Criminal Justice Southeast Missouri State University

Overview

The Criminal Justice programme at Southeast Missouri State University provides a comprehensive graduate education designed to advance the careers of law enforcement and public service professionals. This 100% online degree focuses on practical leadership and the application of advanced policies within the modern justice system.

The curriculum is structured to be highly adaptable, allowing students to select courses that align with their specific professional objectives. By utilising eight-week course formats, the university ensures that students can balance their academic pursuits with full-time employment and personal commitments.

One of the most distinctive features of this programme is the recognition of prior learning.

Why Criminal Justice at Southeast Missouri State University?

The programme is recognised for its excellence, having been ranked as a top graduate criminal justice programme by U.S. News & World Report. Students benefit from learning under faculty members who possess extensive real-world experience in various sectors of the justice system.

The university maintains strong partnerships with organisations such as the NFOPU Consortium and the Missouri National Guard. These collaborations provide specific benefits and tailored educational pathways for active-duty members and law enforcement personnel seeking to enhance their expertise.

Facilities and resources are geared toward online success, providing students with the same reputable education as on-campus learners. The department emphasises "Monday morning solutions," ensuring that the theories discussed in class can be immediately applied to solve complex problems in the workplace.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

• International fee: USD 395 per credit
• National fee: USD 395 per credit
• Local fee: USD 395 per credit

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The curriculum requires the completion of 30 credit hours, including core subjects and a selection of elective options. Modules may include:

• Administration of Justice
• Applied Research
• Theories of Crime
• Applied Analytics
• Social Inequality
• Comparative Criminal Justice Systems
• Restorative Justice
• Law and Social Control
• Critical Analysis of Gangs in America
• Professional Standards
• Death Penalty in America
• Professional Development Planning
• Seminar in Law Enforcement
• Contemporary Juvenile Justice
• Civil Law and Liability
• Criminal Justice Policy Analysis and Evaluation
• Criminal Justice Leadership and Practice
• Special Topics in Criminal Justice
• Travel Study
• Professional Praxis
• Independent Study in Criminal Justice
• Criminal Justice Internship

Careers with Criminal Justice

Graduates are prepared for high-level leadership roles across various sectors of the legal and safety industries. The programme equips individuals with the critical thinking and organisational skills necessary for management and policy development positions.

Common career paths for graduates include roles such as Emergency Management Directors, Detectives, and Criminal Investigators. Many alumni also find success as First-Line Supervisors of Correctional Officers, Security Directors, or in Corrections Administration.

The university’s Career Services office provides additional support to help students transition into these advanced roles. Graduates have successfully moved into key positions within agencies like the Missouri State Highway Patrol and other state and federal justice organisations.