Executive Master’s in Criminal Justice

Where Professional Experience Meets Academic Exellence to Create Tomorrow’s
Criminal Justice Leaders

Rutgers University’s School of Criminal Justice is now offering an Executive MA Track in Criminal Justice. Designed exclusively for experienced criminal justice professionals, this program empowers mid-career and senior practitioners to parlay their expertise into transformational leadership. Whether you’re a police sergeant seeking a promotion, a corrections officer advancing to administration, or a policy analyst shaping justice reform, this program bridges the gap between field experience and executive decision-making.

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WHY RUTGERS SCHOOL OF CRIMINAL JUSTICE?


The School of Criminal Justice at Rutgers University-Newark was founded in 1974 by an act of the New Jersey Legislature. With a legacy of over 50 years of experience in preparing leaders in the field, we are committed to excellence in teaching and innovation.

The school boasts an array of faculty and lecturers spanning the top scholars and practitioner leaders in the field. From expertise in policing and financial crime to corrections and prison reentry, US News & World Report consistently ranks the school among the top 10 graduate programs nationally.

WHY CHOOSE AN EXECUTIVE MA IN CRIMINAL JUSTICE?

This program will equip you with skills and credentials to shape meaningful policies and drive innovation. The coursework is designed to position graduates to become leaders and agents of change within government, non-profit, and private organizations.

FLEXIBILITY FOR WORKING PROFESSIONALS

All classes are offered online. Our flexible format respects your commitment to advancing public safety and justice.

NETWORKING OPPORTUNITIES
AND DYNAMIC WORKSHOPS

Twice each semester, join fellow classmates for dynamic in-person workshops that bring subject matter experts to your doorstep. These sessions offer an opportunity for students to engage with faculty, hear from internationally recognized speakers, and network with fellow classmates.

DESIGNED FOR REAL-WORLD RELEVANCE

Courses are designed to equip students to address challenges faced in real-world criminal justice settings. We recognize that you bring invaluable field knowledge and experience into the classroom.

WORLD CLASS FACULTY
AND EXPERT PRACTITIONERS

Our faculty are world-renowned, and our practitioners are recognized both nationally and globally.

WHAT ARE THE ADMISSION CRITERIA?

To be considered for admission, applicants are required to have:

  • At least 3 years of full-time professional experience in a criminal justice-related organization or agency
  • An undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher; others will be considered on a case-by-case basis

And submit the following:

  • A transcript showing the completion of a BA or BS degree
  • 2 letters of recommendation (one from a supervisor)
  • Resume highlighting education, training, and professional experience
  • An essay on a criminal justice issue
  • Personal statement on
    • Why you are you applying to the program,
    • How have your professional experiences led you to pursue this field of study,
    • What you hope to learn, and
    • How you will apply the knowledge you gained professionally
  • To apply, submit your application HERE

HOW ARE THE COURSES DELIVERED?

Designed for working professionals, our courses are delivered online with two in-person workshops each semester.

Students must successfully complete 10 courses (totaling 30 credits), including

4 Core Courses

  • Data Analysis and Management
  • Research and Evaluation
  • Justice, Law and Policy
  • Master’s Project Seminar

3 Required Track Courses

  • Management and Leadership in CJ
  • Human Capital Management & Organizational Change
  • Budgeting and Financial Management in CJ Institutions

3 SCJ Electives

  • Spanning topics ranging from financial crime to homeland security to community engagement

Completion in five semesters (20 months) is possible with part-time summer enrollment.

WHAT WILL IT COST?

An up-to-date table of tuition and fees can be found HERE (please refer to the part-time students section if you are planning to take two courses per semester).

We will also offer merit-based scholarships to a select number of applicants who meet the initial 2026 application deadline.

Please refer to your institution’s website for information on financial support programs offered by your employer.

QUESTIONS? CONTACT US

Rutgers School of Criminal Justice
123 Washington St., Newark, NJ, 07102

For enrollment-related inquiries, please contact Jimmy Camacho, Assistant Dean of Graduate Programs and Enrollment Services

Email: jimmyca@scj.rutgers.edu

For curriculum-related inquiries, please contact Nusret Sahin, Director of Executive Master’s Program

Email: nsahin@scj.rutgers.edu