Graduate Programs

Criminal Justice Expo
"I absolutely love this program. I have found my bearcat family within CECH. "

Rebekkah Gross Criminal Justice - Grduate P.h.D Program

About the Graduate Programs

UC’s Criminal Justice graduate programs teach you how crime happens, how the justice system works, and how to use research to solve real‑world problems. In the Master of Science in Criminal Justice, offered on campus or online, you’ll study key areas of the field and build skills that prepare you for career growth.

  • Learn how laws and justice systems work
  • Study policing, corrections, crime prevention, and criminal behavior
  • Build strong research and problem‑solving skills
  • Finish in about one year full‑time
  • Ideal for advancing in your current role or starting a new career in criminal justice

Hands-On Learning

Students can work on real research projects, study crime data, and connect with professionals in the field. These experiences help build skills employers look for.

Career Options

Graduates can pursue roles such as:

  • Police or sheriff’s department positions
  • Crime analyst
  • Probation or parole officer
  • Corrections staff
  • Policy or research roles
  • Community safety planning (Some jobs may require extra training or experience.)
Job Growth statistic for CJ
Job growth statistic CJ

Graduate Degree Programs

CECH Student at Spring Orientation

Criminal Justice

The Criminal Justice master’s program at the University of Cincinnati teaches you how crime and the justice system work by combining ideas from sociology, psychology, law, public administration, and criminal justice. You can also choose a focus area such as corrections, crime and law, or law enforcement to match your interests and career goals.

CECH Student at Spring Orientation

Criminal Justice Ph.D

The Criminal Justice master’s program at the University of Cincinnati teaches you how crime and the justice system work by combining ideas from sociology, psychology, law, public administration, and criminal justice. You can also choose a focus area such as corrections, crime and law, or law enforcement to match your interests and career goals.


Graduate Online Program

CECH Student at Spring Orientation

Criminal Justice Online

The Criminal Justice master’s program at the University of Cincinnati teaches you how crime and the justice system work by combining ideas from sociology, psychology, law, public administration, and criminal justice. You can also choose a focus area such as corrections, crime and law, or law enforcement to match your interests and career goals.


Graduate Certificates

On-Campus 

Police and Students talking at CJ Expo

Analysis of Criminal Behavior

The Analysis of Criminal Behavior graduate certificate teaches you why people commit crimes and how to study patterns in their behavior. You’ll learn key research and data skills, including topics like white‑collar crime, so you can better understand offender risks and needs.

Forensics Stock Photo

Correctional Rehabilitation

The Correctional Rehabilitation graduate certificate teaches you how to understand offender risks and needs and how to use evidence‑based programs to reduce reoffending. You’ll get hands‑on experience working with different corrections populations and learn the skills needed for settings like probation, parole, prisons, jails, and halfway houses.

Forensics Stock Photo

Crime Analysis and Prevention

The Crime Analysis and Prevention graduate certificate teaches you how to use technology, data, and crime‑reduction strategies to solve public safety problems. You’ll build strong analytical skills that help crime analysts, police officers, and public safety leaders make smart decisions based on crime patterns.

Online Options

Police and Students talking at CJ Expo

Analysis of Criminal Behavior Online

The Analysis of Criminal Behavior graduate certificate teaches you why people commit crimes and how to study patterns in their behavior. You’ll learn key research and data skills, including topics like white‑collar crime, so you can better understand offender risks and needs.

Forensics Stock Photo

Correctional Rehabilitation Online

The Correctional Rehabilitation graduate certificate teaches you how to understand offender risks and needs and how to use evidence‑based programs to reduce reoffending. You’ll get hands‑on experience working with different corrections populations and learn the skills needed for settings like probation, parole, prisons, jails, and halfway houses.

Forensics Stock Photo

Crime Analysis and Prevention Online

The Crime Analysis and Prevention graduate certificate teaches you how to use technology, data, and crime‑reduction strategies to solve public safety problems. You’ll build strong analytical skills that help crime analysts, police officers, and public safety leaders make smart decisions based on crime patterns.


Want More Information?

The University of Cincinnati has long been a leader in innovative, accessible education. In the School of Criminal Justice, that commitment continues through high‑quality, workforce‑ready programs that blend real‑world learning with the latest research and practice. Have questions? We’re here to help.