Looking for a Master's Degree in Criminal Justice in North Carolina? You should consider these top-tier graduate programs and jobs in Criminal Justice.
Credit: Kruck20 | iStock | Getty Images Plus
TheBestSchools.org is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.
Are you ready to discover your college program?
Credit: Kruck20 | iStock | Getty Images Plus
Master's Degrees in Criminal Justice in North Carolina
The best degrees in North Carolina for criminal justice can lead to better career prospects. With a master's degree, graduates can pursue diverse careers. Earning a master's degree can open doors for employment in the field of your choice.
Master's degree-holders earn an average of about $1,574 per week.
Criminal Justice Master's Programs for You
Working and Living in North Carolina in the Criminal Justice Profession
A criminal justice degree can be obtained at many colleges and universities across the United States. The coursework for a criminal justice program can vary, but there are some common courses that are often included in these programs. These courses may include introduction to criminal justice, criminal law, criminology, corrections, and police procedures. Many criminal justice programs also require students to complete an internship or fieldwork experience. There are many different jobs that are available for those with a criminal justice degree. Some of these jobs include working as a police officer, detective, probation officer, and corrections officer.
The median salary in North Carolina is $38,370 per year or $18.45 per hour. This number includes a total of 4,422,020 employees in North Carolina. The lowest 10% of earners in the state take home about $22,360, while the highest 10% of earners make around $99,300, according to the BLS. The following lists the average earnings for detectives and criminal investigators in North Carolina.
Key
Detectives and Criminal Investigators in North Carolina
Detectives and Criminal Investigators Nationally
All Occupations in North Carolina
All Occupations Nationally
Salaries for Detectives and Criminal Investigators in North Carolina and Nationwide
Chart
Bar chart with 5 bars.
The chart has 1 X axis displaying
salary types.
The chart has 1 Y axis displaying annual salaries in USD.
End of interactive chart.
Among 51 states (including Washington, D.C.), North Carolina ranks number 23 on the cost of living index. Typically, cost of living indexes measure the average cost of living in specific states compared to the national average. Assuming that the U.S. average is 100, all locations in the U.S. are either above (more expensive) or below (less expensive). According to a 100-point scale, North Carolina's cost of living index is 95, which is -5% lower than the national average. See how your cost of living will change if you move to North Carolina.
Chart
Bar chart with 5 bars.
The chart has 1 X axis displaying.
The chart has 1 Y axis displaying values.
End of interactive chart.
During the next decade, the number of detectives and criminal investigators is projected to grow by 2.5%. The BLS projects a change in employment from 112,500 in 2020 to 115,300 in 2030. These positions typically require a high school diploma or equivalent for entry-level positions. Typical job titles 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 North Carolina
#1 Master’s Degrees in Criminal Justice in North Carolina
University of North Carolina at Charlotte
Charlotte, NC
4 years
Online + Campus
The University of North Carolina at Charlotte offers an online master's in criminal justice. The program emphasizes industry-relevant knowledge and skills, preparing graduates for decision-making responsibilities. A master's degree helps candidates advance in their current field or pursue a new career path.
The master's curriculum emphasizes both practical and theoretical approaches to criminal justice. Learners prepare for the job market by choosing a specialty through electives. The admission requirements include a background in criminal justice or a related field.
Online enrollees work with the program to identify internship opportunities at approved sites in their local communities. On-campus students benefit from the library and gym facilities provided by many institutions. The criminal justice program encourages graduate students to expand their professional connections through internships and networking events.
University of North Carolina at Charlotte at a Glance:
Type of School: Public, four-year
Admission Rate: 80%
Total Online Master's Programs: 8
Program Name: Criminal justice, MS
Graduate Tuition In State: $4,337
Graduate Tuition Out of State: $17,771
Average Tuition
In-state
$3,812
Out-of-state
$17,246
Retention Rate
85%
Admission Rate
80%
Students Enrolled
30,146
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
93%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#2 Master’s Degrees in Criminal Justice in North Carolina
East Carolina University
Greenville, NC
4 years
Online + Campus
East Carolina University, located in Greenville, offers a flexible online master's in criminal justice. The program encourages career training throughout its curriculum, preparing graduates for leadership positions. A master's degree can also lead candidates to new career paths.
The master's curriculum emphasizes current research in criminal justice. Learners focus the program with electives or a concentration. Applicants who majored in criminal justice or a related field typically meet the admission requirements.
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 also participate in networking events to expand their professional connections.
East Carolina University at a Glance:
Type of School: Public, four-year
Admission Rate: 88%
Total Online Master's Programs: 47
Program Name: Online master's in criminal justice
Graduate Tuition In State: $4,749
Graduate Tuition Out of State: $17,898
Average Tuition
In-state
$4,452
Out-of-state
$20,729
Retention Rate
83%
Admission Rate
88%
Students Enrolled
28,798
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
93%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#3 Master’s Degrees in Criminal Justice in North Carolina
Barton College
Wilson, NC
4 years
Online + Campus
Located in Wilson, North Carolina, Barton College offers an online master's in criminal justice. Graduates prepare for advanced roles in the field during the rigorous program. After completing a master's degree, candidates pursue career advancement in their current field or a new one.
The master's curriculum covers theoretical and practical approaches to criminal justice. Learners choose electives or a specialization to gain focused career training. Applicants who majored in criminal justice or a related field typically meet the admission requirements.
Online enrollees add to their resume by pursuing internship opportunities at approved locations in their area. Many institutions provide libraries and fitness centers for use by students living on campus. The program encourages graduate students to expand their professional connections through internships and networking events.
Barton College at a Glance:
Type of School: Private, nonprofit, four-year
Admission Rate: 42%
Total Online Master's Programs: 1
Program Name: Master of science in criminal justice
Graduate Tuition In State: $10,238
Graduate Tuition Out of State: $10,238
Average Tuition
In-state
$32,590
Out-of-state
$32,590
Retention Rate
70%
Admission Rate
42%
Students Enrolled
1,177
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
77%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#4 Master’s Degrees in Criminal Justice in North Carolina
North Carolina Wesleyan College
Rocky Mount, NC
4 years
Online + Campus
North Carolina Wesleyan College, located in Rocky Mount, offers a flexible online master's in criminal justice. Graduates prepare for advanced roles in the field during the rigorous program. Earning a master's degree helps candidates move into a new career path or advance in their current field.
The master's curriculum emphasizes theory and practice in criminal justice. Learners often choose a specialized concentration, which can help them stand out in a competitive job market. Applicants who majored in criminal justice or a related field typically meet the admission requirements.
Online enrollees complete internship requirements at approved sites in their own community. Those who attend on campus can enjoy the common amenities and facilities available at most institutions, such as the library and gym. The program encourages graduate students to attend networking events to expand their professional connections.
North Carolina Wesleyan College at a Glance:
Type of School: Private, nonprofit, four-year
Admission Rate: 48%
Total Online Master's Programs: 2
Program Name: Master of science in criminal justice
Graduate Tuition In State: $17,820
Graduate Tuition Out of State: $17,820
Average Tuition
In-state
$32,400
Out-of-state
$32,400
Retention Rate
66%
Admission Rate
48%
Students Enrolled
1,720
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
43%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#5 Master’s Degrees in Criminal Justice in North Carolina
Fayetteville State University
Fayetteville, NC
4 years
Online + Campus
The online master's in criminal justice degree at Fayetteville State University, located in North Carolina, prioritizes flexibility. The program emphasizes specialized skills, preparing graduates for increased responsibilities and a higher earning potential. A master's degree helps candidates advance in their current field or pursue a new career path.
The master's curriculum emphasizes the best practices in criminal justice. Learners take electives and other specialized courses to gain career-specific training. Applicants without a criminal justice background may need to complete prerequisite courses to enroll in the program.
Online enrollees complete internship requirements at approved sites in their own community. The common facilities and services offered at most universities, such as the library and gym, are accessible to students who live on campus. The program encourages graduate students to participate in hands-on experiences and networking events to grow their professional connections.
Fayetteville State University at a Glance:
Type of School: Public, four-year
Admission Rate: 79%
Total Online Master's Programs: 7
Program Name: Criminal justice (MS)
Graduate Tuition In State: $3,438
Graduate Tuition Out of State: $14,503
Average Tuition
In-state
$2,982
Out-of-state
$14,590
Retention Rate
66%
Admission Rate
79%
Students Enrolled
6,726
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
91%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Financing a Master's Degree in Criminal Justice
College can be financed in many ways through financial aid. Opportunities for financial aid include scholarships and fellowships. Some students may also qualify for federal and private student loans. In order to succeed in your research, you should ensure that the colleges you are interested in offer their own scholarships.
For scholarship and grant opportunities, students should contact the school's financial aid department.
Average Cost of Attending College in North Carolina
There is a wide variation in the cost of education in North Carolina. There are some similarities that exist among institutions of both the public and the private sectors. You can determine whether or not attending a public institution is the right choice by reviewing the information below.
Public 4-Year School Tuition Rates: North Carolina vs. National Average
Key
North Carolina
National Average
Chart
Bar chart with 5 bars.
The chart has 1 X axis displaying
salary types.
The chart has 1 Y axis displaying annual salaries in USD.
End of interactive chart.
How does a private college compare to a public college in terms of cost? In private colleges, tuition is usually higher. Check out the following graph to learn more about the private colleges in North Carolina:
Private 4-Year School Tuition Rates: North Carolina vs. National Average
Key
North Carolina
National Average
Chart
Bar chart with 5 bars.
The chart has 1 X axis displaying
salary types.
The chart has 1 Y axis displaying annual salaries in USD.
End of interactive chart.
Federal Student Loan Information
In order to fund your education, have you considered applying for student loans? There are a few things you should keep in mind when considering taking out a loan.
Ensure that you can make all payments on time and repay the loan when it becomes due.
You should consider whether a degree from your chosen school will advance your career goals.
In order to avoid financial hardship once you enter the workforce, it is crucial that you understand the type of repayment schedule that will apply.
For more information on what students typically borrow, please review the data below.
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 main differences between online and on-campus programs include the amount of money that you pay and the class size. Online programs offer many benefits, including flexibility, affordability, and convenience. As a result of the student fees of on-campus degrees, which are optional for distance learners, the cost of on-campus degrees is typically higher. Attending classes has, however, certain advantages.
Top Criminal Justice Degree Options Available by State
The distinctions between public and private colleges are plenty. There are several factors that will determine how much it will cost for you to attend either a public or private school. At public institutions, costs are set by the government and therefore covered by state-funded grants and scholarships. There are often merit scholarships to help with the cost of attending a private college.
Oftentimes, private universities feature smaller class sizes. This is beneficial for students who want more one-on-one time with professors. Listed below are some benefits and drawbacks of attending a private institution versus a public 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 North Carolina?
Detectives and criminal investigators make a mean annual wage of $66,030 in North Carolina.
Are criminal justice majors in high demand or not?
The total number of detectives and criminal investigators is projected to change by 2.5% from 2020 to 2030.
Can you get an online master's degree in criminal justice?
There are many options for earning an online master's degree in criminal justice. In today's educational environment, most schools offer some form of online education.
For those who wish to complete a master's degree, how long does it take?
For a full-time student, completing a master's degree normally takes two years. The completion time will vary for part-time students, and the process will take longer to complete.
Popular with our students.
Highly informative resources to keep your education journey on track.
Take the next step toward your future with online learning.
Discover schools with the programs and courses you’re interested in, and start learning today.
