Program Details
- Next Start Date: January 11, 2027
- Est. Program Length: 1 Year (FT)
- Credit Hours: 36
- Course Length: 8 Weeks
- Cost Per Credit: $500
Program Overview
Aurora University’s fully online Master of Arts in Justice Administration helps criminal justice professionals and aspiring leaders grow the strengths they already bring to their agencies and communities, while building the trust and influence needed to lead real change.
As the justice field evolves alongside emerging technologies, the program explores innovations such as AI and biometrics, helping students understand their impact on policy, operations, and decision-making. By graduation, you’ll be prepared to anticipate change, evaluate new technologies, and navigate the digital transformation shaping the future of justice administration.
Finish in as Little as 1 Year
Full-time students can complete the online MA in Justice Administration in as little as 12 months.
Curriculum Overview
Coursework builds leadership grounded in ethics, communication, evidence-based decision-making, and community trust, culminating in a capstone that applies strategic leadership skills to real-world public safety challenges.
A dedicated course on AI and emerging technologies prepares you to evaluate, implement and lead the responsible use of technologies reshaping public safety, including drones, simulations, virtual reality and biometrics.
Skills Gained in the MA in Justice Administration
Complete 36 credit hours to earn your master’s degree online from Aurora University in as little as one year (full time). Courses are taught by experienced, nationally recognized faculty and will strengthen your skills and ability to:
- Lead and communicate strategically, using effective communication, active listening and consensus-building to strengthen organizations and stakeholder relationships.
- Promote ethical leadership and accountability by developing practices that reinforce organizational values, transparency and effective oversight.
- Make evidence-based decisions using quantitative and qualitative information to improve operations, policies and public trust.
- Build stronger community partnerships through strategies that promote meaningful engagement, collaboration and trust.
- Lead effectively during crises by applying situational awareness, sound judgment and emotional intelligence (EI) in high-pressure environments.
- Navigate emerging technologies responsibly by evaluating the opportunities, limitations, legality and ethical implications of AI, biometrics and other technologies transforming the justice system.
- Turn leadership into action by applying evidence-based practices and strategic thinking to a real-world justice administration challenge.
Why Choose AU?
At Aurora University, you’ll learn from practitioner-based faculty members who are focused on teaching an industry-aligned curriculum. Our online programs are designed for working professionals and built with maximum flexibility in mind, so you’ll have the support you need to balance your studies with your busy schedule. Imagine what you can accomplish at a university that offers:
- No GRE/GMAT
- No application fee
- A full suite of Career Services and Resources.
- A student-first educational experience.
- Programs accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
Program Details
- Next Start Date:January 11, 2027
- Est. Program Length:1 Year (FT)
- Credit Hours:36
- Course Length:8 Weeks
- Cost Per Credit:$500
Core Courses
- CRJ5500 Foundations of Leadership for Justice Professionals – 3 hours
- CRJ5600 Strategic Communication and Community Engagement – 3 hours
- CRJ5700 Ethics, Integrity, and Accountability in Public Service – 3 hours
- CRJ6600 Visionary Leadership in 21st Century Public Safety – 3 hours
- CRJ6650 Human Capital Management for Justice Executives – 3 hours
- CRJ6660 Building Public Trust and Community Partnerships – 3 hours
- CRJ6700 Leadership in Dynamic and Crisis Environments – 3 hours
- CRJ6500 Quantitative Data Analysis for Justice Administrators – 3 hours
- CRJ6550 Contemporary Leadership Theories and Strengths-Based Approaches in High-risk Environments – 3 hours
- CRJ6560 Research Methods and Program Evaluation in Justice Sectors – 3 hours
- CRJ6750 Digital Leadership and Technological Transformation in Justice Professions – 3 hours
- CRJ6760 Capstone: Applied Strategic Leadership in Public Safety – 3 hours
Note: Tuition and fees are subject to change without prior notice. Please contact the Office of Student Accounts for questions or information on current tuition, fees, room, board, and other rates.
- A completed graduate application for admission.
- Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college and/or university (minimum 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale*)
- Resume or curriculum vitae
- Personal statement
- Submit official transcripts to transcripts.aurora@risepoint.com
- All AU students must have unrestricted access to a computer or mobile device with high-speed internet to participate in online courses. AU uses Brightspace to host its online classes. All students will be charged a $100 Technology Fee per semester, regardless of the number of credits taken.
*Applicants with undergraduate GPAs below 3.0 will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Additional letters of recommendation and/or an interview with the program director may be required.
Graduate-level course credit is transferable, allowing students to earn their degree faster. Graduate-level credit earned at regionally accredited institutions of higher education graded “B” or better may be transferred to Aurora University and applied toward a master’s or other post-baccalaureate program prior to enrollment at Aurora University.
Graduate transfer credit is reviewed and determined by the academic department or program. Any coursework accepted or substituted for transfer must be approved by the Program Director.
Online MA in Justice Administration Career Outcomes
Graduates go on to advance careers in law enforcement, corrections, probation and parole, homeland security, military and federal service, as well as court and county roles. Skills in team leadership, organizational management, evidence-based decision-making, and policy improvement can support long-term career growth and advancement into leadership roles.
- Police Administrator — $126,750
- Court Administrator — $126,470
- Criminal Investigator — $103,760
- Corrections Supervisor — $114,640
Salary figures represent Illinois annual mean wages for the corresponding occupational categories reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025. Job titles shown may differ from BLS occupational titles.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is the Master of Arts in Justice Administration different from a criminal justice degree?
The Master of Arts in Justice Administration builds on the foundation of criminal justice by emphasizing leadership, management, and organizational effectiveness within justice agencies. Criminal justice degrees provide a broad understanding of the justice system and legal processes, while this degree prepares professionals to lead teams, implement organizational change, and oversee complex operations. A dedicated course on artificial intelligence and emerging technologies equips graduates to navigate the digital transformation reshaping public safety, and faculty bring active and retired law enforcement experience into the classroom. Review the curriculum sequence to see how these courses build on one another.
Can I complete the Master of Arts in Justice Administration while working full time?
Yes, the Master of Arts in Justice Administration is built to accommodate working justice professionals. It is delivered fully asynchronously online, so coursework fits around rotating shifts and irregular schedules instead of fixed class times. You can start part time and shift to full time as your schedule allows, moving through 12 courses across eight-week terms with six start dates a year. Students can complete the degree in one to two years depending on their pace. When you are ready to map out a schedule, a student engagement specialist can help you plan your terms.
What careers can I pursue with a Master of Arts in Justice Administration?
A Master of Arts in Justice Administration prepares graduates to move into supervisory and administrative roles across law enforcement, corrections, probation and parole, court services, and homeland security. A master's degree gives you a meaningful edge in a competitive promotional field, particularly for department leadership, policy, and command staff positions. The curriculum's focus on budgeting, staff leadership, and organizational change mirrors what agencies actually look for in supervisors.
Source
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 – Illinois, from https://www.bls.gov/oes/2025/may/overview_2025.htm.
Next Steps
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