Master of Criminal Justice | MCJ
Practical leadership training for today's criminal justice sector
The Master of Criminal Justice at the University of Guelph is a one-year online degree that will equip you with the competencies needed to advance your career in criminal justice.
Employers have a growing need for criminal justice professionals with critical thinking skills and a deep understanding criminal justice institutions and policy, and the MCJ is designed to meet that demand.
The program combines theoretical foundations in criminology, sociology, law and public policy with applied training in data-driven decision-making, policy development, program evaluation, and organizational leadership.
Whether you're early in your career or you're a seasoned criminal justice professional, the MCJ will strengthen your critical, applied, and self-reflective capacities to meet evolving challenges in the criminal justice system.
Prospective students are advised that the program is still subject to formal approval and is scheduled to launch in September 2027.
- One of a Kind
- The Master of Criminal Justice is Ontario's only online master's degree focused on training criminal justice leaders.
- 100% Online
- Flexible full- and part-time options mean you can complete the program from anywhere and on a schedule that works for you.
- Complete in 12 Months
- The full-time option runs from September to August, meaning you can get back to working in the field sooner.
- Learn from Experts and Professionals
- The program offers mentorship from criminal justice practitioners-in-residence alongside the expertise of U of G faculty.
- Understand Systems
- Our program incorporates critical perspectives on the criminal justice system and encourages students to reflect on systemic inequities.
- Real-World Capstone Experience
- Your journey in the program will culminate with an applied research project that bridges classroom learning and professional practice.
Program Format and Courses
- Full-time option: Fast-track the program in 12 months, from September to August.
- Part-time option: Complete the program in a 2- or 3-year format, giving you the flexibility to meet work and family commitments while earning your master's degree.
The first semester of the program is your foundational coursework, setting you up for technical and applied experiences later in the program.
Courses:
- Criminal Justice System
- Criminological Theory
- Personal Leadership and Team Dynamics
In the second semester of the program, you'll build on what you learned in the theory courses by developing applied competencies in data analysis, program evaluation, leadership, and trauma-informed practice.
Courses:
- Data Analysis and Visualization in Criminal Justice Contexts
- Program Evaluation
- Resilience and Trauma-Informed Approaches
The final semester is when everything you've learned so far culminates in your capstone project, requiring you to apply theoretical, analytical, leadership, and evaluation skills developed throughout the program.
This applied research project could take the form of a policy brief, leadership strategy, or program evaluation that delivers real value to the criminal justice sector.
If you're already established in the field, your capstone can be an independent project that's relevant to your workplace. If you're just launching your career in criminal justice, your capstone will be in collaboration with a partnered community organization.
What Sets the Master of Criminal Justice Apart?
The MCJ builds on the University of Guelph's strengths in sociology, criminology, and political science to deliver a new program focused on teamwork, program evaluation, and the practical application of criminal justice theory and policy.
As an MCJ student, you'll learn to:
- Critically evaluate criminological theories and criminal justice policies to inform evidence-based decision-making in diverse contexts.
- Apply data analysis methods and use program evaluation approaches to assess outcomes and inform strategic decisions in real-world settings.
- Communicate complex ideas clearly and persuasively to stakeholders through policy briefs, visual data, and applied research outputs.
- Analyze the impact of systemic inequities in the criminal justice system and reflect on your evolving role as a criminal justice professional.
- Enhance your leadership capabilities, including collaborative decision-making, effective communication, integration of technology, and the ability to manage staff.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for:
- Professionals working in policing, corrections and probation, border security, community criminal justice services, legal professions, and related sectors.
- Recent undergraduate students interested in launching a career in criminal justice.
- Prospective students looking for an academically rigorous yet flexible learning pathway to earning a high-quality applied graduate credential.
Applying to the Master of Criminal Justice
To be considered for admission to the MCJ program, you should have, at minimum, either:
- A four-year undergraduate degree in criminal justice, criminology, sociology, political science, psychology, law, or a related field from a recognized university with a minimum B (73-76%) average in the last two years of full-time study (or equivalent).
OR
- 5+ years of relevant professional experience in criminal justice or a closely related field. Your education and work experience will be assessed in combination with your application package.
When our application portal opens in Fall 2026, it will ask you to submit the following documents as part of your application package:
- All post-secondary transcripts.
- A current resume.
- A statement of interest outlining your professional goals, alignment with the program's objectives, and readiness for graduate study. If you are applying as an experienced professional, be sure to include evidence of professional development, leadership responsibilities, policy or program-related work, or other applied experience relevant to the field.
- Two academic and/or professional reference letters that speak to your aptitude for graduate-level work and potential for success in the program.
Stay tuned for full details on how to apply to the program.
In the MCJ, tuition is charged per course, so the total cost of the program will be a flat fee regardless of how long you take to complete the program.
Stay tuned for more details on tuition.
Students enrolled in the Master of Criminal Justice may be eligible for financial support through the Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP).
Ready to Take the Next Step?
If you're ready to step into leadership roles with critical skills in knowledge mobilization, communication, and ethical decision-making in complex criminal justice environments, the MCJ is for you.
Questions about the Master of Criminal Justice program? Contact the Graduate Program Team at csahs.admissions@uoguelph.ca.