Criminal Justice

Boston University’s Metropolitan College (MET) offers a Master of Science in Criminal Justice (MSCJ) online, a pioneering program since its launch in 2002. Consistently ranked among the top online criminal justice master’s programs nationwide—holding #6 in the 2025 U.S. News & World Report—this graduate degree offers concentrations in Crime Analysis, Cybercrime Investigation & Cybersecurity, and Strategic Management . Led by faculty with real-world experience in policing, courts, corrections, and cybercrime, the program fosters an ethically grounded and evidence-based curriculum. It prepares graduates to address organizational change, policy evaluation, and ethical dilemmas within criminal justice systems, while providing a global professional network via its fully online platform.

In addition to the Master’s, BU MET offers a Graduate Certificate in Criminal Justice comprising four core courses that can be transitioned seamlessly into the MSCJ program without requiring a new application. This certificate blends theory, ethics, and research design to equip students with tools to evaluate policy and lead organizational reform.

Metropolitan College also offers a Graduate Certificate in Crime Analysis. This is a rigorous 16-credit program that can be completed online or on campus in just 8–12 months. Tailored for professionals in law enforcement, intelligence, policy, or tech, it trains students to handle diverse data sources—from surveillance cameras and social media to GPS and sensors. You’ll learn to conduct spatial mapping, advanced statistical analysis, and data matching, and to effectively communicate findings through reports that inform investigations, strategy, and policy.