Frequently Asked Questions

The admissions requirements for the online M.S. in Criminal Justice include:

• $40 application fee (waiver available when you speak with a program manager)
• Official transcripts from all previously attended institutions
• Bachelor’s degree in any discipline
• Résumé
• Personal statement (this is recommended but not required for current law enforcement officials)
• Two professional references
• Mid-Career Track applicants must have graduated from a qualified police academy and work in a relevant field

The online master’s degree in criminal justice includes 36 credits and 12 courses. It is delivered in a flexible online format and can be completed in one year or less, depending on your previous academic and professional experience. Review this program’s courses here.

If you’ve graduated from a qualified police academy and work in a relevant field, the Mid-Career Track allows you to waive two courses in the program and finish your degree in 10 months. Review this program’s courses here.

Once you are accepted to the Mid-Career Track, the program director will assess your experience and determine the appropriate courses to waive.

All of the coursework in this degree program is delivered entirely online. If you opt to pursue an internship, in-person field hours may be required.

Each class term is eight weeks.

No prerequisite courses are required for this program.

Yes, you can transfer up to six credits toward your master’s degree in criminal justice. If you’ve graduated from a qualified police academy and work in a relevant field, you could be eligible for Mid-Career Track. Review this program’s courses here.

With your M.S. in Criminal Justice, you could advance in your current place of employment. You might also pursue a career in corrections, the courts, or law enforcement. Learn more about potential careers here.

This program is certified by the Massachusetts Department of Higher Education’s Police Career Incentive Pay Program (also known as the Quinn Bill) enacted by the state legislature to encourage officers to earn degrees in law enforcement and criminal justice.

The online master’s degree in criminal justice allows you to customize your program with a specialization or pursue a general track with varied electives. Specializations for this program include:

• Leadership and Administration
• Homeland Security
• Emergency Management

Additionally, if you have a master’s degree, you may also pursue a Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies in Criminal Justice or Justice Administration alongside your master’s in criminal justice degree. Review this program’s courses here.

You’ll find more details on our General FAQ page. You can also call 877-265-3201 to speak with a Program Manager right away or request more information, and we’ll contact you.