites: Bachelor's degree
Credit Requirements: 36 graduate credit hours

Program LengthProgram Options: Online, Hybrid
Program Length: 2 years
Program start dates: January 9

Albany State University

Albany State University offers the most customization options in the master's in law enforcement administration program. Students can customize the program with numerous electives and graduate certificates to enhance their degree for future career advancement.

Program OverviewDepartment Name: College of Arts and Humanities
Program Name: Master of Science in Criminal Justice
Specialized Concentration: Law Enforcement
Accrediting Body: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

DeliveryFormat: Online, Face-to-face

Program requirementsPrerequisites: Baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or University
Credit Requirements: 30 semester hours

Program LengthProgram Length: 2 years

Admission RequirementsGPA: 3.0

Chaminade University of Honolulu

Chaminade University of Honolulu offers great value for distance learners who are new to the field and have worked professionally for years. Distance learners in the law enforcement administration program benefit from affordable tuition, structured coursework, scholarship support, various start dates and more.

Program OverviewDepartment Name: Division of Behavioral Sciences
Program Name: Master of Science in Criminal Justice Administration
Available Concentrations: Law Enforcement, Corrections
Accrediting Body: Western Association of Schools and Colleges

DeliveryFormat: Online, Evening
Instruction Style: Synchronous, Asynchronous

Program requirementsPrerequisites: Bachelor's degree
Credit Requirements: 42 credit hours

Program LengthProgram Length: 18-24 months
Program start dates: January 7

Admission RequirementsGPA: 3.0

University of New Haven

Students in the online master's in law enforcement program learn alongside industry professionals in law enforcement, forensic science and investigation to prepare for leadership careers after college. The faculty members use their knowledge to develop the students' expertise in the field while the Career Development Center helps them with internship opportunities, resume building, interview training and more.

Program OverviewProgram Name: Master of Science in Criminal Justice
Focus Area: Leadership and Management

DeliveryFormat: Online

Program requirementsPrerequisites: Undergraduate degree
Credit Requirements: 36 credits

Program LengthProgram Length: 2 years
Program start dates: Spring; Summer; Fall

Admission RequirementsApplication deadline: Spring: January 4; Summer: May 6
GPA: 3.0

Tiffin University

Tiffin University's faculty members are academic leaders and have administrative experience in the field. These instructors share their expertise with students in the law enforcement administration program, helping them to gain the skills for becoming leaders in their own careers.

Program OverviewProgram Name: MS in Criminal Justice
Specialized Concentration: Justice Administration
Accrediting Body: Higher Learning Commission

DeliveryFormat: Online

Program requirementsCredit Requirements: 30 credits

Program LengthProgram Length: 2 years
Program start dates: January, March, May, July, August, October

Admission RequirementsGPA: 3.0