Earn Your Online Criminal Justice Degree. Serve Your Community.

Cops put their lives on the line every day.

As a law enforcement professional, nobody needs to tell you that, although you’ve probably heard it a number of times during your career.

But what does it really mean? It means the decisions you make every day can have life-or-death ramifications for yourself and others.

Everyone wants law enforcement officers to make good decisions. The Master of Criminal Justice program, through Anderson University’s Command College of South Carolina, gives you the tools and training you need to advance your career and make those crucial decisions with confidence.

To enroll in the Master of Criminal Justice program, you must have at least five years of law enforcement experience. This leadership program is specifically designed to prepare you to move up to middle management or senior executive positions within criminal justice entities ranging from police departments to state and federal law enforcement to corrections facilities.

What sets Anderson University apart is our commitment to Christian values, particularly as it relates to serving others. We’ll show you how you can benefit your community and its citizens through your role in law enforcement.

Coursework: some online, some in class

The Master of Criminal Justice program is a “hybrid.” You will take online coursework as well as spend two days each month meeting at the Anderson University Center of Excellence, which also houses the Anderson County Emergency Operations Center. You will take nine, four-credit courses (36 credit hours) over 20 months: two classes per spring and fall semester and one class during summer session.

All your coursework is focused on best practices and will have a direct, practical application in your day-to-day work and career aspirations. You will study:

• The latest research methods
• The role of law enforcement within the broader criminal justice system
• The roles and responsibilities of executive-level leaders
• How to navigate today’s diverse workplace
• Strategic and tactical planning that can be applied to actual challenges you face on a daily basis
• How to respond to the unique responsibilities law enforcement officials face from the news media

All courses require one or more written research projects or papers. Time demands will vary based on your academic background. Be assured that you will get out of it what you put into it.

Anderson University understands the unique requirements of your profession. The pace to complete the degree is flexible: you may take a semester off, if necessary.

Dedicated to your success

There is a new cohort of 10-20 students who enter the program each fall – your colleagues in law enforcement. You will have ample opportunity to collaborate and network with this diverse group of achievement-oriented professionals. The Master of Criminal Justice program encourages an integrated approach to law enforcement, with local, state and federal agencies working together across jurisdictional borders.

Likewise, the School of Criminal Justice faculty at AU is drawn from local/federal law enforcement, solicitor’s offices and the military. They provide the personal mentoring that AU is known for and are dedicated to developing the next generation of law enforcement leaders. We are also proud that the Command College of South Carolina is recognized by the South Carolina Sheriffs’ Association and South Carolina Police Chiefs Association.

Tuition and fees

Total costs for the Master of Criminal Justice program at Anderson University are $18,000 and include books and supplies. Many law enforcement agencies are able to provide financial support by applying drug forfeiture funds toward your education and training. Please check with your department for details.

Your future

You can put your Master of Criminal Justice degree to use in a number of jobs: assistant chief or chief of police, manager in a state or federal law enforcement agency, a leadership position at a corrections facility or probation/parole office, or in private security. Some participants intend to seek election as sheriff. Others anticipate a post-retirement career as a criminal justice instructor or consultant.