Study Criminal Justice in Massachusetts
As a prospective criminal justice student, you want to find a program that aligns with your career goals, is affordable, and offers you the flexibility you need to finish your degree with minimal disruptions to your work and personal lives. An online degree from a Massachusetts college or university certainly fits the bill.
In the Bay State, your options for pursuing an online degree in this field are virtually limitless. With an extensive network of public and private universities, Massachusetts has no shortage of options for getting your degree. This is true whether you’re looking for an undergraduate or graduate program.
The guide below offers insights into some of the popular options in Massachusetts. Examine each one, learn about its requirements, and explore the opportunities for expanding your education!
Online Criminal Justice Degrees in Massachusetts
Listed below are some of the popular schools offering online criminal justice degrees in Massachusetts:
- Anna Maria College
- University of Massachusetts Global
- University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth
- Arizona State University Online
- University of Massachusetts-Lowell
- Liberty University
- Southern New Hampshire University
- Walden University
- Grand Canyon University
Anna Maria College
Online Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice
At Anna Maria College, you can complete a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice in about four years of full-time studies. During that time, you’ll take 120 credits of courses, ranging from introductory criminal justice classes to broad general education courses. Anna Maria College has an excellent transfer credit program that allows you to bring up to 90 credits to the school to apply toward the degree requirements.
The program focuses on the central theoretical underpinnings of the criminal justice system. This includes the structure and function of law enforcement agencies, the criminal court system, and the correctional system. Likewise, you’ll gain practical knowledge of criminal justice procedures so you can succeed in a variety of career placements.
The curriculum includes 40 courses. Most of these courses fall under the realm of general education credits and electives. These classes are critically important to your development as a student and a future criminal justice professional. For example, general education classes help you build skills related to:
- Problem-solving
- Written and oral communications
- Research
- Critical Analysis
Moreover, by taking classes in areas like the arts and humanities, social science, natural science, and math, you’ll develop well-rounded abilities that allow you to perform your duties better after graduation.
Within the major, you’ll complete a sequence of eight criminal justice core courses. These courses begin with Foundations for Criminal Justice, which explores the history and development of the U.S. criminal justice system. You’ll also take a Constitutional Law class that helps familiarize you with principles like due process, equal protection, and judicial review. Other required core courses include the following:
- Introduction to Sociology
- Criminal Law
- Criminology
- Policing in America
- Corrections
A course entitled Researching the Social World is also required. This class introduces you to the elements of conducting social research, including the processes of collecting and analyzing data, performing qualitative and quantitative analyses, and presenting your findings in written and verbal form.
Another 15 credits of criminal justice electives are necessary to graduate. You are free to choose virtually any courses you wish to fulfill this requirement, with a couple of caveats. First, the elective courses cannot be used to fulfill the required criminal justice credits. And second, three of the five electives you take must be at the 3000 or 4000 level.
If you’re considering getting a master’s degree, Anna Maria makes that process less expensive by offering a fifth-year option with this program. Doing so allows you to take up to nine graduate credits while paying the undergraduate rate. In turn, you can earn a Master of Science in Criminal Justice from the university at a lower cost.
You must meet the following requirements to apply as a first-year student:
- Complete an online application.
- Pay a $25 application fee.
- Have a high school diploma or its equivalent.
- Submit official high school transcripts or equivalency scores.
- Submit official transcripts from every college or university you’ve attended.
- Submit a personal statement.
This program offers a Law Enforcement/Corrections option that further requires you to submit evidence that you are currently employed full-time in the criminal justice field. You may submit an agency ID or an employer letter as sufficient evidence.
University of Massachusetts Global
Online Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice
The Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice from the University of Massachusetts Global is a 120-credit program that requires four years of full-time studies to complete. The program is offered entirely online and is taught by experienced faculty with real-world experience in the criminal justice field.
The curriculum is divided into three major components: general education requirements, core requirements, and a minor. The first two years of the program focus mostly on completing the general education requirements. These classes are foundational in nature and help you develop much-needed academic skills that promote success in the later years of the program.
For example, you’ll take Written Communication I and II, Applied Mathematics, and Public Speaking to help you improve your communication, analytical, and problem-solving skills. Likewise, you’re required to take nine credits of humanities classes, six credits of natural sciences, and nine credits of social sciences.
Additionally, the general education requirements include two courses that help you develop academic-related skills. These classes – Liberal Arts Core Foundations and Information Fluency and Academic Integrity – explore concepts like honesty and ethical practice and the ability to judge information for accuracy and reliability.
The core requirements include 48 credits of required courses and one elective class. The required courses examine highly specific topics in the criminal justice field, such as:
- Evidence
- Applied Criminology
- Communication and Conflict Resolution for Criminal Justice
- Homeland Security
- Police and Society
Additionally, you’ll take classes like Correctional Systems, which examines contemporary correctional approaches in the U.S., and Gangs and Gang Behavior, which seeks to understand why gangs develop and devise interventions to help mitigate gang violence.
Other classes focus on the victim’s experience. For example, you can take either Domestic Violence or Victim Advocacy. In either case, your studies examine the role of the criminal justice system in providing victims a voice for addressing the crimes committed against them. Other core coursework includes the following:
- Spatial Social Sciences Communications and Visualization
- Foundations of Law
- Ethics in Criminal Justice
- Diversity, Conflict, and Crime
- Contemporary Issues in Criminal Justice
This program requires you to complete a criminal justice capstone, too. The capstone course occurs during the final year of the program and serves as a summative assessment of what you’ve learned. In other words, you’re required to demonstrate your understanding of critical topics learned throughout the program, as applied to an essential question or problem you research for the project.
The last component of this degree is the required minor. The minor includes studies in five key areas. For example, you’ll take classes on the Foundations of Law, Applied Criminology, and Correctional Systems. You’ll also take Contemporary Criminal Justice Applications and Police and Society.
You can apply to UMass Global online at any time. When applying, ensure you meet these qualifications:
- Complete an application for admission.
- Have a high school diploma or its equivalent.
- Submit official high school transcripts or equivalency scores.
- Submit official transcripts from every college or university you’ve attended.
- Have a cumulative undergraduate GPA of 2.0 or higher (if you’ve completed 12 or more transferable college credits).
University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth
Online Bachelor of Arts in Crime and Justice Studies
The Bachelor of Arts in Crime and Justice Studies at UMass-Dartmouth takes a slightly different approach to criminal justice education than the other two undergraduate programs described above. First, it’s a degree completion program, so you’re required to have some transferable college credits already completed. Second, the program includes an optional pre-law concentration that sets you up for success in a law degree program.
UMass-Dartmouth offers another advantage – you can transfer up to 90 credits from a regionally accredited college or university. Since 120 credits are needed to graduate, this enables you to complete just one year of studies at UMass-Dartmouth to complete this program.
The degree requirements necessitate having some general education courses already completed. In many cases, students either finish an associate’s degree and then transfer to UMass-Dartmouth to finish their criminal justice degree. In many other cases, students begin their studies at UMass-Dartmouth and complete general education coursework before applying to this program.
In either case, you’ll need around 80 credits of required general education courses and electives to graduate. The remaining 39 credits are specifically in the crime and justice studies fields. These courses are divided into two parts – 27 credits of core coursework and 12 elective credits.
The core coursework includes introductory and advanced classes. For example, you’ll complete basic studies in Crime and Justice, Social Theory, and the Criminal Justice System. You’ll likewise take a class on the Foundations of Justice Studies, which examines what justice means in various contexts. As such, you’ll explore justice from social, ethical, historical, and structural standpoints.
A related class is History of Criminology. In this course, you’ll study the theories that have sought to explain crime over the decades, including Critical Criminology, Classical Criminology, and Positivism. Furthermore, you’ll explore the historical contexts of criminology as they relate to policy development, human relations, and society in general.
Additional required core coursework includes the following:
- Research Methods for Justice Studies
- Abolitionism
- Contemporary Topics in Justice
- Criminal Justice Internship
You are given many different choices for completing the elective requirement for this degree. In fact, the university has identified roughly three dozen classes that can be used to fulfill the elective component. These classes range from very specific (e.g., The Death Penalty) to very broad (e.g., Crimes Against Humanity).
The elective component can essentially be used as a minor. Meaning, you can pick and choose the classes that most closely align with your academic and professional goals. For example, if you want to continue your studies in law school, you might take courses like Justice and Policy, Criminal Law and Procedure, and Transformative Justice.
On the other hand, if you want to focus your attention on diversity issues in criminal justice, you might take classes like Roots and Realities of Nonviolence, Black Feminist Hauntology, and Race, Colonization, and Inequality. Other elective options are as follows:
- Construction of Criminal Behavior
- Environments of Justice
- Beyond Borders: Immigration and Justice
- Cinema of Policing
- Advanced Theory in Crime and Justice
As noted earlier, there is an optional pre-law concentration available. This concentration prepares you for law school by examining criminal law, the U.S. courts system, and international criminal justice systems as well.
The following requirements must be met to apply as a first-year student:
- Complete an application for admission.
- Pay a $60 application fee
- Have a high school diploma or its equivalent.
- Submit official secondary transcripts indicating you’ve completed the following coursework or its equivalent:
- 4 units of English
- 2 units of social science
- 4 units of math
- 3 units of the same foreign language
- 3 units of science
- 2 units of college preparatory electives
Arizona State University Online
Online Bachelor of Science in Criminology and Criminal Justice
At Arizona State University’s online campus, you can earn a Bachelor of Science in Criminology and Criminal Justice within approximately four years. You’ll be required to complete 40 classes, totaling 120 credits. Notably, each class is condensed into a 7.5-week period, allowing you to complete each course in about half the usual time.
Given the accelerated nature of the coursework, you’ll take fewer classes concurrently. This arrangement helps you manage the rapid pace without feeling overwhelmed. Additionally, there’s an option to combine this program with an Accelerated Master of Arts in Criminal Justice or a Master of Science in Crime Analysis, enabling you to finish both your undergraduate and graduate studies in just five years.
The curriculum covers a wide range of subjects. You’ll start with general education classes across various disciplines such as math, science, social science, and English. Moreover, you’ll be required to take interdisciplinary classes in areas including Inclusive Community Development, Public Service and Policy, and Social Work.
The major-specific coursework also adopts an interdisciplinary approach. For instance, you’ll need to complete a Research Methods course in criminal justice, where you’ll learn the basics of social research, including how to frame research questions, collect and analyze data, and present your findings.
Additionally, you must take a course on Inequality, Crime, and Criminal Justice, which examines the dynamics of crime and punishment through the perspectives of race, ethnicity, class, and socioeconomic status.
Your foundational courses in criminal justice will include Introduction to Criminal Justice, which provides an overview of policing, the court system, and corrections in the U.S. Other required courses include:
- Criminal Justice Crime Control Policies and Practices
- Criminology
- Courts and Sentencing
- Introduction to Policing
- Introduction to Corrections
You’ll also need to select major-area electives that align with your career interests. For example, if you aim to be a youth probation officer, courses like Juvenile Justice, Community Justice, and Juvenile Delinquency would be beneficial.
Alternatively, if your interest lies in advocacy, you might choose electives such as Police Use of Force, Victims and the Criminal Justice System, and Police Accountability. Courses in Legal Issues in Corrections, Crime and Forensic Mental Health, and Community Corrections are also available.
Internships are another vital component of the program at Arizona State, providing practical experience and helping to integrate classroom theories into real-world contexts. Internships can also pave the way to employment post-graduation.
You can apply to Arizona State University online, which typically takes about 30 minutes. To be eligible, you should meet the following requirements:
- Possess a high school diploma or equivalent, with coursework including:
- Four years of math
- Four years of English
- Three years of lab science
- Two years of social science
- Two years of the same foreign language
- One year of career and technical education or fine arts
- Additionally, you should meet one of the following academic standards:
- Graduate in the top 25 percent of your high school class
- Maintain a 3.0 GPA or higher
- Achieve a minimum of 22 on the ACT (24 for non-residents) or 1120 on the SAT (1140 for non-residents)
- Earn a satisfactory score on the GED, HiSet, TASC, or California High School Proficiency Examination.
University of Massachusetts-Lowell
Online Master of Arts in Criminal Justice
The University of Massachusetts-Lowell offers a Master of Arts in Criminal Justice that offers the flexibility of online learning combined with the instruction from highly experienced professors. The result is that you can earn a well-regarded degree from the comfort of your home without losing any of the academic rigor of traditional on-campus programs.
The curriculum includes two types of courses: required foundations courses and criminal justice electives. As you might guess, the required foundations courses focus on essential components of the criminal justice system, such as:
- The Administration of Justice
- Criminological Theory
- Managing Justice Organizations
- Law and Public Policy
Two other courses are required as part of your foundational studies. First, Research Design introduces you to the methodologies used in criminology and criminal justice research. You’ll learn how to collect and measure data, conduct statistical analyses, and disseminate your findings in well-researched, thoughtful academic papers.
Second, you’ll take a course called Descriptive and Inferential Statistics that explores topics like hypothesis testing, probability theory, and confidence intervals. You’ll also study regression analysis and data interpretation and use your newfound skills to draw conclusions from your analysis of recent research.
Six elective classes are needed to complete this program. UMass-Lowell has approved nearly two dozen courses for you to choose from, including Forensic Psychology, Issues in Policing, and Criminal Profiling. You could also take Criminal Homicide, Sex Crimes and Offenders, or Criminal Mind and Behavior.
Other electives examine broader topics. For example, you might take Crisis and Emergency Management, which introduces you to the complexities of disaster management. You’ll analyze historical response approaches to disasters as well as modern strategies that reduce hazards for the public and first responders alike.
Another option worth considering is taking the Substance Abuse and Crime class. This class explores substance abuse and its complexities as it pertains to law enforcement, criminal adjudication, and correctional approaches. A related class – Violence in America – examines the causes of violent crime, among which is substance abuse. Other topics of violence explored in this class include institutional violence, gang violence, school violence, and workplace violence.
If you envision a career in the homeland security sector, you might take classes like Overview of Homeland Security and Domestic Terrorism and Violent Extremism. The homeland security class discusses the development of homeland security policies in the aftermath of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. It also examines modern approaches to homeland security and the roles that local, state, and federal agencies play in protecting the nation.
Meanwhile, the domestic terrorism class analyzes the evolution of domestic terrorism. You’ll study the violent extremist movements that have developed in the U.S. in recent decades, particularly religious extremists, hate groups, and right-wing militia. You’ll also discuss the socioeconomic and political factors that give rise to these groups.
You must meet the following requirements to qualify for admission:
- Complete the graduate application linked above.
- Pay the $50 application fee.
- Have an undergraduate degree from a regionally accredited college or university.
- Have a 2.8 cumulative undergraduate GPA or higher.
- Submit official transcripts from every college or university you’ve attended.
- Provide a statement of purpose in which you explain why you’re interested in this program.
- Provide two letters of recommendation from professional and/or academic references (this is optional, though).
Is an MA in Criminal Justice Worth It?
Determining whether an MA in Criminal Justice is worth pursuing involves considering various factors, including your career aspirations, the specific program’s offerings, and your personal and financial circumstances.
Career Advancement
An MA in Criminal Justice can significantly enhance your job opportunities. It can open doors to advanced positions in law enforcement, corrections, federal agencies, and private sector security. Graduate programs often offer specializations such as criminology, forensic psychology, and homeland security, which can make you a more competitive candidate for specialized roles. Additionally, higher-level positions, such as administrative and managerial roles, often require or prefer candidates with a master’s degree.
Salary Potential
A master’s degree in criminal justice can lead to increased earning potential. Advanced degrees often result in higher salaries, particularly in federal agencies or executive positions within criminal justice organizations. Furthermore, holding a master’s degree can enhance your prospects for promotions and pay raises within your current organization.
Skill Development
Graduate programs in criminal justice provide an advanced understanding of criminal justice theories, research methods, and practical applications. You will acquire valuable research skills, essential for policy development, academic roles, and high-level administrative positions.
Networking and Opportunities
Graduate programs offer opportunities to network with professionals and peers in the field, which can be beneficial for career advancement. Many programs include practical experiences, such as internships and practicums, that can lead to job offers and valuable professional contacts.
Alternatives
Depending on your career goals, certifications or specialized training might offer a quicker and less expensive way to advance your career. In some areas of criminal justice, hands-on experience can be more valuable than a graduate degree.
Ultimately, the decision to pursue an MA in Criminal Justice should be based on a careful assessment of your career goals, financial situation, and the specific benefits the degree will offer you in your chosen field.