Master of Science in Criminal Justice: Gain a Competitive Advantage

• Evenings on campus
• Online
• Part-time or full-time
• No GRE/GMAT required

Leading a criminal justice organization in the twenty-first century requires the ability to navigate complex challenges that reach deep into the fabric of society. Moving beyond “cops, courts, and corrections,” today’s criminal justice professional must be an expert in a wide-range of global law enforcement issues—such as domestic and international terrorism, human trafficking, gun violence, cybercrime, and white-collar crime, among others—and adept in implementing effective policies and reforms. Be prepared with a Master of Science in Criminal Justice from Boston University’s Metropolitan College.

Master of Science in Criminal Justice (on campus and online)

There remains an ever-increasing need for criminal justice professionals who have deep insight into the evolving sociological, legal, theoretical, and practical arenas of law enforcement. Boston University’s Master of Science in Criminal Justice provides this expertise, along with concentrations that focus on three areas of need:

• Crime Analysis Concentration
  Data-driven and intelligence-led approaches to crime have become the standard among contemporary criminal justice organizations. Develop the ability to use and analyze a variety of data sources to inform the investigations, strategies, and policy decisions of criminal justice organizations with the Crime Analysis concentration.
• Cybercrime Investigation & Cybersecurity Concentration
  Michael Brown, CEO at software security vendor Symantec, has projected 1.5 million unfilled cybersecurity positions by 2019. The demand is significant, and the Cybercrime Investigation & Cybersecurity master’s concentration provides valuable insight into cybercriminology and the legal practices, practical digital investigative knowledge, and policies related to cybersecurity risk assessment.
• Strategic Management Concentration
  The Strategic Management master’s concentration provides a foundation for skilled leadership and decision-making. Gain a strong footing in ethics, business, and analysis, as well as the ability to keep pace with issues and policies related to the realities of terrorism, the emergence of cybercrime, questions of police legitimacy, and stagnant correctional outcomes in terms of recidivism among offenders.

BU’s Metropolitan College has offered criminal justice education since 1973, and is one of the few institutions across the country to offer graduate programs grounded in the social sciences, but focused largely on cities, urban sociology, and criminal justice. Because MET is focused on practical, insightful, and adaptable knowledge, the tools and skills you learn at MET today can be immediately applied on the job while remaining relevant, useful, and valuable to your career growth for years to come.

Top Reasons Why You Should Consider a Master of Science in Criminal Justice from BU

• The online Master of Science in Criminal Justice is ranked #2 among the nation’s Best Online Graduate Criminal Justice Programs, 2021 (U.S. News & World Report).
• Convenient evening or online formats allow you to balance your education and time with your work/life needs.
• MET offers merit scholarships to help finance your degree.
• Students who complete the master’s degree concentration in Cybercrime Investigation & Cybersecurity are eligible to take forensic examiner exams.
• Our faculty share your passion for criminal justice and are committed to your success. They bring to the classroom subject-matter expertise, research-based insight, and extensive field experience in policing, cybercrime, the judicial system, and corrections.
• Throughout your program, you can rely on faculty to provide mentorship via assistantships, academic support, and career advising.
• Diverse on-campus and online classrooms ensure vital connections with other criminal justice professionals from around the world—networks that can open doors.
• Current members of the American Jail Association (AJA) benefit from a waiver of the graduate degree application fee of $85.

Become an Effective Criminal Justice Leader

Our criminal justice programs are taught by veteran practitioners and educators from all areas of the criminal justice profession, with experience in policy, cybercrime, law enforcement, courts, and corrections. The Master of Science in Criminal Justice program draws upon a wide variety of disciplines, including criminology, crime analysis, cybersecurity, law, management, psychology, public health, and sociology. Whether you are enhancing professional skills, planning for law school or a doctoral program, or considering a future in teaching, BU’s MS in criminal justice will prepare you to excel and advance in your field.

BU’s Metropolitan College also offers four-course graduate certificates in Crime Analysis, Criminal Justice, Cybercrime Investigation & Cybersecurity and Strategic Management.