Master of Science in Criminal Justice (MSCJ)

The field of criminal justice is changing. Technological advancements, coupled with contemporary world events, have created an ever-increasing need for criminal justice professionals who have insight into the sociological, legal, theoretical, and practical arenas of law enforcement.

The Master of Science in Criminal Justice (MSCJ) program is designed for those who want to advance in the field of criminal justice, enter it, or simply gain a deeper understanding of this fascinating discipline. Students in the online MS in Criminal Justice program have the option of choosing a concentration in Crime Analysis, Cybercrime Investigation & Cybersecurity or Strategic Management.

An MSCJ degree from Boston University’s Metropolitan College will give you a competitive edge whether you plan to enhance your career, teach, apply to law school, or pursue a doctorate. Degree candidates will take courses where they will analyze criminal behavior, apply principles of leadership in organizational settings, learn theories of social control, and gain an informed perspective of law enforcement, the judicial system, and corrections. Ever evolving and often misunderstood, crime and justice are central to the moral fabric and social cohesion of society.

Students who complete the master’s degree in Criminal Justice will be able to demonstrate:

  • Advanced knowledge of, and ability to evaluate, criminological and criminal justice theories and their implications for public policy and practice.
  • Proficiency in research design and quantitative and qualitative analysis related to the evaluation of criminal justice practices, programs, and policies, and to the etiology of crime in applied settings.
  • Competence sufficient to evaluate and resolve the ethical issues in criminal justice practice and implement, manage, and lead organizational changes to prevent or respond effectively to them.
  • An ability to synthesize, evaluate, recognize implications, and communicate effectively using scholarly sources of information connected to crime theory and policy.
  • An understanding of leadership theories and skills as they pertain to managing and leading criminal justice organizations.

Why Choose BU’s Master of Science in Criminal Justice?

  • U.S. News & World Report Best Online Programs - Criminal Justice 2024 In 2024, U.S. News & World Report ranked BU's Criminal Justice master's program #3 among the Best Online Master's in Criminal Justice Programs. The program has ranked in the top 4 each year since 2015.
  • The master’s in Criminal Justice was Boston University’s first online program, launched in 2002.
  • Students learn from leading criminal justice faculty with extensive field experience and scholarship in policing, the judicial system, and corrections.
  • In the online classroom, students are able to network with a global community of criminal justice professionals.

Meet Dr. Shea Cronin, one of the faculty members you’ll work with in the Criminal Justice program.

Career Outlook

Forensic Examiners

10% increase in jobs through 2026

$80,180 median annual pay in 2018

Information Security Analysts

28% increase in jobs through 2026

$95,510 median annual pay in 2017

Private Detectives and Investigators

11% increase in jobs through 2026

$50,700 median annual pay in 2017

Police and Detectives

7% increase in jobs through 2026

$62,960 median annual pay in 2017

Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialists

6% increase in jobs through 2026

$51,4100 median annual pay in 2017

Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement Teachers, Postsecondary

10–14% increase in jobs through 2026

$61,900 median annual pay in 2018

Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2017-18 Edition

Tuition & Financial Assistance

Money Matters

Boston University Metropolitan College (MET) offers competitive tuition rates that meet the needs of part-time students seeking an affordable education. These rates are substantially lower than those of the traditional, full-time residential programs yet provide access to the same high-quality BU education. To learn more about current tuition rates, visit the MET website.

Financial Assistance

Comprehensive financial assistance services are available at MET, including scholarships, graduate loans, and payment plans. There is no cost to apply for financial assistance, and you may qualify for a student loan regardless of your income. Learn more.


Curriculum

The online Master of Science in Criminal Justice consists of eight courses (32 credits): four required courses and a choice of four electives.

Students may choose the following concentrations:

Waivers

Current members of the American Jail Association (AJA) are eligible for a Graduate Application fee waiver ($85 for applications to the master’s program), and should email metcorp@bu.edu with information confirming AJA membership.

Faculty


Shea W. Cronin

Shea W. Cronin

Assistant Professor, Criminal Justice
Chair, Applied Social Sciences
PhD, American University; BS, Northeastern University


Kyung-shick Choi

Kyung-shick Choi

Professor of the Practice
Director, Cybercrime and Cybersecurity
PhD, Indiana University of Pennsylvania; MS, Boston University; BS, Northeastern University


Danielle M. Rousseau

Danielle Rousseau

Assistant Professor, Criminal Justice
PhD, Northeastern University; MA, University of Denver; BA, University of Vermont


Danielle M. Rousseau

Jim Silver

Associate Professor of the Practice, Criminal Justice
PhD, University of Massachusetts Lowell
JD, Harvard Law School
BA, University of Notre Dame

Getting Started

To learn more or to contact an enrollment advisor before you get started, request information using the button below and tell us a little about yourself. Someone will be in touch to answer any questions you may have about the program and detail the next steps in earning your degree. You can also start your application or register for a course at Metropolitan College.