Criminal Justice, MS

Master's
Hybrid (Online + Campus)
Behavioral Sciences
students in class

In Short

The Master of Science in Criminal Justice leads to both a master of science in criminal justice and a certificate of completion from the Massachusetts Municipal Police Training Committee (MPTC).

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What will I do?
  • Meet all of the requirements of the Municipal Police Training Academy
  • Apply knowledge of the operations of the criminal justice system to real-life case scenarios and current events
  • Recognize and analyze ethical issues and dilemmas in the practice of criminal justice
  • Demonstrate the ability to research and analyze crime data and its impact on criminal justice policy
  • Identify the links between theoretical foundations of crime and delinquency and the development of criminal justice policy
  • Recognize diversity in society and how criminal justice professionals respond to the increasing diversity in society
  • Develop critical thinking skills and the ability to apply them to problem solving
  • Develop oral and written communications skills as well as the ability to use technology for communication purposes

Program Overview

The role of the police officer is intellectually demanding, requiring officers to possess knowledge and skills in both substantive and procedural law, police procedures, problem solving, crisis management, written and oral communication, technology, and professionalism. This course of study, following the bachelor's of science in criminal justice with the Police Program (4+1) concentration, will lead to both a master of science in criminal justice and a certificate of completion from the Massachusetts Municipal Police Training Committee. These qualifications allow the student to apply for any Massachusetts municipal police department, or that of any other state with a reciprocal agreement. Students will complete a total of 36 credits: eight 3-credit courses that concentrate in criminal justice studies and a 12-credit practicum, with both skills and academic components.

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Career Opportunities

  • Law enforcement
  • Court System
  • Corrections

Total Credits

33 credits

Time Frame

This program, including the undergraduate concentration can be completed in 5 years.

Curriculum and Other Information

Tuition and Fees

Candidates for admission must successfully complete the undergraduate Fitchburg State University Police Program (4+1) program with a minimum 2.50 GPA, and no grade lower than 2.0 in any of the required courses for MPTC certification.

Completed applications are reviewed on a rolling admission basis.

Our program is PCIPP approved, providing educational incentives for regular full-time officers in participating cities and towns through salary increases.

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