Master’s in Criminal Justice Programs in Missouri

Every year, the criminal justice system has to address new concerns and challenges. These needs change on a near-constant basis in response to new technology, crime waves, and influences from neighboring states. Working in Missouri requires a comprehensive understanding of Missouri crime laws, Midwestern crime trends, and factors that play into the administration of criminal justice.

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

If you have a Bachelor’s degree, a criminal justice master’s degree in Missouri may take your education and your career prospects to the next level. Reach out to criminal justice graduate programs in Missouri to learn more.

Featured Online Criminal Justice Programs

Experts predict that a huge amount of reform is headed to Missouri. One law that is currently working its way through the legislative system involves the rights of judges to comment on cases to the jury and specifically address the trustworthiness of eyewitness accounts (Missouri Lawyers Media, 2015).

A master’s degree in criminal justice in Missouri may allow you to apply for different jobs in law enforcement, corrections, and legal services.

CareerOneStop expects Missouri to add approximately 190 new probation officer jobs per year through 2030 (2022). This position pays an average salary of $42,190 per year (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2022).

The need for criminal justice professors may increase 14% through 2030 (CareerOneStop, 2022). Professors in this specialty report a median income of $79,830 per year (BLS, 2022).

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

Missouri is home to many universities and colleges that offer graduate study in the field of criminal justice. The degree you complete may determine the future of your career and the contacts you make while in school, so don’t rush your decision.

You may find specialty criminal justice programs in the following fields:

Criminology
Criminal justice administration
Public management
Public sociology
Justice and security

If you’re not sure which master’s in criminal justice in Missouri is best suited to your career goals, explore the curricula for each program. For example, a criminology degree often includes courses like Criminal Justice Policy, Crime Theory and Policy, Leadership and Management in Criminal Justice, Law Enforcement and Community, Correctional Theory and Practice, and Juvenile Justice. In this program, you may spend more time on the theory of crime and why people choose to commit crimes. Programs like public management and public sociology, on the other hand, may prepare you for nonprofit or government management positions.

Many students find that tuition tends to be a bit higher for graduate programs than for undergraduate programs. The reported range of tuition rates in Missouri goes from $760 per credit to $1900 per credit. You may qualify for a teaching assistantship or research assistantship if you have a strong history of academic performance. In addition, you can apply for scholarships through organizations like the Missouri Police Chiefs Association.

Earning a Master of Science in criminal justice in Missouri gives you insight that empowers you to think critically about criminal justice, develop effective solutions to industrywide programs, and protect the safety and rights of citizens.

Use our list of criminal justice schools below to contact programs that can help you create a fulfilling, meaningful career in criminal justice.