Master’s in Criminal Justice Programs in Georgia
There’s no doubt that criminal justice has changed enormously in the last few decades, and changes seem to come more frequently and more often as time goes on. This growth has led to the creation of new job titles and areas of study, while increasing the need for justice professionals at different levels of education and training.
What Can I Do With My Master’s in Criminal Justice in Georgia?
In particular, professionals who can contribute to a growing body of research and leadership in criminal justice are in high demand. Keep reading to learn more about criminal justice graduate programs in Georgia and how they may be able to help you reach your career goals.
Many groups and agencies aim to protect specific groups of people in Georgia, creating the opportunity for research and stronger statewide standards. In Georgia, one group reports that people with intellectual disabilities are at high risk of ending up in the criminal justice system when they do not belong there (Georgia Bulletin, 2015).
On top of that, Georgia has some of the highest adult incarceration rates in the country (News Times, 2015). Further study, analysis, and planning may turn this trend around and reduce the strain on Georgia’s prison system.
If you already work in criminal justice, a master’s degree may allow you to move up in your current position. Otherwise, you may explore new career options entirely. An average salary of $69,300 per year is reported for Georgia police supervisors (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2022). Job openings may increase 10% through 2030 (CareerOneStop, 2022). Across Georgia, the average salary for an information security analyst is $118,520 annually (BLS, 2022). A 34% boost in jobs is expected through 2030 (CareerOneStop, 2022).
2022 US Bureau of Labor Statistics salary and employment figures for Georgia contained here reflect national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed November 2023.
What Will It Take to Earn My Criminal Justice Graduate Degree in Georgia?
There are many factors to consider as you try to choose the right master’s degree program for your needs. Tuition rates are extremely diverse in Georgia, ranging from $354 per credit to $1200 per credit. However, Georgia also has a number of financial aid programs for students, including government-funded programs and private scholarships. The Georgia Prison Wardens Association may be a good resource for you if you work in corrections.
Upon graduating, you should have at least 30 graduate credits completed. Some Georgia schools require up to 40 credits. You may reach your credit requirements by taking courses like:
- Ethics in Criminal Justice: Exploring advanced ethical concepts and a graduate’s role in treating offenders and victims ethically in any situation
- Prevention and Correctional Strategies for Juvenile Offenders: Techniques used to rehabilitate juvenile offenders and prevent the occurrence of juvenile crime
- Workplace Law for Criminal Justice Managers: Intended for those who want to take on a supervisory role in criminal justice; explores human resources law in criminal justice work settings
- Law Enforcement Issues: A look at the current issues and challenges that must be addressed by law enforcement graduates and professionals
End-of-program requirements differ from school to school. A growing number of programs require you to complete a thesis before you earn your Master of Science in criminal justice. However, other schools permit you to meet this requirement by finishing a capstone project or securing an internship. The best option for you may be determined by the amount of work experience you have and what your career goals are in this industry.
Use the list of schools below to find out more about how you can earn a criminal justice master’s degree in Georgia and what you can do at this level of education.
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