The University of Colorado Denver School of Public Affairs (SPA) is once again being recognized as a national leader in online graduate education. In the newly released 2026 U.S. News & World Report Best Online Programs rankings, CU Denver’s online Master of Criminal Justice (MCJ), housed within the School of Public Affairs, earned the No. 21 spot out of 99 programs nationwide.

The ranking places the SPA program among the top online criminal justice master’s programs in the country and highlights the school’s long-standing commitment to accessible, high‑quality education for current and future criminal justice professionals.

A Top-Tier Program for Working Professionals

Administered entirely online through SPA, CU Denver’s MCJ program achieved an overall score of 73/100 based on U.S. News’ evaluation metrics, which include:

• Engagement (30%)
• Faculty Credentials & Training (20%)
• Peer Assessment (20%)
• Services & Technologies (20%)
• Student Excellence (10%)

All lecture content is recorded and archived, allowing students to review material on their own schedules—a key advantage for the program’s largely working‑professional population, 66% of whom are employed at the time of enrollment. The program enrolls 86 students and offers rolling admissions, with tuition of $761 per credit.

“This national recognition reflects the strength of our program and the dedication of our students,” said Erin Orrick, Program Director, Criminal Justice Programs, and Associate Professor in the School of Public Affairs. “Our online MCJ degree is designed to provide a flexible and engaging learning experience that supports working professionals as they advance their careers. We are proud to see the program acknowledged for its quality and its impact on the criminal justice community.”

A Reflection of the School of Public Affairs’ Academic Strength

As one of the nation’s top schools in public administration, public policy, and criminal justice, CU Denver’s School of Public Affairs continues to elevate its online offerings. The strong ranking reflects SPA’s investment in expert faculty, innovative online teaching practices, and comprehensive student support.

“Our School of Public Affairs has long been a destination for students seeking high‑quality, accessible criminal justice education,” said Christopher Weible, Interim Dean, Distinguished Professor, and Co-Director, Center for Policy and Democracy. “This national recognition reflects the expertise of our faculty, the strength of our student community, and our commitment to preparing professionals to lead in a rapidly evolving field.”

About the U.S. News Ranking Methodology

The Best Online Programs rankings are among the most comprehensive evaluations of distance education in the United States. Schools are assessed using data they self‑report, along with peer evaluations from academic leaders in the field. Only programs that meet the criteria for online distance education and report complete data are ranked. Learn more about the methodology. 

Continuing a Legacy of Excellence at SPA

The School of Public Affairs at CU Denver is widely recognized for its scholarship, community engagement, and leadership development. This new ranking adds to SPA’s growing list of national achievements and reinforces its position as a premier destination for students seeking flexibility without compromising academic rigor.

Prospective students can learn more about the online Master of Criminal Justice program through the School of Public Affairs website.