Study leadership strategies, resource planning, and the latest research and criminal justice theories for strategic and operative decision-making and policy. Prepare for a leadership career in fields, such as security, law enforcement, corrections, federal, state and local government as well as in private sector service.
Outcome goals and graduates' proficiency levels
We have not yet collected enough information
to publish learning outcome data for this program.
Quality and Professional Relevance
- Capella University is partnered with the FBI National Academy Associates (FBINAA) to provide online criminal justice degree programs.
- Capella was the first university recognized by Quality Matters™ at the program level for our commitment to course quality assurance in support of our public safety programs.
- Faculty have extensive real-world experience in organizations such as the FBI, FEMA, IAEM, the Secret Service, and the U.S. Armed Forces..
- The MS in Criminal Justice curriculum was designed around the Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences Standards for College/University Criminal Justice/Criminology Master’s Degree Programs.
- Capella University has been designated by the National Security Agency (NSA) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Information Assurance/Cybersecurity (CAE IA/CD) for academic years 2014-2021.
Expected Program Outcomes
- Evaluate criminal justice theories and their application to criminal justice policy.
- Apply criminal justice theories to criminal justice issues and decision-making.
- Apply democratic principles to the criminal justice system.
- Apply principles of strategic thinking in management of the operations of the criminal justice system.
- Analyze legal, ethical, and diversity accountability in a criminal justice context.
- Integrate valid, reliable, and ethical research to inform policy and decision-making in the field of criminal justice.
- Communicate in a manner that is scholarly, professional, and consistent with the expectations for members of the criminal justice profession.
Master's Public Safety-Related Degree Program Graduates
Data from graduates across public-safety related master's programs have been combined for these Career Outcomes results.
The graphs below show some key findings from Capella's Alumni
Outcomes Survey. We use this information to help improve our courses,
programs and services and to give you an idea of how alumni are using
their degrees.
Career Preparation
All Public Safety-Related
Master's Graduates
Career Preparation
All Public
Safety-Related Master's Graduates
The skills and knowledge have been immediately applicable to my career: 50%
My degree has positioned me to achieve my professional ambitions: 67%
Capella's competency based curriculum has prepared me for the needs of my profession: 83%
Percentage of respondents who answered
"strongly agree" or "agree"
Source:
Responses to the Alumni Outcomes Survey one year after graduation.
The data were collected during Q3 2017 - Q1 2018.
Career & Professional Accomplishments
All Public Safety-Related Master's Graduates
Career and Professional
Accomplishments
All Public Safety-Related Master's Graduates
Made a significant contribution to my profession: 32%
Successfully changed jobs and-or-careers: 21%
Assumed leadership responsibilities: 26%
Received a salary increase: 32%
Received a promotion: 37%
Multiple factors, including prior experience, age, geography, and degree field, affect career outcomes, and Capella does not guarantee a job, promotion, salary increase, or other career growth.
Percentage of respondents who indicated they had accomplished each item.
Source: Responses to the Alumni Outcomes Survey one year after graduation. The data were collected during Q3 2017 – Q1 2018.
Master's Public Safety-Related Degree Program Graduates
Data from graduates across public-safety related master's programs have been combined for these Student Experience results.
The graphs below show some key findings from Capella's Alumni
Outcomes Survey. We use this information to help improve our courses,
programs and services and to give you an idea of how alumni feel about
Capella and what general skills and abilities they gained.
Satisfaction With Capella
All Public Safety-Related Master's Graduates
Satisfaction with Capella
All
Public Safety-Related Master's Graduates
I have or intend to recommend Capella: 100%
I am satisfied with my Capella education: 100%
Capella gave me the most efficient direct path to completing my degree: 100%
Percentage of respondents who answered
affirmatively.
Source: Responses to the Alumni Outcomes
Survey one year after graduation. The data were collected during Q3
2017 – Q1 2018.
Skills & Abilities
All Public Safety-Related Master's Graduates
Skills & Abilities
All Public
Safety-Related Master's Graduates
Write clearly, accurately, and professionally; use sources appropriately : 80%
Communicate thoughts and ideas in varied settings : 100%
Show ethical conduct reflecting values and beliefs of discipline : 100%
Show knowledge of field; respect contributions of other fields : 100%
Analyze theoretical issues or investigate real-world phenomena, create knowledge : 100%
Locate, evaluate and communicate information; address legal, professional, other issues : 100%
Critically examine, analyze, and evaluate thinking using intellectual standards and creativity : 100%
Critically evaluate, select, and use discipline-appropriate technology : 100%
Show appreciation for group and individual differences : 100%
Demonstrate effective leadership in diverse environments : 100%
Apply the specialized knowledge associated with professional practice area : 100%
Percentage of respondents who rated
themselves as "proficient" or "exceptional" on
ability to demonstrate the skill or ability on the job.
Source: Responses to the Alumni Outcomes Survey one year after
graduation. The data were collected during Q3 2017 – Q2 2018.
Earn Your Master's Degree

Four graduate schools. More than 40 specializations. Enroll in an online master’s degree program at Capella.