College of Social Sciences & Humanities

Criminology and Criminal Justice

Master's: Online
More Program Options
Master's : Boston, MA
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The online Master of Science in Criminology and Criminal Justice is designed to prepare students for professional and research careers in criminal justice, criminology, and related fields. Students apply multidisciplinary and comparative social science to understand, predict, and explain crime, and to contribute to the development of public policy within and across U.S. communities.

Online
Location
Full-Time
Part-Time
Commitment
1 year
Duration of Program
Fall, Spring
Entry Terms
No
Meets F1 Visa Requirements
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Overview

The online Master of Science in Criminology and Criminal Justice concentrates on the problem of crime as a form of deviant behavior, and on the criminal justice and private security systems that address it. The program emphasizes a systems approach to criminal justice and stresses policy development and analysis. It also studies the impact these policies have on the individuals and organizations charged with delivering justice fairly and equitably. Broad in concept and scope, it encompasses such related disciplines as law, sociology, political science, psychology, criminology, and public administration.

The online master's program is comprised of required courses that deliver both substantive and technical skills. Additionally, students choose elective courses from offerings within the School of Criminology and Criminal Justice and the broader College of Social Sciences and Humanities. Students may also design directed studies with faculty in specific areas of interest. The course offerings afford students the flexibility to customize their own degree plans.

Faculty members in the graduate program represent several different academic disciplines and teaching activities that vary in nature. The faculty's specialized interests help make possible a broad range of program offerings, including courses on the criminal justice process, criminology, immigration and crime, and global criminology.

Please visit the MS in Criminology and Criminal Justice site to learn more about the program and download a free brochure.

More Details

Unique Features

  • All required and elective courses are taught by tenured, full-time faculty to ensure a quality learning environment.
  • Students accepted into the online master's program can also take on-ground courses and complete the program on a full-time or part-time basis, allowing students the flexibility to complete coursework at their own pace.
  • Students can complete the program in as few as two semesters, with the option to complete a co-op, which extends the program by six months.

Program Objectives

  • To demonstrate mastery of foundational knowledge in the field of criminology and criminal justice
  • To develop and grow intellectually and ethically, as demonstrated by an ability to be a critical consumer of research and scholarship
  • To develop a keen appreciation for the complexities of crime, criminal behavior, and responses to crime
  • To develop an understanding of, and an ability to contribute to, public and private efforts to make communities safer and to ensure justice

Looking for something different?

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Admissions

A graduate degree or certificate from Northeastern—a top-ranked university—can accelerate your career through rigorous academic coursework and hands-on professional experience in the area of your interest. Apply now—and take your career to the next level.

Program Costs

$32.4K *
Tuition

Finance Your Education We offer a variety of resources, including scholarships and assistantships.

How to Apply Learn more about MSCJ program admissions.

Requirements

  • Application
  • Application fee
  • Personal statement
  • Resume
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • Unofficial transcripts from all institutions attended
  • English proficiency for international applicants
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • Writing sample 
  • Resumé
  • GRE not required

Are You an International Student? Find out what additional documents are required to apply.

Admissions Details Learn more about the College of Social Sciences and Humanities admissions process, policies, and required materials.

Admissions Dates

Fall Term
Spring Term
Final deadline for international applicants: June 15
Final deadline for domestic applicants (non-international): August 15
Deadline for special student applicants (non-international only): August 15
Final deadline for international applicants: October 1
Final deadline for domestic applicants (non-international): December 15
Final deadline for Special Student applicants (non-international only): December 15
Curriculum

Industry-aligned courses for in-demand careers.


For 100+ years, we’ve designed our programs with one thing in mind—your success. Explore the current program requirements and course descriptions, all designed to meet today’s industry needs and must-have skills.

 

Experiential Learning

Northeastern's signature experience-powered learning model has been at the heart of the university for more than a century. It combines world-class academics with professional practice, allowing you to acquire relevant, real-world skills you can immediately put into action in your current workplace. This makes a Northeastern education a dynamic, transformative experience, giving you countless opportunities to grow as a professional and person.

Faculty

Our Faculty

Northeastern University faculty represents a broad cross-section of professional practices and fields, including finance, education, biomedical science, management, and the U.S. military. They serve as mentors and advisors and collaborate alongside you to solve the most pressing global challenges facing established and emerging markets.

View Master’s in Criminology and Criminal Justice faculty.

Students

By enrolling in Northeastern, you’ll gain access to students at 13 campus locations, 300,000+ alumni, and 3,000 employer partners worldwide. Our global university system provides students unique opportunities to think locally and act globally while serving as a platform for scaling ideas, talent, and solutions.

Below is a look at where our Law & Criminology alumni work, the positions they hold, and the skills they bring to their organization.

 

  • Where They Work

    • Commonwealth of Massachusetts
    • City of Boston
    • Deloitte
    • U.S. Army
    • U.S. Department of Justice

  • What They Do

    • Legal
    • Business Development
    • Education
    • Entrepreneurship
    • Community and Social Services

  • What They're Skilled At

    • Legal Research
    • Litigation
    • Legal Writing
    • Public Speaking
    • Research

 

Learn more about Northeastern Alumni on Linkedin.

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Master's
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Full-Time
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1-2 Years
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