ASU criminal justice online graduate program ranks in US News’ top 15 for 10th year


Watts College building sign.

Photo by Mark J. Scarp/ASU

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The online master’s degree program offered by the School of Criminology and Criminal Justice at Arizona State University continues for a 10th consecutive year as one of the nation’s top 15 such courses of study, according to U.S. News & World Report’s annual rankings announced today. 

The online master’s degree program earned a No. 13 ranking for 2024.

The program also earned top marks in U.S. News’ Best Online Master’s in Criminal Justice for Veterans category at No. 6.

Most of the online graduate program’s more than 200 currently enrolled students are criminal justice professionals who seek an advanced degree to improve their career potential.

Watts College of Public Service and Community Solutions Dean and President’s Professor Cynthia Lietz said the school’s impressive ranking reflects its ongoing reputation for offering excellent online courses of study. She noted that U.S. News & World Report also cited the School of Criminology and Criminal Justice's online master’s degree program for providing top value to veterans.

“This recognition as one of the best online graduate programs in criminology and criminal justice confirms the dedication of our renowned faculty. Anywhere in the world, a student can learn from our accomplished educators,” Lietz said. “In particular, if you are a veteran, here you will find programs that are specifically attuned to your career goals and motivation for high achievement, because we share the call to public service with you.”

Watts Endowed Professor for Public Safety Beth Huebner, director of the School of Criminology and Criminal Justice, expressed pride in the high quality of the school’s online graduate offerings, which are expanding.

“We continue to innovate by offering new degrees in criminal analysis and public safety leadership to meet the needs of a modern workforce,” Huebner said. “We are honored to provide educational training to our military veterans, and we have a number of resources in place to support all learners.”

The school’s faculty are among the nation’s most honored criminology and criminal justice educators. In November 2023, the American Society of Criminology presented Huebner with two prestigious awards: its Lifetime Achievement Award and induction as one of its fellows.

Two other faculty members have received the Lifetime Achievement Award: Emeritus Professor John Hepburn and Regents Professor Cassia Spohn.

Also, three other faculty members are American Society of Criminology fellows: Spohn, Emeritus Professor Scott Decker and Professor Michael Reisig.

In January 2024, the Western Criminology Society announced that one of its annual awards will be named for School of Criminology and Criminal Justice Professor Henry F. Fradella. The inaugural Henry F. Fradella award, recognizing major contributions to empirical research of legal issues in criminal justice, will be presented to Fradella during the society’s annual conference Feb. 8–10.

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