Criminal Justice

100% Online Masters of Arts Degree

ETSU Online

Prepare to Succeed 

The Criminal Justice and Criminology, M.A., is designed to enhance student understanding of crime and societal reaction to crime. It prepares the student for advancement in criminal justice professions, teaching at the community college level, and study at the doctoral level.

The program is designed to provide current practitioners and those seeking to enter the field with the skills and knowledge to understand, develop, and implement strategies through applied coursework and mentorship by experienced and supportive faculty. The program is also designed with the needs of working professionals and those seeking to enter the field who are unable (due to geography or other commitments) to attend classes in a campus setting. 

Relevant Coursework

The field of criminal justice is increasingly reliant on innovative and data-driven strategies to address crime, its causes, and the treatment of offenders. All coursework is designed to prepare students to become Criminal Justice and Criminology leaders. The online option is modeled after this program and strives to provide students with the same high-quality education that on-campus students receive. ETSU's faculty are all full-time and have extensive experience in practice and teaching.

Program information including curriculum and graduation requirements can be found in the ETSU Graduate Catalog and on the Department of Criminal Justice and Criminology website.

For students wanting an in-person program, please visit the Criminal Justice program page.


Career Impact

Program graduates are employed in a variety of fields and occupations, ranging from federal law enforcement to community corrections. Many choose to continue their studies at the doctoral level and serve as professors at universities throughout the country. The department has extensive contacts with employers across the state and surrounding region and connects students with individuals currently working in the field(s) they desire to pursue.

  • Career Outlook and Income Trends

    ETSU has offered a graduate program in Criminal Justice & Criminology for nearly three decades, and graduates of the program have gone on to achieve great success in their chosen career fields. 

Complete Your Degree Online

The program is applied in focus, with all courses highlighting the tools and knowledge that you need to become leaders in fields such as policing, corrections, and legal services. It is structured so that students can complete coursework at a pace that works best for them, with both full-time and part-time options available.

Steps to Apply

  • Step 1 - Create your ETSU Application Account

    Step 1   Create your ETSU Application Account by choosing the "Sign Up" option

    Create your ETSU Application Account

  • Step 2 - Sign into the ETSU Application Portal

    Step 2  Sign into the ETSU Application Portal and select "Start a New Application"

    Sign in

  • Step 3 - Complete the Remaining Fields

    Step 3   Choose "Graduate," select your student type (domestic or international), select "Master's," term, then choose  Criminal Justice and complete the remainder of the form.

    select domestic/international

    select certificate

Apply Today! 

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Cost

Credits to complete this program: 36 credit hours

TN Residents

ERate (Out Of State, 100% Online)

Out Of State
$550 per credit hour $550 per credit hour $550 per credit hour

No additional fees are required and this tuition rate is guaranteed for a period of three years.  

*Please note that the $550 per hour rate is the final cost after tuition waivers have been applied to your account.  All admitted students will receive these waivers. Applicants should also be aware that recent changes to federal regulations require students to be registered to at least two courses (6 hours) per term in order to be eligible to receive federal financial aid (including direct student loans).  




The costs associated with attending ETSU can include both direct and indirect costs. Please review ETSU's Cost of Attendance for more details. 

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What accreditations apply to this program? 

    East Tennessee State University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award baccalaureate, master’s, education specialist, and doctoral degrees. East Tennessee State University also may offer credentials such as certificates and diplomas at approved degree levels. Questions about the accreditation of East Tennessee State University may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097, by calling (404) 679-4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC's website  (www.sacscoc.org).






  • Does a student's undergraduate degree have to be related to this field? 

    Students with an undergraduate degree in criminal justice, criminology, or justice administration will likely be more prepared initially. However, the department does not require a degree in these fields to be considered for admission. There are students from other backgrounds (ranging from Business Administration to English) in recent years, and virtually all have been successful.  

  • Does this program require the GRE?

    The GRE is not required for admission to the program.  Requirements are:

    • Completion of an undergraduate degree from an accredited college or university.
    • A cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher for all completed undergraduate coursework.
    • Three letters of recommendation from individuals (e.g., former professors, work supervisors) able to speak to your potential for graduate study.
    • A 3-5 page narrative statement discussing your academic/career experiences and reasons for pursuing a graduate degree.  

    Individuals not meeting the GPA requirements are still encouraged to apply, as each application is reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

  • Are the courses for this program asynchronous or synchronous? 

    All courses within the program are delivered in an asynchronous format. The program is 100% online.  Mandatory class meetings are not required and students are allowed to complete modules for each course at their own pace (as long as all work is completed by each module’s deadline).

  • Are there any on-campus requirements?

    There are no on-campus requirements for the program. The comprehensive examination (capstone project) and orientation sessions are also conducted virtually.

  • Does this program require a thesis? 

    Students enrolled in the online program are not required to complete a thesis project. Instead, they complete a comprehensive exam (typically during their last semester of study) that allows them to apply the knowledge gained in their courses. Internships are not required. However, it is highly recommend that those who are not currently working in the field attempt to pursue one (for course credit).  ETSU has relationships with agencies throughout the state and surrounding region to help facilitate these internships for those interested.

  • Is this program designed to meet the needs of adults who work full-time and/or have family obligations?

    The program is structured so students can effectively balance their education with work and family obligations. Classes are conducted online. Approximately 75% of our current students are pursuing a degree while working.

  • What is the time to completion?

    Full-time students typically complete the degree in four (4) semesters (approximately 20 months).  Those wishing to accelerate this timeline can choose to take summer courses and complete the degree in sixteen (16) months.

    Completion timelines for part-time students vary depending on the number of courses taken each academic term and whether they choose to take advantage of summer offerings. Most part-time students complete the degree within 3-4 years.

  • Is there a plan of study/course schedule for the full-time and part-time options available for review?

    Yes, please contact the Graduate Program Coordinator, Dr. Chris Rush, for example completion schedules: rushc@etsu.edu or (423) 439-5963.

  • When can I start?

    Students may enroll in either Fall or Spring academic terms.

  • Are scholarships available?

    There are not currently any available scholarships. However, ETSU has taken steps to make the degree as affordable as possible. The program has a unique tuition rate (currently $550 per credit hour), which allows students to complete all requirements for less than $20,000. In addition, all admitted students receive a locked tuition rate for three years, meaning that they are not impacted by any university-wide tuition rate increases. All textbooks are included within the tuition rate so that students can know their total all-in cost before beginning the program. Finally, the rate applies to all students regardless of residency status (i.e., tuition is not higher for individuals not residing in the state of Tennessee).

    Students are encouraged to visit the Paying for Graduate School website for information regarding financial resources.