The online experience
If you've never taken an online course, you might be asking yourself how you can be assured it's a quality educational experience.
While you may not see your teacher and fellow students in
a classroom every other day, you actually may 
have more
interaction with them than you would in a face-to-face class.
That's because online students often have greater access to their
instructors and other students through frequent e-mail, chat
rooms and highly intensive discussion boards.
Equally important, online learning engages all students in a class. Every student participates in discussions, not just those who are outspoken.
Online teaching and learning is one of the most exciting advancements in education. We encourage you to try a demo course to see if it is a good fit for you. We think you will discover what more than 12,000 students at Columbia College have discovered—an ideal way to earn a quality, accredited degree while you continue working, meet family obligations or travel for work or the military.
Learn more about how online learning works.
Credentialed faculty
Our online instructors are practicing professionals who have real-world experience and at least a masters degree in their fields of study. They also undergo the same credentialing process as our full-time on-campus faculty and receive intensive training for teaching in an online environment.
Areas of specialization among our criminal justice faculty include police practices and procedures, criminal investigations, organizational theory, criminal law, corrections and more.
Online or on campus
If you live near one of our Nationwide Campuses across the country that offer an on-campus MSCJ program, you have the option of taking MSCJ classes online and on campus. This provides you with even greater flexibility.
Online library resources
As an online student, you'll have access to databases, articles, catalogs, books, journals, reference materials, newspapers, legal publications, tutorials and much more. Everything you need to be a successful MSCJ student will be right at your fingertips. Research help also is available by phone or e-mail.
Four foundational areas
The online MSCJ is designed primarily for practitioners in the field of criminal justice who are interested in enhancing their administrative skills. Now you can choose from two new emphasis areas. The Law Enforcement emphasis area is ideal if you see yourself managing or directing a criminal justice agency such as a police or sheriff department, law enforcement division or unit, or private protective service. Or choose the Corrections Administration emphasis area to prepare to manage facilities and programs for housing and rehabilitating prisoners in the public or private sector. The program also is designed to meet the analytical and theoretical needs of students who will continue with doctoral or law studies.
The degree emphasizes four foundational areas: trends in criminal justice, policy development and analysis, research design and ethics in criminal justice.
MSCJ career opportunities
With an Master of Science in Criminal Justice Administration, you can advance in such fields as security management, probation and court services, forensic psychology, homeland security, justice administration, corrections, crime analysis and prevention, crime and deliquency, human services, global issues, law, executive management, and public safety.
Learn more
We invite you to learn more about the online MSCJ at Columbia College. You can access information and receive services online, or if you live near one of our 32 campuses, feel free to contact that campus directly. Our local campuses provide:
- Personal attention when reviewing applications
- Free face-to-face advising appointments, along with financial aid and scholarship information
- Access to computer labs and other student services
- A convenient place to pick up student loan or financial aid checks
If you do not live near one of our Nationwide Campuses, please contact the Online Campus at onlinecampus@ccis.edu or call (800) 231-2391, ext. 7246.