Jax State’s Online Master’s in Criminal Justice Program Continues to Climb National Rankings

01/21/2025

Jacksonville State 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, reaffirming its position as a national leader in criminal justice education. It marks a significant leap of 15 spots from its #36 ranking in 2024 and an extraordinary rise of 38 spots from #59 in 2023. 

The ranking solidifies Jax State’s place as home to the highest-ranked Online Master’s in Criminal Justice program in the state of Alabama, showcasing its commitment to academic excellence and innovation in graduate education. 

“The rise in our program’s ranking reflects the collective efforts of our faculty and staff,” said Dr. Dean Buttram, Department Head and Professor in the Department of Criminal Justice & Forensic Investigation. “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. 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.” 

Jax State’s Online Master of Science in Criminal Justice program provides a rigorous curriculum designed to prepare students for advanced roles in law enforcement, corrections, homeland security, and other criminal justice fields. The program offers a flexible online format tailored to working professionals, enabling them to balance their studies with career commitments. Students benefit from instruction by experienced faculty with real-world expertise in law enforcement, policy, and research. Graduates of the program have successfully advanced into leadership roles at local, state and federal levels, contributing to the program’s stellar reputation. 

“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,” said Dr. Sheryl Pelletier, Assistant Professor of Criminal Justice and Graduate Coordinator. “Additionally, we are continuously reviewing and modifying class offerings to keep up with the needs of the students and the criminal justice community.” 

This latest recognition builds on Jax State’s continued rise in national rankings. In the 2025 U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges Rankings, released in the fall, the university climbed 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 about Jax State’s Online Master’s in Criminal Justice program, visit the program’s website.