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Master’s in Criminal Justice Programs in Kansas

Crime becomes more complex every year. As technology expands, professionals develop new ways to solve criminal cases. However, technology also makes it easier to commit crime and cover their tracks. The rapid expansion of this field means professionals must have an extensive understanding of the field in general, as well as an understanding of the more nuanced parts of the industry.

What Can I Do With My Master’s in Criminal Justice in Kansas?

If you are ready to take up the challenges of a career in criminal justice, you can take the first step now by reaching out to criminal justice graduate programs in Kansas.

When you look at recent changes in this field, it’s clear that technology is one of the most important aspects of this industry. The Kansas Bureau of Investigation has set goals to improve the use of technology, standardize procedures across the state, and diversify criminal justice (Washburn Review, 2015).

For many experts, the goal is reducing the overall prison population of the state. Many believe that nonviolent drug offenders take up an excessive portion of the prison system, which can financially drain the criminal justice system (KWCH, 2015).

Setting your sights on a master’s degree can lead to an expanded amount of career options. Correctional officer supervisors in Kansas claim a median salary of $49,400 per year (O*Net, 2015). In the years between 2012 and 2022, job openings may swell 9% (O*Net, 2015). An average salary of $62,600 per year is reported by police supervisors (O*Net, 2015). Demand for police supervisors may jump 6% by 2022 (O*Net, 2015).

What Will It Take to Earn My Criminal Justice Graduate Degree in Kansas?

Completing a master’s degree in criminal justice requires dedication, critical thinking skills, and a solid base of knowledge built at the undergraduate level. Once you’ve met these goals, you may be ready to tackle the two years of education required to earn a master’s degree in this field. During your four to five semesters in school, you may earn up to 40 credits.

Your success as a student is often determined by your ability to meet specific learning outcomes and goals. Keep in mind that specific outcomes differ between schools, but the overall message tends to be similar from program to program.

Keep this in mind when reading the examples of criminal justice learning outcomes below:

  • Understand, create, and carry out administrative practices that are used in justice agencies across the state
  • Develop a thorough understanding of crime causation and criminality
  • Utilize critical thinking and problem solving skills to address management, operational, and ethical problems in criminal justice
  • Conduct, analyze, and utilize research in the field of criminal justice
  • Know how to take in information from a variety of sources to make informed decisions

The cost of education may be affected by your residence status and whether you attend school part-time or full-time. Part-time students often pay on a per-credit basis. In Kansas, tuition ranges from $475 per credit hour to $1200 per credit hour. Many students use financial aid to cover some or all of their educational expenses. The Kansas Peace Officers Association is a well-known local organization that financially supports criminal justice students.

You should anticipate completing some type of practical experience while attending graduate school. An internship or practicum can put you in touch with criminal justice employers and show you how to properly use the theoretical knowledge you have gained.

Use our list of Kansas schools below to start the path to a criminal justice master’s degree in Kansas.