Master’s in Criminal Justice Programs in Kansas

Crime becomes more complex every year. As technology expands, professionals develop new ways to solve criminal cases. However, technology also makes it easier to commit crime and cover their tracks. The rapid expansion of this field means professionals must have an extensive understanding of the field in general, as well as an understanding of the more nuanced parts of the industry.

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

If you are ready to take up the challenges of a career in criminal justice, you can take the first step now by reaching out to criminal justice graduate programs in Kansas.

Featured Online Criminal Justice Programs

When you look at recent changes in this field, it’s clear that technology is one of the most important aspects of this industry. The Kansas Bureau of Investigation has set goals to improve the use of technology, standardize procedures across the state, and diversify criminal justice (Washburn Review, 2015).

For many experts, the goal is reducing the overall prison population of the state. Many believe that nonviolent drug offenders take up an excessive portion of the prison system, which can financially drain the criminal justice system (KWCH, 2015).

Setting your sights on a master’s degree can lead to an expanded amount of career options. Correctional officer supervisors in Kansas claim a median salary of $56,180 per year (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2022). Job openings should remain steady through the year 2030 (CareerOneStop, 2022). An average salary of $75,230 per year is reported by police supervisors (BLS, 2022). Demand for police supervisors may jump 8% through 2030 (CareerOneStop, 2022).

2022 US Bureau of Labor Statistics salary and employment figures for Kansas 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 Kansas?

Completing a master’s degree in criminal justice requires dedication, critical thinking skills, and a solid base of knowledge built at the undergraduate level. Once you’ve met these goals, you may be ready to tackle the two years of education required to earn a master’s degree in this field. During your four to five semesters in school, you may earn up to 40 credits.

Your success as a student is often determined by your ability to meet specific learning outcomes and goals. Keep in mind that specific outcomes differ between schools, but the overall message tends to be similar from program to program.

Keep this in mind when reading the examples of criminal justice learning outcomes below:

Understand, create, and carry out administrative practices that are used in justice agencies across the state
Develop a thorough understanding of crime causation and criminality
Utilize critical thinking and problem solving skills to address management, operational, and ethical problems in criminal justice
Conduct, analyze, and utilize research in the field of criminal justice
Know how to take in information from a variety of sources to make informed decisions

The cost of education may be affected by your residence status and whether you attend school part-time or full-time. Part-time students often pay on a per-credit basis. In Kansas, tuition ranges from $475 per credit hour to $1200 per credit hour. Many students use financial aid to cover some or all of their educational expenses. The Kansas Peace Officers Association is a well-known local organization that financially supports criminal justice students.

You should anticipate completing some type of practical experience while attending graduate school. An internship or practicum can put you in touch with criminal justice employers and show you how to properly use the theoretical knowledge you have gained.

Use our list of Kansas schools below to start the path to a criminal justice master’s degree in Kansas.