Looking for a Master's Degree in Criminal Justice in New York? You should consider these top-tier graduate programs and jobs in the Criminal Justice field.
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Earing one of the best degrees in New York for criminal justice is a smart move when seeking advancement. An individual with a master's degree can apply to diverse career opportunities, and graduates with a master’s degree can move into advanced roles within their field.
Furthermore, individuals with a master's degree typically earn $1,574 per week, and $6,296 per month. or $81,848 per year. Those who graduate from a master's program are more likely to be employed than those who hold a high school diploma.
Criminal Justice Master's Programs for You
Working and Living in New York in the Criminal Justice Profession
In the United States, a criminal justice degree is typically a four-year degree earned at a college or university. Common courses covered in a criminal justice degree program include topics such as the American legal system, criminal law, criminology, and corrections. Many criminal justice degree programs also offer internships or field placements as part of the degree, which can give students the opportunity to gain real-world experience in the field of criminal justice. There are a number of different jobs that those with criminal justice degrees can pursue. Some examples include working as a police officer, detective, probation officer, or lawyer. Many criminal justice graduates also go on to work in federal law enforcement agencies, such as the FBI or DEA. In addition to traditional lectures, many criminal justice courses also include small group discussions or seminars. This allows students to get to know their professors on a more personal level and to ask questions about the material covered in class.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for all occupations in New York is $48,800, or $23.46 per hour. This applies to the 8,669,050 workers in the state. The lowest 10% of earners in the state earn $29,220 a year, according to the BLS, while the highest 10% of earners earn $129,290 a year. A comparison of detectives' and criminal investigators' salaries is offered in the table below.
Key
Detectives and Criminal Investigators in New York
Detectives and Criminal Investigators Nationally
All Occupations in New York
All Occupations Nationally
Salaries for Detectives and Criminal Investigators in New York and Nationwide
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MERIC's cost of living index ranks New York number 48 out of 51 states (including Washington, D.C.). The cost of living index measures how much it costs for families to live in specific states. In the U.S., the average is calculated as 100, and all locations are either above (expensive) or below (cheaper). According to a 100-point scale, New York's cost of living index is 136.8, which is 36.8% higher than the national average. On the following page, you will find a comparison of the average cost of groceries, housing, utilities, etc. in New York and the U.S.
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Detectives and criminal investigators is expected to grow by 2.5% over the next decade. The BLS projects that the occupation's total employment will change from 112,500 in 2020 to 115,300 in 2030. Typically, the average education for these positions is a master's degree. There are a number of typical job titles that include:
Detectives and criminal investigators
Criminal Investigator
Deputy United States Marshal
FBI Investigator
Homicide Detective
Narcotics Detective
Narcotics Investigator
Police Detective
Master's Degrees in Criminal Justice in New York
#1 Master’s Degrees in Criminal Justice in New York
John Jay College of Criminal Justice
New York, NY
4 years
Online + Campus
From its campus in New York City, John Jay College of Criminal Justice offers an online master's in criminal justice. Graduates prepare for advanced roles in the field during the rigorous program. A master's degree also helps candidates pursue new career paths.
The master's curriculum explores theoretical and practical perspectives in the criminal justice field. Learners take electives and other specialized courses to gain career-specific training. The master's program recommends that applicants bring a background in criminal justice or a related field.
Online enrollees add to their resume by pursuing internship opportunities at approved locations in their local area. Those who attend class on campus can enjoy the common amenities and facilities available at most institutions, such as the library and gym. The program encourages professional development activities, including networking events, so graduate students can expand their professional connections.
John Jay College of Criminal Justice at a Glance:
Type of School: Public, four-year
Admission Rate: 37%
Program Name: Master's in criminal justice
Graduate Tuition In State: $11,090
Graduate Tuition Out of State: $20,520
Average Tuition
In-state
$6,930
Out-of-state
$14,880
Retention Rate
83%
Admission Rate
37%
Students Enrolled
15,766
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
100%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
#2 Master’s Degrees in Criminal Justice in New York
SUNY at Albany
Albany, NY
4 years
Online + Campus
From its campus in New York, SUNY at Albany offers an online master's in criminal justice. Graduates train for leadership roles in the field while earning their degree from the program. With a master's degree, candidates advance their current career or more into new career paths.
The master's curriculum explores advanced methodologies and research in criminal justice. Learners often choose a specialized concentration, which can help them stand out in a competitive job market. The master's program recommends a background in criminal justice before applying.
Online enrollees work with the program to find internship opportunities in their local area. Students who attend on campus can access the library and gym, as well as other amenities and facilities available at most institutions. Graduate students expand their professional connections by attending virtual networking events.
SUNY at Albany at a Glance:
Type of School: Public, four-year
Admission Rate: 57%
Program Name: Master of arts in criminal justice
Graduate Tuition In State: $11,310
Graduate Tuition Out of State: $23,100
Average Tuition
In-state
$7,070
Out-of-state
$24,660
Retention Rate
83%
Admission Rate
57%
Students Enrolled
17,688
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
94%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
#3 Master’s Degrees in Criminal Justice in New York
Excelsior College
Albany, NY
4 years
Online
Located in Albany, New York, Excelsior College offers an online master's in criminal justice. The program emphasizes industry-relevant knowledge and skills, preparing graduates for decision-making responsibilities. With a master's degree, candidates advance their current career or move into new career paths.
The master's curriculum examines theoretical and practical perspectives on criminal justice. Learners choose electives or a specialization to gain focused career training. Applicants with prior experience in criminal justice or a related field often meet the admission requirements.
Online enrollees work with the program to find internship opportunities in their local area. Common facilities and services offered at most universities, like the library and gymnasium, are accessible to students living on campus. Graduate students also participate in networking events to expand their professional connections.
Excelsior College at a Glance:
Type of School: Private, nonprofit, four-year
Total Online Master's Programs: 27
Program Name: Master of arts in criminal justice
Average Tuition
In-state
Not provided
Out-of-state
Not provided
Retention Rate
Not provided
Admission Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
21,974
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
Not provided
Accreditation
Yes
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
#4 Master’s Degrees in Criminal Justice in New York
Molloy College
Rockville Centre, NY
4 years
Online + Campus
From its campus in Rockville Centre, New York, Molloy College offers an online master's in criminal justice. Graduates train for leadership roles in the field while earning their master's degree from the program. After completing a master's degree, candidates pursue career advancement in their current field or a new one.
The master's curriculum emphasizes both practical and theoretical approaches to criminal justice. Learners focus the program with electives or a concentration. Applicants without a degree in criminal justice or a related field may need to meet prerequisite requirements to enroll in the program.
Online enrollees participate in internship programs at approved locations in their area. Common facilities and services offered at most universities, like the library and gymnasium, are accessible to students living on campus. Graduate students grow their professional connections through internships and virtual networking events.
Molloy College at a Glance:
Type of School: Private, nonprofit, four-year
Admission Rate: 74%
Total Online Master's Programs: 4
Program Name: Master's in criminal justice
Graduate Tuition In State: $21,510
Graduate Tuition Out of State: $21,510
Average Tuition
In-state
$31,330
Out-of-state
$31,330
Retention Rate
88%
Admission Rate
74%
Students Enrolled
5,115
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
96%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
#5 Master’s Degrees in Criminal Justice in New York
St. John's University
Queens, NY
4 years
Online + Campus
St. John's University, located in Queens, enrolls master's students in its online criminal justice program. Graduates train for leadership roles in the field while earning their degree from the criminology and justice program. After completing a master's degree, candidates pursue career advancement in their current field or a new one.
The master's curriculum covers methodological and research perspectives on criminal justice. Learners take electives and other specialized courses to gain career-specific training. Applicants without a degree in criminal justice or a related field may need to meet prerequisite requirements to enroll in the program.
Online enrollees coordinate with the program to complete internships at approved sites in their local area. The common facilities and services offered at most universities, such as the library and gym, are accessible to students who live on campus. Graduate students grow their professional connections through internships and virtual networking events.
St. John's University at a Glance:
Type of School: Private, nonprofit, four-year
Admission Rate: 75%
Program Name: Criminology and justice, master of arts
Graduate Tuition In State: $29,816
Graduate Tuition Out of State: $29,816
Average Tuition
In-state
$42,530
Out-of-state
$42,530
Retention Rate
83%
Admission Rate
75%
Students Enrolled
20,143
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
70%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Financing a Master's Degree in Criminal Justice
Financial aid can help you pay for college. The awards can be in the form of scholarships, grants, fellowships, or work-study programs. Some students also pay for their degrees with federal and private student loans. You may be able to find out if the colleges you are interested in offer scholarships or grants by reviewing their websites.
Checklist for Maximizing Your Financial Aid:
Obtain a FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) to pursue federal aid.
For scholarship and grant opportunities, students should contact the financial aid department.
Average Cost of Attending College in New York
In New York, tuition and other costs will vary based on the institution. In spite of this, there are some commonalities between public and private institutions. For more information on attending a public institution, please take a moment to review the information below.
Public 4-Year School Tuition Rates: New York vs. National Average
Key
New York
National Average
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Have you ever considered attending a private university? Generally, private colleges charge more. Here is information about attending a private college in New York.
Private 4-Year School Tuition Rates: New York vs. National Average
Key
New York
National Average
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Federal Student Loan Information
Are you considering borrowing student loans to pay for your degree? You should take certain things into consideration before taking out a loan.
In order to successfully repay the loan on time, you must ensure that you will be able to pay all the payments.
You should consider whether earning a degree from a particular school is going to help you in your career goals.
In order to avoid undue hardship once you have entered the workforce, it is crucial that you understand the type of repayment schedule that will apply to your loan.
Take a look at the following data to determine what students typically borrow:
Undergraduate Federal Loans
Demographic
Percent who borrowed
Amount borrowed
Total
66.6%
$27,400
Female
69.6%
$28,100
Male
62.5%
$26,500
White, not Hispanic or Latino
66.1%
$26,700
Black, not Hispanic or Latino
85.7%
$34,800
Hispanic or Latino/a, of any race
67.7%
$25,700
Asian, not Hispanic or Latino
43%
$22,700
Other or Two or more races,
not Hispanic or Latino
The cost and size of the class are two of the main differences between an online degree and a degree on campus. There are advantages to studying online, as it’s flexible, affordable, and convenient. The cost of an on-campus degree is typically higher due to student fees. Even so, there are advantages to attending classes on a regular basis.
Top Criminal Justice Degree Options Available by State
There are a number of differences that exist among both public and private institutions. Private schools tend to charge more in tuition than public schools, for example. For students at public universities, grants and scholarships are often used to cover costs and fees. In private schools, merit scholarships are typically available to those with superior academic performance.
In private colleges, students are able to have more personal interaction with faculty. The following are some of the pros and cons associated with attending a public institution as opposed to a private one.
Pros and Cons
Private
Unique program offerings
Cultural or religious options
Local prestige
Higher costs
Less regulatory oversight
Public
Government-issued tuition costs
Government funding, benefits, and regulation
Oftentimes large classrooms
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the wage for detectives and criminal investigators in New York?
The mean annual salary for detectives and criminal investigators in New York is $107,990.
In general, are criminal justice graduates in high demand?
The total number of detectives and criminal investigators is expected to change by 2.5% from 2020 to 2030.
Can I study for a master's in criminal justice online?
A master's degree in criminal justice is a great way to prepare for the workforce. In today's environment, most schools offer some type of online program.
For a full-time student, how long does it take to complete a master's degree?
Typically, a master's degree takes two years for a full-time student to complete. Students who study part-time will take longer to complete the program, and completion times will vary.
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