Looking for a Master's Degree in Criminal Justice in Washington? You should consider these top-tier graduate programs and jobs in the Criminal Justice field.
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Master's Degrees in Criminal Justice in Washington
If you are seeking the best degrees in Washington for criminal justice, then please review the rankings below. There are many opportunities to pursue a master's degree in a variety of fields. A master’s degree can open doors for employment in various fields.
Master's degree-holders earn an average of $6,296 per month and $81,848 a year. The rate of unemployment for those who graduate from a master's program is 2.6%, while the unemployment rate for those who hold a high school diploma is 6.2%.
Criminal Justice Master's Programs for You
Working and Living in Washington in the Criminal Justice Profession
A degree in criminal justice prepares students for careers as law enforcement officers, criminologists, and crime scene investigators. Students learn about the causes of crime and how to apply crime prevention measures. They also investigate crimes and work with police departments to help solve both local and national crimes. A criminal justice major gives students an understanding of various topics, including corrections, environmental criminology, and juvenile delinquency.
Washington's median annual salary is $50,450, or $24.25 per hour. This fact applies to all the 3,205,930 employees in the state. The BLS reports that the state's lowest 10% of earners bring in approximately $30,460, while the highest 10% make about $127,470. This table shows what detectives and criminal investigators make on a regular basis.
Key
Detectives and Criminal Investigators in Washington
Detectives and Criminal Investigators Nationally
All Occupations in Washington
All Occupations Nationally
Salaries for Detectives and Criminal Investigators in Washington and Nationwide
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Among 51 states (including Washington, D.C.), Washington ranks number 40 on the cost of living index. It measures the national average cost of living against specific states. According to the U.S. average, all locations are either above (more expensive) or below (less expensive) that average. Washington's cost of living is 113.9, which is 13.9% higher than the national average. Learners interested in relocating to Washington can use the cost of living comparison to determine the right fit for them.
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From 2020 to 2030, jobs for detectives and criminal investigators are projected to grow by 2.5%. The BLS projects the total employment will change from 112,500 in 2020 to 115,300 in 2030. Master's degrees are required for some positions. There are many common 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 Washington
#1 Master’s Degrees in Criminal Justice in Washington
Washington State University
Pullman, WA
4 years
Online + Campus
The online master's degree in criminal justice at Washington State University, located in Pullman, offers high academic quality. The program emphasizes specialized skills, preparing graduates for increased responsibilities and a higher earning potential. A master's degree can also train candidates for roles in new industries.
The master's curriculum emphasizes theory and practice in criminal justice. Learners focus the program with electives or a concentration. The master's program recommends a background in criminal justice or a related field when applying.
Online enrollees complete internships in their local community to gain real-world experience. 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 expand their professional network through internships and online events.
Washington State University at a Glance:
Type of School: Public, four-year
Admission Rate: 80%
Total Online Master's Programs: 2
Program Name: Master of arts in criminal justice and criminology
Graduate Tuition In State: $11,781
Graduate Tuition Out of State: $25,879
Average Tuition
In-state
$10,202
Out-of-state
$25,145
Retention Rate
81%
Admission Rate
80%
Students Enrolled
31,159
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
28%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
#2 Master’s Degrees in Criminal Justice in Washington
Seattle University
Seattle, WA
4 years
Online + Campus
The master's in criminal justice program at Seattle University, located in Washington, offers a flexible online format. The program emphasizes advanced practice skills, training graduates for leadership roles and an increased earning potential. A master's degree can also prepare candidates for opportunities in new fields.
The master's curriculum covers theoretical and practical approaches to criminal justice. Learners choose electives or a specialization to stand out in a competitive job market. The admission requirements include a background in criminal justice or a related field.
Online enrollees coordinate with the program to complete internships at approved sites in their local area. Common facilities and services offered at most universities, like the library and gymnasium, are accessible to students living on campus. Internships and other networking events help graduate students expand their professional network.
Seattle University at a Glance:
Type of School: Private, nonprofit, four-year
Admission Rate: 83%
Total Online Master's Programs: 1
Program Name: Master of arts in criminal justice
Graduate Tuition In State: $13,500
Graduate Tuition Out of State: $13,500
Average Tuition
In-state
$47,565
Out-of-state
$47,565
Retention Rate
82%
Admission Rate
83%
Students Enrolled
7,050
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
88%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
#3 Master’s Degrees in Criminal Justice in Washington
Central Washington University
Ellensburg, WA
4 years
Online + Campus
The master's in law and justice degree at Central Washington University, located in Ellensburg, uses a flexible distance learning format. Graduates train for leadership roles in the criminal justice field while earning their degree from the program. With a master's degree, candidates advance their current career or move into new career paths.
The master's curriculum emphasizes the best practices in criminal justice. Learners prepare for the job market by choosing a specialty through electives. The program recommends that applicants bring a background in criminal justice or a related field.
Online enrollees work with the program to arrange professional internships at approved locations in their area. Many institutions provide libraries and fitness centers for use by students living on campus. The criminal justice program encourages professional development activities, including networking events, so graduate students can expand their professional connections.
Central Washington University at a Glance:
Type of School: Public, four-year
Admission Rate: 86%
Total Online Master's Programs: 21
Program Name: Master of science in law and justice
Graduate Tuition In State: $9,822
Graduate Tuition Out of State: $23,007
Average Tuition
In-state
$6,475
Out-of-state
$22,551
Retention Rate
70%
Admission Rate
86%
Students Enrolled
11,174
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
97%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
Financing a Master's Degree in Criminal Justice
Financial aid helps many degree-seekers lower the cost of college. Some students also qualify for both federal and private student loans. There are some colleges that offer scholarships and financial aid.
For scholarship and grant opportunities, students should contact the institution's financial aid office.
Average Cost of Attending College in Washington
In Washington, the cost varies based on which college you attend. Public and private institutions share some similarities. You can determine whether attending a public institution is the right choice for you by reviewing the information listed below:
Public 4-Year School Tuition Rates: Washington vs. National Average
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Washington
National Average
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Would it be possible to attend a private college or university? The tuition at private schools is generally higher. A graph that provides information about attending private colleges in Washington is available here.
Private 4-Year School Tuition Rates: Washington vs. National Average
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Washington
National Average
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Federal Student Loan Information
Thinking about borrowing student loans to fund your education? You should keep in mind some important factors before committing to a loan program.
It is imperative that you ensure that you can make all the payments on time and repay the loan by the due date.
If you are considering obtaining a degree from a particular institution, it is important to consider whether it will benefit you in your career objectives.
If you are considering taking out a loan, make sure you understand the type of repayment schedule that will apply to the loan.
The following data will assist you in determining what students tend to borrow on a regular basis.
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 major differences between on-campus and online programs include the cost and the class size. Online programs offer at least three advantages: flexibility, affordability, and convenience. On-campus programs are more costly on average because of student fees. Attending classes does, however, have some advantages.
Top Criminal Justice Degree Options Available by State
A private college differs significantly from a public college in several ways. In general, public and private schools have different costs. Public institutions are funded by the government and therefore have fixed costs. The government provides grants and scholarships to cover these costs as well. Based on the student's previous academic performance, private colleges often offer merit scholarships.
Students attending private colleges often benefit from more one-on-one time with their professors. There are several pros and cons to attending a private institution over a public institution.
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
How much do detectives and criminal investigators make in Washington?
The mean annual wage for in-state detectives and criminal investigators make $108,550.
In general, are criminal justice graduates in high demand?
The total number of detectives and criminal investigators is projected to change 2.5% from 2020 to 2030.
Can you get an online master's in criminal justice?
You can get an online master's in criminal justice. Most schools today offer some form of online education.
How long does it usually take to complete a master's degree?
Typically, a master's degree takes two years to complete. Part-time students will take longer to complete, and the completion time will vary from student to student.
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