Learn to Lead Organizational Change
The online Graduate Certificate in Strategic Management in Criminal Justice at Boston University’s Metropolitan College offers an interdisciplinary curriculum designed to provide the skills needed to face contemporary criminal justice challenges and lead reforms—not only domestically, but internationally.
Effective leadership in the increasingly complex field of criminal justice requires a strong footing in ethics, business, and analysis, as well as the ability to keep pace with issues that include the realities of terrorism, the emergence of cybercrime, questions of police legitimacy, and stagnant correctional outcomes in terms of recidivism among offenders. The Strategic Management certificate develops valuable skills that enhance the ability to analyze diverse problems and develop sound and sustainable policies that are guided by logic and planning—making it the ideal credential for experienced, mid-career criminal justice professionals who seek to advance into policy-making, upper management, or executive-level positions in their agencies.
The Graduate Certificate in Strategic Management in Criminal Justice is also available on campus in Boston. Learn more.
Curriculum
Boston University’s Graduate Certificate in Strategic Management in Criminal Justice consists of four required online courses (16 units).
Coursework from the Graduate Certificate in Strategic Management in Criminal Justice can be applied toward the Boston University Metropolitan College Master of Science in Master of Science in Criminal Justice .
Required Courses
MET CJ 571 4 credits. Fall and Spring
This course introduces students to the concepts of criminal justice administration and ethics. Students learn about: the management of justice system organizations, and the various debates as to how best operate the organizations making up the system. Topics covered include: organizational theory and structure, professional ethics, leadership and management styles, organizational deviance and socialization, employee motivation, and management responses to stress and burnout. The course helps students understand the characteristics of effective leadership and policy implementation in the field of criminal justice. Students also have the opportunity to analyze ethical dilemmas commonly confronted in criminal justice work.
Section O1, SPRG 2026 Jan 13th to Mar 2nd
Cadigan
Independent
ARR
12:00:00 AM–12:00:00 AM
MET CJ 640 4 credits. Fall and Spring
Data analysis informs administration, management and accountability processes within criminal justice and related organizations. While traditional crime analysis often narrowly seeks to improve the organization's effectiveness towards public safety outcomes, management and accountability analysis seeks to also ensure fair, efficient, transparent, and accountable practices as well. This course examines contemporary management and accountability practices with an emphasis on the ways in which data can be employed to improve these practices. Students will learn skills to work with real data sources across justice-system domains, from policing to corrections, as well as community-based organizations. Contemporary challenges, such as disparate treatment, abuse of force, 'overpolicing,' frame discussions and assignments. Students will understand the strengths and limitations of data-informed approaches. The course is valuable to students seeking careers in analytical roles, other practitioners, non-profit managers, and those interested in justice reform more broadly.
Section A1, SPRG 2026 Jan 20th to Apr 30th
Cronin
Independent
W
06:00:00 PM–08:45:00 PM
SHA 202
Section O1, SPRG 2026 Jan 13th to Mar 2nd
Malcolm
Independent
ARR
12:00:00 AM–12:00:00 AM
MET CJ 711 4 credits. Fall and Spring
This course will introduce you to the concepts of criminal justice policy, planning and implementation. You will be introduced to major theories of planning and implementation and apply them to criminal justice organizational settings. Additionally, you will learn the techniques for analyzing problems, developing programs and policies resulting from problem analysis, along with program and policy monitoring and evaluation.
Section A1, SPRG 2026 Jan 20th to Apr 30th
Matesanz
Independent
T
06:00:00 PM–08:45:00 PM
BRB 122
Section O2, SPRG 2026 Mar 10th to Apr 27th
Cronin
Independent
ARR
12:00:00 AM–12:00:00 AM
Plus one elective from the following list:
Elective Courses
MET AD 612 4 credits. Fall and Spring
Prerequisites: MET AD610 - This course examines emergency management from national, state, local, and family perspectives of prevention, preparedness, response, and recovery. The course encompasses knowledge of the specific agencies, organizations, and individual behaviors in emergency management as well as the interlinking partnerships between/among these groups. Areas of discussion include: responsibilities at federal, state, community and individual levels; guidelines and procedures for operations and compliance such as the National response Plan; Incident Command Systems (ICS); exercises; plan development, command, and control; communication; partnership development and maintenance; leadership; and numerous other elements related to effective emergency management. The unique and critical roles of private and public partnerships are reviewed and particular attention is paid to the interplay and interdependency among national, state, community, business (public and private), and the individual. 4cr.
MET CJ 511 4 credits. Fall and Spring
Community re-integration following imprisonment has long been recognized as a significant challenge. Longer sentences and rapid changes have created new problems for both formerly incarcerated people and those who provide services both inside and outside the criminal justice system. This course will examine rehabilitation philosophy in theory and practice. Lectures and seminars will address such issues as: the special problems in providing rehabilitation and education in the correctional system, the effect of inmate subculture on rehabilitation, and balancing demands for custody and rehabilitation.
MET CJ 512 4 credits. Fall and Spring
This course will engage the topics of sexual deviance and sexual trauma through multiple lens. These lenses will include psychological, sociological, criminal justice, public health and social justice perspectives. The course will explore multiple facets of understanding sexual deviance and sexual trauma including legal and philosophical perspectives, historical activism, understanding and treatment of sexual offending, and survivor responses. The roles of multiple systems including the media, mental health organization and the criminal justice system will be taken into account. This course includes ongoing group work that will engage critical inquiry, addressing relevant topics in sexual trauma in practical ways. Students will utilize knowledge of theory and research methodology to pursue real world responses to issues of sexual violence and trauma.
MET CJ 520 4 credits. Fall and Spring
Violence and Trauma examines the psychological impact of crime, terror and disasters on society and the individuals who are members of it. The class is geared toward students in the social sciences including Psychology, Urban Affairs, Criminal Justice, and Sociology. A variety of traumas will be examined (e.g., childhood abuse, domestic violence and crime, war combat, terrorism, and natural disasters). The course examines the social, cultural and political environments in which trauma, trauma research and treatment occur. This course provides an introduction and overview of the field of traumatic stress studies including the nature of trauma, responses to trauma and treatment for disorders of traumatic stress.
MET CJ 531 4 credits. Fall and Spring
Analysis of policy issues concerning juvenile justice and youth crime. Scope and nature of youth crime and the young offender. Juvenile justice procedures, programs, and institutional roles. Considers delinquency prevention programs, violent offenders, dispositional alternatives, and crimes against youth.
Section A1, SPRG 2026 Jan 20th to Apr 30th
Thomas
Independent
M
06:00:00 PM–08:45:00 PM
CDS 264
MET CJ 610 4 credits. Fall and Spring
This course is designed to help students understand and apply the nature of computer crime in the criminal justice field. Several theories (both micro-level and macro-level) will be presented and will be analyzed in depth and applied to computer crime cases both past and present. Students will see how major theories have been re-developed to be applied to computer crime, and by using these theories, students will both develop and explore different strategies for future law enforcement. Students will be presented with common types of fraudulent schemes, as well as several laws that have been enacted and developed specifically for computer crime. In addition, causes, victimization, legal issues, control strategies, and societal costs regarding the cybercrime problem will be explored and evaluated.
Section O1, SPRG 2026 Jan 13th to Mar 2nd
Nichols
Independent
ARR
12:00:00 AM–12:00:00 AM
MET CJ 612 4 credits. Fall and Spring
Contemporary law enforcement agencies regularly employ crime and intelligence analysis to develop and inform effective responses to crime. This course provides an in-depth examination of crime and intelligence analysis techniques. It also explores the role of the crime and intelligence analyst within law enforcement organizations and processes, the historical evolution of this approach, key legal and policy issues, and challenges to implementation. Students have the opportunity to apply these skills to case study simulations involving an array of common crime problems and cases using real-world examples and sources of information.
Section O1, SPRG 2026 Jan 13th to Mar 2nd
Cronin
Independent
ARR
12:00:00 AM–12:00:00 AM
MET CJ 620 4 credits. Fall and Spring
Cyber-terrorists continuously leverage sophisticated techniques in efforts to attack the nation's critical infrastructures by damaging their functionalities and stealing highly sensitive intellectual property, private information, and valuable assets. This course is designed to explore a new explanatory angle for studying cyberterrorism issues from a cyber- intelligence perspective. Major cyberterrorism cases will be empirically analyzed and applied into a lab environment for gaining hands-on-experience and to develop defensive strategies and counter measures. This course aims to examine three main types of cyberterrorism 1) Information Attacks, 2) Infrastructure Attacks, and 3) Technology Facilitation for building both technical capability and a set of policy recommendations to counter these potential threats.
Section O2, SPRG 2026 Mar 10th to Apr 27th
Choi
Independent
ARR
12:00:00 AM–12:00:00 AM
MET CJ 632 4 credits. Fall and Spring
This course introduces students to the concept of white collar crime as an area of scientific inquiry and theory formation. It critically examines the latest scholarship on the subject by looking at white collar crime through a multiplicity of perspectives and reference points. These range from focus on the offense, offender, legal structure, organizational structure, individual, and organizational behavior, to victimization and guardianship, with special attention on the interaction between these components. The course also assesses the nature, extent, and consequences of white collar crime nationally and internationally. To enhance the understanding of white collar crime in today's Information Technology development, the course will pay special attention to roles of IT including fintech and cryptocurrency connections within white collar crime. It will also introduce rapidly emerging cybercrime issues while discussing various challenges of cybercrime investigation and limited digital forensics tools. Finally, the course examines current criminal justice system efforts at controlling white collar crime. Given the relative ineffectiveness of traditional criminal justice responses, alternative systems of control will be examined, ranging from compliance and regulations, private security, and public opinion, to prevention. Students will visit the websites of various government agencies or professional organizations to explore their functions and their current efforts to fight white collar crimes. Finally, many tangible research- based suggestions will be made regarding actions that organizations and businesses can take to reduce losses accrued due to white collar crime.
MET CJ 650 4 credits. Fall and Spring
This course will include a general introduction to the overt as well as underlying ideology, history, reasons and causes of terrorism. Both domestic and international terrorism will be discussed. Domestic hate groups will also receive particular attention. The roles of politics and the media will be discussed. Students will be exposed to the philosophies of terrorists and terrorism. Counter terrorism will also be discussed at length. Students are expected to participate actively in the course. There will be written assignments, a midterm, a class presentation, and a final paper.
MET CJ 660 4 credits. Fall and Spring
This course examines the role of gender in both criminal behavior and the societal response to crime. Gender affects criminal behavior, structures our responses to crime, and presents unique challenges for the criminal justice system. While the course examines the role of gender in these ways for both men and women, the course focuses on the limitations of research, policy and practice that has focused traditionally on male offenders. The course also examines the role of gender in criminal justice organizations and processes.
MET CJ 705 4 credits. Spring
Threat assessment is a systematic strategy for identifying, assessing, and preventing potential violent incidents. Using an interdisciplinary approach combining insights from criminology, law enforcement, psychiatry, and psychology, behavioral threat assessment is designed to provide alternatives to violence before an attack occurs. In this class, students will learn the principles of behavioral threat assessment and explore ongoing developments in the field by reviewing case examples and studies of school shooters, mass murderers, lone actor terrorists, as well as more common offender types such as domestic violence offenders. The course is intended for a wide variety of law enforcement officers, mental health practitioners, school administrators, workplace managers, and public officials who are charged with maintaining community safety.
Section E1, SPRG 2026 Jan 20th to Apr 30th
Silver
Independent
M
06:00:00 PM–08:45:00 PM
HAR 220
Section O2, SPRG 2026 Mar 10th to Apr 27th
Silver
Independent
ARR
12:00:00 AM–12:00:00 AM
MET CJ 710 4 credits. Fall and Spring
This course is designed to engage students for conducting successful forensic examinations of digital devices and computer networks with hands-on-experience within the Virtual Security Lab. The course introduces EnCase forensic software, which has received the high acceptance rate in a court of law as an expert witness. The course aims to cover various cybercrime topics and digital forensic investigation practices using digital evidence samples. In the process of learning, students will explore the nature of specific cybercrime and be able to successfully analyze and document the digital evidence related to the crime.
Section A1, SPRG 2026 Jan 20th to Apr 30th
Choi
Independent
T
06:00:00 PM–08:45:00 PM
HAR 314
Section O2, SPRG 2026 Mar 10th to Apr 27th
Nay
Independent
ARR
12:00:00 AM–12:00:00 AM
MET CJ 720 4 credits. Fall and Spring
Trauma and Crisis Intervention examines the psychological impact of trauma on individuals and society. This course will address the important role trauma plays in criminal justice settings, providing a practical understanding of trauma and trauma informed care. This understanding will serve to benefit practitioners in this field. The course will cover key issues in trauma and crisis intervention, addressing both theory and practice. The course examines the social, cultural and political environments in which trauma, trauma research and treatment occur. This course provides an introduction and overview of the field of traumatic stress studies including the nature of trauma, responses to trauma and treatment for disorders of traumatic stress. A variety of traumas will be examined (childhood abuse and neglect, ongoing and complex trauma, interpersonal trauma, international trauma, etc.) In addition, trauma will be explored in a variety of contexts. Students will gain an understanding of the impact of trauma and crisis intervention both within the United States as well as globally. The capacity to foster resilience in survivors as well as the importance of self-care in reducing vicarious trauma will be stressed. This course is designed to provide an understanding of trauma and crisis response for students who may work in a variety of criminal justice settings. The course will be geared toward and benefit both mental health practitioners as well as those working in law enforcement and correctional settings. The field of criminal justice more generally is clearly moving toward recognition of the importance of trauma informed care and services. The course will address trauma theory and practice in a practical way. The course will be interactive in nature and derive course work and material from real world examples.
Section A1, SPRG 2026 Jan 20th to Apr 30th
Rousseau
Independent
W
06:00:00 PM–08:45:00 PM
BRB 121
MET CJ 725 4 credits. Fall and Spring
This course will examine the fascinating world of forensic psychology. It will examine the way in which the law and mental health intersect and forensic psychologists help the court in addressing a variety of cases and issues. The course will explore how expert opinions are formed and provided on a variety of issues including; not guilty by reason of mental illness pleas, competency to stand trial, prediction of future violence, sexual predators; psychopaths, the forcible medication of mentally ill patients, and civil commitment. The difference between sound and "junk" science will be discussed.
Section O1, SPRG 2026 Jan 13th to Mar 2nd
Rousseau
Independent
ARR
12:00:00 AM–12:00:00 AM
MET CJ 750 4 credits. Fall and Spring
Police agencies play a critical role in a democratic society. While seeking to maintain order, enforce the law and deliver services effectively, police agencies are held accountable to a wide-variety of values by a number of powerful stakeholders. Police leaders, managers, and other personnel must understand the complexities of the police role in society, the political and legal constraints placed on them in addition to being experts in effective, evidence-based approaches to dealing with crime problems in the community. By applying theory, policy, and evaluation literature to the cutting-edge practices in the field, this course provides students with an advanced understanding in the field of police leadership, management, strategy, and accountability within a democratic society. 4 cr.
MET CJ 801 4 credits. Fall and Spring
Graduate Prerequisites: approval of program director prior to registration. - Individual faculty supervision of an independent student project demonstrating application of previous program coursework to a selected topic, issue, or theme in criminal justice.
Section E1, SPRG 2026 Jan 20th to Apr 30th
Choi
Directed Study
ARR
12:00:00 AM–12:00:00 AM
View BU MET’s academic calendar for online programs, including important dates and deadlines.
Learn about application requirements for BU MET graduate degree and certificate programs.
How You Benefit from a
A BU credential can help lay the foundation for career advancement and personal success.
Benefit from an average 24:1 student-to-instructor ratio Coursework employs case studies, simulations using real data, and hands-on problem solving to develop practical skills you can immediately apply on the job. Collaborate with faculty who have subject-matter expertise, research-based insight, and extensive field experience in law enforcement, corrections, cybercrime investigation and digital forensics, research and policy, forensic mental health, the judicial system, strategic management, and many other areas. BU MET has offered criminal justice education since 1973, introducing its master’s degree in criminal justice in 1980, which became BU’s first fully online program in 2002. Rankings & Accreditations
#5 in 2026, and top 6 since 2015
MET’s online master’s degree in criminal justice is ranked #5 in the nation by U.S. News & World Report .
#4
America’s Top Online Colleges
Graduate with Strategic Management Expertise Expertise
Students who complete the Graduate Certificate in Strategic Management in Criminal Justice will be able to demonstrate:
Familiarity with organizational structures of the criminal justice system along with the classical and contemporary theories of organization, planning, and change. The ability to learn and apply planning skills related to criminal justice policymaking and program design. Knowledge of policy monitoring and program evaluation techniques. Proficient comprehension of quantitative and qualitative practices that enhance organizational decision-making, evaluation, and accountability. An understanding of the nature of public emergency management and preparedness across public and private jurisdictions.
“The program at Boston University is a great blend of theoretical and practical knowledge. As such, I have been able to implement certain lessons almost immediately as a Boston Police detective after learning them in class. I plan on growing within my organization and putting myself in a position to help shape the future of policing in Boston.” Read more.
Clifford Davis IV (MET ’20) Detective, Human Trafficking Unit, Boston Police Department MS, Criminal Justice, concentration in Strategic Management
Advance Your Career
Housed in the Department of Applied Social Sciences at MET, Boston University’s criminal justice programs prepare you to tackle contemporary challenges in the field, providing training in critical specialization areas and emphasizing practical, insightful, and adaptable knowledge that can be immediately applied on the job while informing your career growth for years to come.
Recent graduates have found job opportunities and career paths at companies such as:
Louisiana State Police Pennsylvania State Police
San Diego County Sheriff’s Department Wilmington Police Department
Take Advantage of Career Resources at BU MET
You will find the support you need in reaching your career goals through MET’s Career Development office , which offers a variety of job-hunting resources, including one-on-one career counseling by appointment for online students. You can also take advantage of tools and resources available online through BU’s Center for Career Development .
Criminal Justice Faculty
Assistant Professor, Criminal Justice
Chair, Applied Social Sciences
Professor of the Practice, Criminal Justice
Director, Cybercrime & Cybersecurity
Assistant Professor, Criminal Justice
Visiting Associate Professor, Criminal Justice
View All Faculty
Robert Cadigan
Linda Holt
James Matesanz
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