Jacksonville, AL – Jacksonville State University’s Online Master’s in Criminal Justice has experienced a significant rise, climbing 23 positions to secure the 36th spot in the nation according to the latest US News rankings of Best Online Programs. This notable achievement situates the program as the second-best in Alabama and within the top ten in the Southeast region.
US News attributes the high ranking to programs like JSU’s that boast robust traditional academic foundations, emphasizing factors such as student-instructor accessibility, graduation rates, and instructor credentials. These programs also stand out in effectively educating remote learners while providing substantial career and financial support.
The Master of Science in criminal justice offered by the JSU Department of Criminal Justice and Forensic Investigation is available both in-person and as a fully online option. A forthcoming addition to the program is a Geographic Information Systems (GIS) concentration. Additionally, the department supports a concentration in criminal justice within the university’s Master of Public Administration.
Dr. Dean Buttram, the head of the department, credited the recent hiring of two new tenure track faculty members for elevating the program. He highlighted their contributions, stating that they brought fresh perspectives, leading to a comprehensive overhaul of the degree. This includes the introduction of new courses, innovative approaches to existing courses, and novel strategies for handling the thesis option.
Expressing pride in the faculty and the program’s recognition in the annual US News ranking, Dr. Buttram emphasized the positive impact of the additions to the faculty.
For prospective students, the master’s program is currently accepting applications until April 1 for the Summer 2024 term and July 1 for the Fall 2024 term.
