Master of Science in Criminal Justice Administration

LEARN BY DOING WITH SKILLS-BASED LEARNING

Through a close-knit learning community, personalized faculty mentorship, and a leadership-focused curriculum, you'll develop the knowledge, strategic perspective, and professional confidence to make a meaningful impact within your organization and the communities you serve. You'll learn from experienced criminal justice professionals and accomplished faculty who connect theory to practice through real-world case studies, applied research, collaborative discussions, and leadership-focused assignments. Rather than simply studying criminal justice administration, you'll apply what you learn to the kinds of organizational and community challenges today's public safety leaders face. 

Build a strong legal foundation 

• Examine constitutional law, civil rights, and administrative procedures that shape modern criminal justice organizations.  

Develop ethical and effective leadership 

• Strengthen your leadership philosophy while learning to communicate effectively with colleagues, stakeholders, and the public.  

Lead organizations with confidence 

• Explore public administration, organizational management, and evidence-based decision-making to improve agency performance.  

Apply research to real-world challenges 

• Conduct practical research, analyze complex issues, and develop solutions that address challenges facing today's criminal justice profession.  

Demonstrate your expertise 

• Complete a faculty-guided professional paper that integrates your learning and showcases your ability to solve real organizational problems.  

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Who is the Master of Science in Criminal Justice Administration program designed for? 

A: HPU's MSCJA program is designed for current and aspiring professionals in law enforcement, corrections, military service, public safety, emergency management, government, and related fields who want to strengthen their leadership skills and prepare for greater professional responsibility. The program also welcomes recent graduates seeking to build a strong foundation for careers in criminal justice administration. 

Q: Can I complete the program while working full-time? 

A: Yes. The MSCJA program is offered fully online and in a hybrid format, providing flexibility for working professionals. Courses are delivered in convenient eight-week terms, allowing many students to balance graduate education with full-time employment, family, and other commitments. 

Q: How long does it take to complete the program? 

A: Students who enroll in two courses during each of the six eight-week terms can complete the degree in as little as one year. Students who need additional flexibility may work with their academic advisor to develop a schedule that aligns with their personal and professional goals. 

Q: What leadership skills will I develop? 

A: Throughout the program, you'll develop graduate-level skills in organizational leadership, ethical decision-making, strategic communication, policy analysis, public administration, research, and evidence-based decision-making. These competencies are designed to help prepare you for leadership responsibilities across a variety of criminal justice and public service organizations. 

Q: What makes HPU's Criminal Justice Administration program different? 

A: HPU combines a leadership-focused curriculum with small class sizes, personalized faculty support, and a collaborative learning environment. Students learn from experienced professionals and academics while applying classroom concepts to real-world criminal justice challenges through case studies, research, and practical assignments. 

Q: Will this degree help prepare me for management or leadership roles? 

A: The MSCJA curriculum is designed to develop the knowledge and leadership competencies that organizations often value in supervisors, managers, and administrators. While career advancement depends on many factors, the program prepares graduates with the administrative, analytical, and leadership skills needed for increased professional responsibility. 

Q: What will I learn throughout the program? 

A: The curriculum progresses from foundational topics such as constitutional law, civil rights, and ethics to organizational leadership, public administration, statistical analysis, applied research, and a faculty-guided professional paper. Each term builds on the previous one, creating a structured pathway toward advanced leadership and problem-solving skills. 

Q: Who teaches in the MSCJA program? 

A: Courses are taught by experienced criminal justice professionals and accomplished faculty who bring both academic expertise and real-world perspective into the classroom. Their practical experience helps students connect theory with the challenges facing today's criminal justice organizations. 

Q: Is the program suitable for military members and veterans? 

A: Yes. HPU has a long history of serving military-affiliated students, and the MSCJA program's flexible online and hybrid formats make it well suited for active-duty service members, reservists, veterans, and military spouses pursuing graduate education while managing professional responsibilities. 

Q: What can I do with a Master of Science in Criminal Justice Administration? 

A: Graduates may pursue or strengthen careers in law enforcement, corrections, public safety, military organizations, government agencies, emergency management, investigations, and private security. The program prepares students with leadership, administrative, and analytical skills that are applicable across a broad range of criminal justice and public service careers.