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Golden statue with scales of justice

U.S. News & World Report has ranked TCU no. 3 in the nation for 2024 Best Online Master's in Criminal Justice Programs, a rise of seven spots from last year’s ranking as No. 10. Since its creation in 2014, the online M.S. in Criminal Justice and Criminology Program has consistently been ranked among the nation’s best. 

“This ranking is a testament to the impactful leadership of our graduate director, Kendra Bowen, and the enthusiastic engagement of our faculty,” said Brie Diamond, Ph.D., department chair and associate professor of the Department of Criminology & Criminal Justice. “Our program challenges seasoned and new professionals alike to be effective and compassionate policy leaders who employ data-driven practices to address the evolving needs of the justice system.”

U.S News & World Report evaluates programs on a number of factors, which are outlined in the methodology shared on the official website. Notably, TCU’s program scored a 98 on student engagement, a 91 in faculty expertise and an 89 in services and technologies.

Kendra Bowen, Ph.D., graduate director and associate professor, credits people as the key to the program’s success. “Each graduate student in our program is passionate about learning, and that passion is bolstered by our talented faculty who embody the teacher scholar model,” she said. “Our not-so-secret formula is to amplify something already great, which is the TCU campus and classroom experience.”

TCU’s two-year online M.S. in Criminal Justice and Criminology Program is designed for working professionals, prospective doctoral students and college graduates interested in advanced study. A dedicated cohort of expert faculty, including Bowen, teach courses that range from Advanced Criminology to Applied Research and Policy while also conducting industry-leading research. The program prides itself on the personal attention it gives each student from the moment they submit a request for information to Bowen, the program director. Like all programs at TCU, students are prioritized and empowered with the resources, mentorship and opportunities they need to succeed. 

Learn more about this top-ranked program by visiting criminaljustice.tcu.edu