LEARN THE INS AND OUTS OF THE UNITED STATES CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM.
Take Charge of Your Criminal Justice Career
The Master of Science (M.S.) in Criminal Justice coursework equips you with the knowledge
needed to work at the local, state, and federal levels of law enforcement and policy making.
The landscape of crime and justice changes constantly in the United States. The criminal
justice system needs knowledgeable, trained leaders to tackle crime and execute justice
at all levels: local, state, and federal. You can be the catalyst for safer communities.
With Fairmont State’s Master of Science in Criminal Justice, you’ll experience methodological,
theoretical, and legal training for administrative, management, research, and teaching
careers in local, state, and federal agencies. It doesn’t matter if you recently graduated with your bachelor’s degree or have worked
in the field for decades—this program will help advance your criminal justice career.
Take the Next Steps
Have questions about the Master of Science in Criminal Justice program, career outcomes,
or applying? Our admissions team is ready to help you move forward.
The Fairmont State Difference – What Sets Us Apart
At Fairmont State, graduate education is personal, affordable, and built around your
goals. You will learn from engaged faculty mentors in small class sizes and gain career-ready
skills designed to help you reach your career goals, move forward, and move up in
your career field all at a cost-effective rate.
Fairmont State’s Master of Science in Criminal Justice has two tracks: The Thesis
Track recommended for students interested in pursuing doctoral studies or independent
research projects, and the Capstone Track recommended for students in applied settings.
Program Highlights
Built for Professionals
100% online master’s degree in Criminal Justice
Designed for full-time professionals and career explorers
Complete coursework while continuing your career
Justice System Explored
Career-aligned criminal justice curriculum
Classes covering all aspects of criminal justice system
Designed to support advancement in the professional field
Lead with Confidence
Learn applications for methods and theories
Critically evaluate problems and determine solutions
Analyze programs and policies to determine effective strategies
Accessible & Affordable Learning
Low tuition with maximum support
Build a network that supports long-term career goals and mobility
Gain experience aligned with workforce and department expectations
Program Timeline & Format
18-24
Months Estimated to Complete
100%
Online
~$17K
Estimated Total Cost*
*Based on 2026–2027 tuition rates and assuming completion within the estimated time
to completion. Individual student costs may vary based on course load, fees, and time
to completion.
Faculty
Dr. Jeri Kirby
Associate Professor of Criminal Justice
Professor Jeri Kirby earned her Ph.D. in Political Science from West Virginia University
and is currently an Associate Professor of Criminal Justice and the Correctional Outreach
Coordinator at Fairmont State University in Fairmont, West Virginia. Dr. Kirby has
a 30-year history of life and studies in incarceration. Working to improve reentry
for individuals leaving incarceration through program development and mentoring. Jeri
is a Certified Instructor of the Inside-Out Prison Exchange Program, a Lead Trainer
in the certification of prison facilitators, and the program's Federal Prison Coordinator.
Dr. Kirby is Certified in Trauma Awareness and Mental Health First Aid."
Dr. Joshua Smallridge
Director of M.S. in Criminal Justice Program & Associate Professor of Criminal Justice
Dr. Joshua Smallridge is a Professor of Criminal Justice at Fairmont State University.
He teaches undergraduate and graduate courses in criminology, policing, cybercrime,
research methods, statistics, and evidence-based policy. His scholarship has examined
topics such as cyber-vigilantism, online harassment, police legitimacy, digital piracy,
and technology's impact on crime and justice. Through his scholarship and teaching,
he emphasizes data-driven decision making to real-world criminal justice challenges
while helping students develop critical thinking, analytical skills, and professional
competencies for careers in the justice system.
Career Opportunities and Outcomes
A MASTER OF SCIENCE IN CRIMINAL JUSTICE OPENS DOORS FOR A 30% EARNING POTENTIAL INCREASE
(over those with just a bachelor’s degree) AND CAREER ADVANCEMENT. POTENTIAL CAREER
PATHS INCLUDE:
Global Intelligence Analyst - $85,036/year
Global Intelligence Analysts play a crucial role in government agencies to proactively
mitigate threats. They analyze information to identify, understand, and neutralize
threats. They work in various capacities, including counterterrorism and organized
crime. They may be placed in more specialized roles within their agencies, depending
on their strengths.
Criminologist - $67,150/year
Criminologists study crime for the purpose of preventing and reducing it in their
communities. They study a wide variety of crimes, including violent crime, white collar
crime, and victimless crime. They are also familiar with sociology and psychology
to better understand the reasons why certain individuals may commit crimes. They also
look at how environmental factors such as geography and city layouts impact crime
statistics.
Legal Researcher - $71,659/year
Legal Researchers are legal assistants that research and analyze case law relevant
to an attorney’s case work. They typically work in law firms, private law offices,
government agencies, and corporate law. They dig deep in their research and keep their
employers up to date on changes to legislation. They may travel for their research
and must balance their schedules well to keep the research moving.
Correctional Officer - $40,810/year
Correctional Officers oversee individuals awaiting trial while in jail or have been
sentenced to serve time in jail or prison for committing an offense. They keep order
among the inmates by enforcing the rules and supervising activities. They maintain
safety by inspecting the security standards of facilities and searching inmates and
cells for contraband. They also escort inmates in and out of facilities.
Unit/Case Manager - $46,961/year
Unit/Case Managers connect social services and criminal justice. They direct prison
inmates to drug treatment programs, mental health services, and social services ahead
of release into the community. They supervise released offenders acclimating to post-prison
life and monitor their clients’ progress, intervening when necessary.
Federal, State, and Local Law Enforcement - $54,567/year
Law Enforcement officers are the executors of the law, including federal, state, and
local law. They respond to emergencies and nonemergency calls within their jurisdictions
and arrest individuals suspected of breaking the law. They patrol their designated
areas and issue citations for traffic and other violations. They write reports and
testify in court for every case they’re involved in.
Victims Advocate - $36,753/year
Victim Advocates provide support for the victims and witnesses of crimes during and
after trial. They assist with the financial, legal, medical, and emotional impacts
victims experience. They support crime victims in various settings, including courthouses
and hospitals. They may also advocate for laws protecting victims’ rights in the state
legislature.
Salary information reflects the pay averages in West Virginia according to Indeed.
Curriculum: What You’ll Learn
Criminal law and policy
Police and correctional systems organization
Administration of justice and the judiciary system
Public attitudes towards criminal justice issues
Advanced Criminal Justice Studies
Examine the different elements of the criminal justice process and analyze the interactions
among them. Also learn about theoretical perspectives and administrative processes
of criminal justice.
Terrorism
Develop an in-depth understanding of the problem of terrorism and political violence
by examining its origins, characteristics, nature and trends, analyze in detail various
terrorist organizations, and address selected problems in response to terrorism
Special Topics in Criminal Justice
Special topics courses are offered at the discretion of the department in a wide area
of subjects directly related to law enforcement, courts, corrections or security.
The course schedule differs for students on the Thesis Track and students on the Capstone
Track.
Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution of higher education.
Grade point average of 3.00 or higher
Grade C or higher in undergraduate research methods and statistics courses.
A writing sample (APA format) of recent writing, demonstrating ability to use evidence
to persuade or inform an audience about a given point related to criminology or criminal
justice.
Or, in the case that you do not have an existing paper you would like to submit, 5-10-page
writing sample (APA format) that includes:
Why you are interested in earning a Master of Science in Criminal Justice degree
What your career and field experiences have been thus far
What you believe to be the most important issue in criminal justice today. This section
should include peer reviewed resources from empirical/scholarly literature.
Two (2) letters of recommendation - at least one from someone not affiliated with
Fairmont State.
The Accelerated Master’s 4+1 pathway at Fairmont State is a way for currently enrolled
Fairmont State students completing their undergraduate degree to earn their graduate
degree in a shorter amount of time. Undergraduate students must have a minimum GPA
of 3.30 and completed 72 credit hours in the bachelor’s program to apply. Transfer
students must complete 24 credit hours, including upper-division coursework, relevant
to the graduate program before applying.
Undergraduate students must complete a separate application for admission into the
accelerated master’s program. Accelerated students remain classified as undergraduate
until all undergraduate degree requirements are completed and the student is awarded
their bachelor’s degree. Students must maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher
in both their undergraduate and graduate courses.
Students must complete 120 credit hours that count toward the undergraduate degree
and a minimum of 30 graduate credit hours to earn the master’s degree
Up to 12 credit hours of graduate coursework may count toward both undergraduate and
graduate degrees, with the following conditions:
Graduate courses must be relevant to both programs and approved by the program coordinators
Graduate courses are typically taken during a student’s senior year, with up to 6
credit hours each semester double-counted
Only courses with a grade of ‘B’ or above may fulfill both undergraduate and graduate
requirements
Undergraduate courses will not count towards graduate degrees
All graduate courses must be numbered 500 and above
Students may not continue taking graduate courses beyond the above double-counted
credits until they have satisfactorily completed their undergraduate degree, all graduate
admission requirements, and the graduate program has been moved to their primary degree
program
Undergraduates taking courses numbered 500 and above will be assessed at the undergraduate
tuition rate without a graduate surcharge while pursuing their undergraduate degree.
Graduate tuition rates will be applied once the graduate program becomes the primary
degree.
Affordability
Fairmont State provides high-quality graduate education at a cost that makes sense
for working professionals. Our graduate programs are designed to combine quality instruction
and reasonable costs, delivering an extraordinary return on investment.
Graduate tuition is charged on a per-credit basis, giving students transparency and
flexibility as they plan their education.
Fairmont State graduates with a Master in Criminal Justice typically pursue roles
earning $36,000-$85,000 depending on role and experience.
Yes. A master’s degree in Criminal Justice can support up to 30% higher earnings than
just having a bachelor’s degree.
While a master’s degree in criminal justice is not required for entry-level positions,
Fairmont State's Master in Criminal Justice will open doors for career advancement
in specialized and upper level positions.
Criminal Justice positions in West Virginia are expected to average 740 openings annually
between 2022 and 2032, including 50 new openings by 2032. An additional 21,100 new
openings are projected nationwide by 2032.
Fairmont State’s Master of Science in Criminal Justice program is for working professionals,
recent graduates, career changers, and adult learners.
Yes. The Master of Science in Criminal Justice program is 100% online and designed
for flexibility.
Fairmont State’s faculty have worked in federal and state agencies and maintain strong
ties to local, state, and national personnel and organizations.
Specific faculty may vary by course and term. Current faculty listings are available
through the College of Liberal Arts webpage at Fairmont State University.
The Master of Science in Criminal Justice program can be completed in 18-24 months
but may take longer depending on class schedule.
Admission requirements generally include:
A completed graduate application
Official undergraduate transcripts
A minimum undergraduate GPA (as determined by Graduate Admissions)
Additional requirements may apply. Applicants should consult Graduate Admissions for
the most current criteria.
As a prospective master’s degree-seeking student, you can:
Admissions staff are available to assist with applications, transfer credits, and
program questions.
Contact Information
Dr. Joshua Smallridge
Director of M.S. in Criminal Justice Program, College of Liberal Arts & Associate
Professor of Criminal Justice 110L Hardway Hall 304-367-4740 jsmallridge@fairmontstate.edu
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Advance Your Criminal Justice Career
Have questions about the Master of Science in Criminal Justice program, career outcomes,
or applying? Our admissions team is ready to help you move forward.
Associate Professor of Criminal Justice
Director of M.S. in Criminal Justice Program & Associate Professor of Criminal Justice
