Jacksonville, AL – Jacksonville State University (JSU) has earned recognition as one of the nation’s leaders in criminal justice education. The university’s Online Master of Science in Criminal Justice program has climbed to #21 in the 2025 U.S. News & World Report Best Online Programs Rankings, marking a significant improvement from its #36 ranking in 2024 and an impressive jump from #59 in 2023.
This leap in rankings reinforces JSU’s position as home to the highest-ranked Online Master’s in Criminal Justice program in the state of Alabama. The ranking is a testament to the university’s commitment to providing high-quality, innovative graduate education in criminal justice.
Dr. Dean Buttram, Department Head and Professor in the Department of Criminal Justice & Forensic Investigation, attributed the program’s rise to the concerted efforts of the faculty and staff. “Over the past two years, we’ve added new faculty members to our graduate program, further strengthening our already nationally ranked curriculum. Their contributions, along with the dedication of our entire department, have elevated our program’s reputation,” said Buttram. “We’re proud of this recognition and remain committed to providing a high-quality education that prepares our students to advance in the field of criminal justice.”
JSU’s Online Master of Science in Criminal Justice program provides a comprehensive curriculum aimed at preparing students for leadership roles in law enforcement, corrections, homeland security, and other criminal justice fields. The program’s flexible online format is designed for working professionals, enabling them to manage their studies alongside their career responsibilities. Students benefit from a curriculum developed by experienced faculty with expertise in law enforcement, policy, and research.
Dr. Sheryl Pelletier, Assistant Professor of Criminal Justice and Graduate Coordinator, emphasized the department’s student-centered approach to online learning. “This success is due to our department’s continued desire to provide a student-centered approach to learning in an adaptive online learning environment, specifically for those already in the workforce,” Pelletier said. “We are continuously reviewing and modifying class offerings to keep up with the needs of the students and the criminal justice community.”
This recognition adds to the university’s continued success in national rankings. In the 2025 U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges Rankings, JSU improved to #55 among Best Regional Universities in the South and #25 among Best Public Universities in the South, marking the fourth consecutive year of improvement in both categories.
For more information on the Online Master of Science in Criminal Justice program at JSU, visit the program’s website.