In Short
Gain experience in leadership and management to advance your career in policing, courts, corrections, victim services, social services and other public service related fields.
Program at a Glance: Become a Criminal Justice Leader
Fitchburg State’s online Master of Science (MS) in Criminal Justice degree program strengthens your leadership and problem-solving skills for advanced opportunities in policing, courts, corrections, and social services. Learn how to manage teams, analyze data, and make informed decisions to address real challenges in the criminal justice system.
Elevate your career while balancing work and personal responsibilities with our one-year Criminal Justice master’s degree program.
Master of Science in Criminal Justice Overview
Criminal justice experts play a vital role in maintaining public safety, supporting rehabilitation, and ensuring fair and effective justice administration across communities. Fitchburg State’s master’s program prepares you to take on influential roles in criminal justice with a well-rounded, practical education that builds your skills in problem-solving, program evaluation, ethical decision-making, and leadership.
Program Mission
This program provides students with practical knowledge and skills based on current research in the field while also providing an understanding of ethical issues and dilemmas related to the profession. The program focuses on building student’s problem solving skills and their ability to analyze and understand data to assist with decision making, especially in a culturally diverse community.
Program Length
While you can complete the online master’s in Criminal Justice in one year, you may take up to six years to finish the program.
Learn From the Experts
Our Criminal Justice faculty comprises seasoned professionals with extensive experience in law enforcement, corrections, policy development, and community advocacy. They are committed to your success, offering mentorship, insights, and opportunities that bridge classroom knowledge with real-world application.
Learn more from Dr. David Weiss, Chair of the Graduate Criminal Justice Programs.
What Can You Do With an MS in Criminal Justice Degree?
This degree prepares you for leadership in criminal justice, equipping you to develop policies, manage teams, implement new initiatives, and enhance the administration of justice organizations.
Providing a strong foundation in leadership and analytical thinking, this degree program opens doors for career advancement in a range of settings where you can promote ethical and effective practices. Graduates of the program lead in areas like:
- Policing
- Juvenile and Criminal Courts
- Institutional Corrections
- Probation, Parole and Pre-trial Services
- Victim Services
- Community Justice Services
- Public Policy
- Social Services
Admissions Requirements
To apply for Fitchburg State’s online MS in Criminal Justice, Professional Studies concentration, you must submit the application materials listed below:
- Official transcript: We require applicants to hold a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution with a minimum undergraduate GPA of 2.8.
- If you attended Fitchburg State University for your undergraduate education, please add the school to the Academic History Tab, and Fitchburg State will upload your transcript to your application on your behalf.
- Personal statement: In a statement of no more than 300 words, please describe how earning a master's degree in Criminal Justice would help you fulfill your personal and professional goals.
- Professional resume and references: Please upload a professional resume that sets forth, at a minimum, your educational and employment history. On your resume, please include the names and contact information (email and/or phone number) of three references. At least two must be individuals under whose supervision you have worked in a professional capacity. As long as you provide names and contact information for three professional references on your resume, you do not need to submit letters of recommendation. However, the Criminal Justice program reserves the right to request letters of recommendation.
Fitchburg State University reviews all completed applications on a rolling admission basis.
Tuition and Fees
Understanding the cost of your graduate education is an essential step in planning for your future. At Fitchburg State, we believe in affordable, high-quality education and are committed to providing clear information about tuition and financial aid options. Review graduate scholarship opportunities and tuition and fees for graduate programs.
If you would like help financing your education, contact the Office of Financial Aid.
Requirements and Curriculum
Fitchburg State’s 30-credit/10 courses online MS in Criminal Justice equips you to navigate the complexities of the justice system while developing expertise in your chosen area.
Your studies begin with a core set of courses that provide a deep understanding of criminal justice theory, the motivation behind crime, ethical challenges, and cultural communication. These courses establish the background knowledge and critical thinking skills needed for leadership roles in law enforcement, corrections, and the legal system.
Core Requirements (15 credits)
- CJ 7240 Criminal Justice Process (as required)
- CJ 8580 Ethical Issues in Criminal Justice
- CJ 7320 Crime Causation
- CJ 9100 Program Evaluation
- CJ 8680 Cultural Diversity and Communication
Electives (9 credits)
- Students will use their knowledge about the criminal justice system applying theoretical frameworks to solve problems in an ethical manner.
- Students will critically analyze and address real life scenarios using social science research and data to ascertain the community impact.
- Students develop oral and written skills to communicate effectively with a culturally diverse public about justice and policy issues.
Still have questions? We're here to help!
You can connect with us by email or phone, attend an upcoming info session, or watch a recorded webinar to learn more about what makes Fitchburg State’s online Master of Science in Criminal Justice, Professional Studies concentration the right fit for you. We look forward to helping you take the next step in your career!
- Email an enrollment counselor gce@fitchburgstate.edu or call 978.665.3182
- Attend an Information Session
- Watch a webinar
Connect with us
|
|
|
|
|
|