Master’s in Criminal Justice Programs in Alabama

What Can I Do With My Master’s in Criminal Justice in Alabama?

Alabama has seen many prominent changes and lawsuits in recent years, putting criminal justice professionals in the spotlight. A case involving animal abuse and social media spread like wildfire in Alabama (ABC 33/40, 2015). With a master’s degree in criminal justice in AL, you may develop an advanced knowledge of social media and its implications.

Graduate-level education can pave the way for you to become a leader in your field. Find out how you can change the justice system in Alabama by contacting schools that offer a master’s degree in criminal justice in Alabama.

With a graduate degree, you may qualify for supervisory positions or highly specialized positions throughout this field. Through 2030, CareerOneStop predicts a 6% increase in Alabama police supervising jobs (2022). The average salary for this career path is $76,420 per year (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2022). You may also become a criminal investigator and work with secretive or specialized agencies. In Alabama, criminal investigators claim a median income of $74,780 per year (BLS, 2022) and job openings may swell 3% by 2030 (CareerOneStop, 2022).

2022 US Bureau of Labor Statistics salary and employment figures for Alabama contained here reflect national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed November 2023.

What Will It Take to Earn My Criminal Justice Graduate Degree in Alabama?

A graduate degree is a significant investment, both in terms of time and money. Alabama schools have rigorous admissions and graduation requirements, and you should be ready to prove yourself at every step of your education.

As an applying student, you’ll need to submit copies of your transcripts from any undergraduate institutions you attended. Most graduate programs require a GPA of at least 3.0 for consideration, while others require no grades lower than a C at the undergraduate level. You should also take the GRE and submit your scores to the schools you are interested in.

Below, CriminalJusticePrograms.com speaks with Dr. Jeff Lee from Troy University about the school’s online master’s program options in criminal justice.

Programs differ between schools in Alabama. In addition to a master’s in criminal justice, programs available at Alabama schools include:

• Forensic Science
• Public Administration
• Administration of Justice and Security
• Cyber Security
• Emergency Management

While specific course requirements depend on the school you choose to attend, knowing what Alabama schools often expect can help you properly prepare.

These are Master’s of Science in criminal justice Alabama average statistics:

• Typical Credit Hours Required: 30 to 36
• Common Required Internship Hours: Usually optional; some programs require a thesis
• Estimated Credit Hour Costs: $300 to $400
• Estimated Books and Supplies per Semester: $550 to $800
• Estimated Cost of Attendance per Semester: $10,000 to $15,000

Even if you choose a specialized area of study, you may be expected to complete a core set of graduate criminal justice courses. Classes required at schools throughout Alabama include:

• Methods of Research in Criminal Justice
• Criminological Theory
• Contemporary Criminal Justice Issues
• Comparative Criminal Justice
• Criminal Justice Planning and Evaluation
• Contemporary Issues in Juvenile Justice
• Contemporary Issues in Corrections

After completing your core courses, you may be permitted to choose up to 12 credits of elective courses that suit your career goals and experience.

If you work in the criminal justice field presently, you may qualify for higher education scholarships in your industry. The Alabama Correctional Employees Support Fund awards graduate scholarships to correctional officers.

If you’re ready to use your career to make Alabama a safer and more welcoming place to live, find out what degree options are available at criminal justice graduate programs in Alabama.