UC versus FSU vs ASU for online CJ Masters

I am looking for an online CJ masters with the intent of obtaining a good education as well as interracting with faculy so that I can generate a recent body of work and references to eventually successfully apply for a residential funded PhD program. I have been out of school for over five years so I need the references the most to be competitive in my PhD packet. I am willing to spend thhis significant chunk of change to achieve the overall result, if its realistic. I assume someone here has experience in these programs. A successful outcome for me would be: (1) rsubstantive, graduate-level education versus simply banking credits to earn a degree; and (2) opportunities to interract with, and have the B&M faculty look at my work.

My search has narrowed to the Univ of Cincinatti, the Fla State Univ program, and as a distant third, ASU. I practically ruled out UMass Lowell based on a bad experience several years ago with them. I also ruled out Irvine's MAS program because it seems to be orientated solely for LE types who want a "masters" which the school takes pain to differentiate from its "real" criminology program.

That said, anyone have first-hand student experience in any of these programs? On paper they all are heavily marketed, which casts a red-flag. But their brick and mortar equivalents are all in the top ten CJ-wise. Each seems to have several negative qualities: UC (Cost and offsite "enrollment counselors"); FSU (a fluff mandatory course in essentially "how to use the computer"); and ASU (a bit too slick in its marketing, almost like that other notorious school based in Arizona).

I also considered UT Dallas' Criminology masters which would probably be the best fit for me in terms of subject matter but its outreagously expensive as an out of state student and as a new program, its online electives are not well-defined.

 

As a current ASU student, I can tell you that while they do have a good marketing campaign, they have the goods to back it up. They are a top tier university with EXCELLENT instructors and student support. Their CJ program is HIGHLY regarded, so in my opinion, you can't go wrong here.

 

Calling ASU "top tier" is a bit of a stretch. They have an 89% acceptance rate (for undergrad) so admission isn't really competitive. They're best program is hands down their business school and they are known more for their athletics than for their quality education.

To the OP, FSU is the highest ranked of the three schools and the only one in the top-100, but I would focus more on the department than the overall school. A cursory search of the schools you mentioned shows that Cincinnati has the best CJ program in the country, FSU is also a top-10 program. Based on that, if costs are similar I'd focus on UC.

 

I wouldn't so easily dismiss ASU, as their graduate CJ school is ranked #12 by USNews. Also, at about 15K, they're priced better than Cincinnati and FSU.

Best Criminology Programs | Top Criminology Schools | US News Best Graduate Schools

Online Criminal Justice Degree (MA) | Online Degree Programs | ASU Online | Arizona State University

 

AUTiger always wants to down ASU. He went to Auburn so he thinks it's the best. But whether he wants to admit it or not, ASU is a tier 1 college. Tier 1 equals top tier. No, it's not in the top 100. It's #139, to be exact. But it has an EXCELLENT business program, as well as a highly regarded criminal justice program. I'm a huge advocate of ASU because, even though it has a high acceptance rate, it's classes are no joke. My thought is, if you haven't taken any ASU classes, don't use your ASSumptions to knock them.

 

Sam Houston State University has a well regarded /ranked CJ department offering the M.S. in CJ and/or M.S. CJ Leadership and Management via online option. ($15K).
Criminal Justice - Graduate Studies - Sam Houston State University
CJ Leadership & Management - Online - Graduate Studies - Sam Houston State University

 

I never said Auburn was "the best". It's a very good school, a top 100 US university, a top 50 public university, but I would have to be insane to claim that it is "the best" school in the country.
In regards to ASU, I am entitled to my opinion. And I am sure the classes are "no joke" to a large number of their students. Considering how easy it is to gain admissions it is likely a large portion of the admitted students aren't very well prepared for university level studies. To those students, I'm sure the classes seem like they are very challenging.
Beyond that, the OP stated the schools he is considering and ASU has the lowest ranked CJ program of three. No need to get so defensive when I am simply pointing out facts.

 

I am certain all schools have merit and value.

 

LOL!!! You're evil =)

For the OP I like all 3 schools. But I especially like UCI which you already ruled out. I think BU would be a good choice too.