Master’s in Criminal Justice Programs in Nebraska

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

Whether you are interested in a management job, a research career, or another aspect of this field, a master’s degree in criminal justice in Nebraska is the first step. Reach out to Nebraska criminal justice schools to learn more.

Criminal justice is not a field that can be quickly and easily summed up into one or two statistics. Rather, any growth or progress in this field is dependent on careful analysis and experience. As an example, Nebraska’s overall crime rate has decreased in recent years (Journal Star, 2015).

As part of the reform that is sweeping the nation, the Department of Correctional Services in Nebraska has developed and implemented a plan to strengthen the department and streamline its procedures (WOWT, 2015). These measures include better training for employees, the creation of an empowering work culture, and consistent treatment guidelines for prisoners.

As you learn about different criminal justice careers, you may discover that many graduate-level careers come with an increase in earning potential. Nebraska correctional officer supervisors earn an average of $47,220 per year, while criminal justice professors have an average salary of $69,350 (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2022).

Job growth in these fields is positive, with an expected steady demand for correctional supervision jobs through 2030 and an expected 13% increase in criminal justice teaching jobs (CareerOneStop, 2022).

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

To prepare for a career in the criminal justice industry, you must be able to confidently discuss and analyze various facets of this field. That’s why programs in Nebraska require you to complete between 36 and 42 credits. If you attend school year-round as a full-time student, you may be able to graduate in two or three years.

Each criminal justice master’s in Nebraska has its own experience requirements. Some schools require an internship, while others are based on an end-of-program thesis. You may be able to bypass both of these with a graduation exam, although an internship or thesis may give you a chance to network.

Although tuition costs are an important part of managing your student debt, remember that graduate students have quite a few financial aid opportunities. On top of scholarships, you may be able to apply for a teaching assistantship or a research assistantship. These positions often come with heavily discounted tuition and a monthly stipend.

Several organizations in the state have scholarship programs, including the Police Officers Association of Nebraska. On average, tuition in Nebraska can range from $290 per credit hour to $830 per credit hour.

The curriculum for your Master of Science in criminal justice in Nebraska should cover many diverse learning goals and include many challenging courses. The courses below, which are commonly included in Nebraska programs, are designed to help you look at the field of criminal justice in a new light:

• Crime and Society
• Crime and Delinquency
• Juveniel Justice
• Advanced Criminal Law Case Analysis
• Capstone/Field Experience
• Research Methods
• Community Policing

Earning a master’s in criminal justice in Nebraska can open many professional doors for you. Start exploring your options now by contacting schools near you.