Best Criminal Justice Schools in Massachusetts

45 schools offering criminal justice degrees in Massachusetts are in our database (see below).
Of the criminal justice programs in Massachusetts, 22 offer associate’s degrees or certificates, 25 offer bachelor’s degrees and above, and 12 offer master’s or doctoral degrees.
6 schools offering online criminal justice degrees in Massachusetts ranked in US News & World Report’s Best Online Bachelor’s Programs: University of Massachusetts-Lowell (#39), Westfield State University (#58), University of Massachusetts-Amherst (#63), University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth (#70), Fitchburg State University (#135), Fisher College (#180).
1 school in Massachusetts is on Kiplinger’s Best College Values: University of Massachusetts-Amherst (#56 in-state, #62 out-of-state).

Profiles of Well-Known Schools in Massachusetts

Harvard University: Harvard University does not offers a specialty program in conjunction with one of the several masters degrees within the John F. Kennedy School of Government. Within the Malcolm Wiener Center For Social Policy and Management is a research program that has over 35 related courses and 40 faculty, who are the world’s leading experts in law, corrections, and crime. Students can pursue a variety of opportunities such as summer internships in Tanzania or Venezuela, one-year fellowships and fieldwork courses that involve shadowing faculty while working in the field. Currently, the program has three active practice areas within which collaborative research is done: Measuring the Performance of Criminal Justice Systems; China: Empirical Research & Criminal Justice Policy Reform; and Gangs, Guns, and Urban Violence. Students engage in the Program in Criminal Justice Policy and Management while earning a masters or PhD in Public Policy, Public Administration, or one of the many custom joint degrees.

Boston University: Within Boston University’s Metropolitan College degree inventory is a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice, a Master’s of Criminal Justice, and a Criminal Justice Undergraduate Certificate. Graduate students who work full-time have the option of earning their degree online with 24 core credits and 16 elective credits to earn the major after the school’s general studies requirements are met. The Criminal Justice Undergraduate Certificate is meant to supplement a degree and requires students to complete the courses Principles of Criminal Justice; Police and Society; Corrections: Concepts, Systems and Issues; and Courts, Society and Criminal Procedure. Falling under the Department of Applied Social Sciences, the criminal justice faculty are top researchers and professionals with interests in communities in crime, criminal justice administration, and urban policy.

Massachusetts Criminal Justice Salary and Jobs

Occupation	Number Employed	Average Annual Salary
Correctional Officers and Jailers	5,890	$66,880
First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives	4,300	$94,190
Detectives and Criminal Investigators	1,920	$81,740
Police and Sheriff’s Patrol Officers	17,000	$64,250

Data from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics as of May 2015.^4,5,6,7

Respected leaders who have graduated from universities in Massachusetts

Lowell Police Superintendent Kenneth E. Lavallee – Boston University, Boston, MA
Cambridge Police Commisioner Robert C. Haas- Northeastern University, Boston, MA
Middlesex Sheriff Peter J. Koutoujian- Bridgewater State University, Bridgewater, MA
Worcester County Sheriff Lewis Evangelidis – University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA

Police Quote: “Remember it’s a job, an important job, but it should not be your whole life. Especially if you have a family. You’ve got decades before you retire. So pace yourself so you don’t go from too eager to completely disillusioned. You want to leave the department with some of the same idealism you went in with.” -Peter Moskos, Assistant Professor at the John Jay College of Criminal Justice and former police officer

Massachusetts Criminal Justice Degrees

Massachusetts criminal justice degree Many criminal justice degree holders seek positions in law enforcement within local and state police departments. The Massachusetts State Police offers training and positions and, thanks to the Quinn Bill, offers additional pay to criminal justice graduates. Most city police departments also run through Massachusetts’ Human Resources Department for hiring for their local police, and the Quinn Bill applies to these agencies as well. The Massachusetts Department of Corrections is also looking to hire criminal justice graduates and will waive the two-year experience requirement for the correction program officer A/B position for candidates with a four-year degree in criminal justice or a related field.

Massachusetts also has a number of private sector opportunities. Massachusetts is home to a number of corporations who hire for corporate security positions. In addition to this, the state is home to various insurance companies who hire criminal justice experts to work in their fraud departments. Finally, because Massachusetts has a large number of college campuses, it also has a large number of campus police departments.

Police and patrol officers earn an average annual wage of $64,250 in the state of Massachusetts, while police first-line supervisors are paid an average of $94,190.^5,7 Correctional officers are paid an average of $66,880 in the state.⁴ The paralegal field has a positive outlook and an average wage of $52,970 in Massachusetts.⁸ There are a number of opportunities for paralegal employment at the many law firms and corporations in Boston and the rest of the state.

Massachusetts’ Criminal Justice Employment Outlook

As of May 2016 the unemployment rate for Massachusetts was 4.2%, slightly below the national average of 4.7%.⁹ This rate is also lower than the state’s 10-year peak unemployment rate of 8.8% from December of 2009.⁹ Government-related employment can be a good indicator of criminal justice jobs in Massachusetts. According to Projections Central, the following criminal justice jobs are included:

Police and Sheriff Patrol: 550 annual openings; 46% in these positions report completing at least some college, with 24% holding an associate’s degree.^10,11
Correctional Officers: 160 annual openings; 37% in these positions report completing at least some college, with 15% holding a post-secondary certificate.^10,12
Detectives and Criminal Investigators: 50 annual openings; 37% in these positions report completing at least some college, with 21% holding an associate’s degree.^10,13
Security Guards: 410 annual openings; 4% in these positions report completing at least some college.^10,14
Paralegals and Legal Assistants: 200 annual openings; 86% in these positions report completing at least some college, with 30% holding an associate’s degree and 44% holding a bachelor’s degree.^10,15

Position estimates are based on jobs growth and replacements.

The Mercatus Center is a conservative think tank that rated the long-term solvency of each state government. After analyzing the state’s budgeting process, cash and tax collection, and pensions, Massachusetts was ranked 49th in the nation.¹⁶ New hires should keep a close watch on the state’s ability to fulfill its pension obligations.

Massachusetts Criminal Justice Career Interviews

Peter Moskos, Author of Cop in the Hood

Copy and Paste the following HTML code to add this infographic to your site:<img src="https://2cka5v3o6m3z1nd8vc3innc1-wpengine.netdna-ssl.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/massachusetts.png" alt="massachusetts"/><br />Infographic by <a href="https://www.criminaljusticedegreeschools.com/criminal-justice-schools/massachusetts/">Criminal Justice Degree Schools</a>

Directory of Massachusetts Universities Offering Campus-based and Online Criminal Justice Degrees

To get started earning a criminal justice degree in Massachusetts, we recommend finding an accredited campus-based or online program for pursuing your associate’s, bachelor’s, or master’s degree.

Tip: If you don’t live near a campus-based school that offers a program of interest, consider an online degree or a university in an adjacent state (Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, Vermont, or New Hampshire).

Directory of Massachusetts Universities Offering Criminal Justice Degrees

Note: Student Reviews are based on the experiences of a few individuals and it is unlikely that you will have similar results. Please review the “Data, Student Reviews and Other Information” section in our Terms of Use and Disclaimers.

American International College (Springfield)
Bachelor of Science | Criminal Justice
Master of Science | Forensic Psychology
Minor | Criminal Justice
Minor | Fraud & Financial Crimes

Anna Maria College (Paxton)
Bachelor of Arts | Law, Politics + Society
Bachelor of Science | Criminal Justice
Bachelor of Science | Forensic Criminology
Master of Science | Criminal Justice
Master of Public Administration | Criminal Justice (online program)
Master of Public Administration | Emergency Management (online program)
Master of Public Administration | Homeland Security (online program)
Minor | Criminal Justice
Minor | Computer Forensics and Investigations
Minor | Victimology and Victim Studies
Minor | Forensic Studies
Minor | Private Security
Post-Baccalaureate Certificate | Victim Studies (online program)
Post-Baccalaureate Certificate | Homeland Security (online program)
Post-Baccalaureate Certificate | Criminal Justice: Advanced Graduate Study
Post-Baccalaureate Certificate | Forensic Criminology
Post-Baccalaureate Certificate | Emergency Management

Assumption College (Worcester)
Bachelor of Arts | Criminology
Minor | Fraud Examination and Forensic Accounting
Minor | Peace and Conflict Studies

Bay Path College (Longmeadow)
Bachelor of Science | Criminal Justice
Bachelor of Science | Criminal Justice (online program)
Bachelor of Science | Counterterrorism & Homeland Security
Bachelor of Science | Counterterrorism & Homeland Security (online program)
Bachelor of Science | Criminal Justice: Criminal Investigations
Bachelor of Science | Criminal Justice: Criminal Investigations (online program)
Bachelor of Science | Digital Forensics
Bachelor of Science | Criminal Justice: Emergency Management
Bachelor of Science | Criminal Justice: Emergency Management (online program)
Bachelor of Science | Forensic Science
Bachelor of Arts | Psychology: Forensic Psychology
Bachelor of Arts | Legal Studies: Forensic Studies
Master of Science | Cybersecurity Management (online program)
Master of Science | Cybersecurity Management: Digital Forensics
Master of Science | Cybersecurity Management: Digital Forensics (online program)
Master of Science | Forensic Science
Minor | Criminal Justice
Minor | Forensic Psychology
Minor | Forensic Studies
Certificate | Criminal Investigations
Certificate | Digital Forensics
Certificate | Cybersecurity
Certificate | Emergency Management

Becker College (Worcester)
Bachelor of Arts | Psychology: Forensic Psychology
Bachelor of Science | Criminal Justice
Bachelor of Science | Criminal Justice: Domestic Counter-Terrorism Studies: Policy and Management
Bachelor of Science | Criminal Justice: Forensic Science/ Crime Scene Processing
Bachelor of Science | Criminal Justice: Policing-Law Enforcement
Bachelor of Science | Criminal Justice: Pre-Law
Bachelor of Science | Data Science: Crime and Policing Analytics
Bachelor of Science | Data Science: Cyberterrorism Analytics
Minor | Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counseling
Minor | Criminal Justice
Minor | Forensic Science/ Crime Scene Processing
Advanced Studies Certificate | Terrorism Studies (online program)

Berkshire Community College (Pittsfield)
Associate of Arts | Peace and World Order
Associate of Science | Criminal Justice

Boston University (Boston)
Bachelor of Science | Criminal Justice
Master of Science | Biomedical Forensic Sciences
Master of Science | Business Continuity, Security & Risk Management (online program)
Master of Science | Forensic Anthropology
Master of Criminal Justice
Master of Criminal Justice (online program)
Master of Criminal Justice | Cybercrime Investigation & Cybersecurity (online program)
Certificate | Criminal Justice
Post-Baccalaureate Certificate | Cybercrime Investigation and Cybersecurity (online program)
Program | Peace Corps/ Master’s International

Student Review: “Boston University is the perfect combination of traditional “college” and urban living. Although BU is located in Boston, there is still a sense of community so that you don’t feel completely thrown into a big urban setting right out of high school. It does take about a semester for most people to really fall in love with BU because there are a lot adjustments transitioning from high school but BU offers an array of different societies and clubs from Greek Life to Jujitsu club. The school work is academically challenging but manageable and suits most people’s academic level. A major downside of BU is the price. The tuition, room and board continuously rises, not to mention the cost of living in Boston is very expensive, so if you don’t have a lot of money to spare reconsider going to Boston University as most people do have the money to spend. Overall, Boston University is a great school and generally people love it here even if it takes a couple weeks to get adjusted.” -Charlie W., student at Boston University

Bridgewater State College (Bridgewater)
Bachelor of Science | Criminal Justice
Bachelor of Science | Criminal Justice: Victimology
Bachelor of Arts | Sociology: Global Studies and Social Justice
Master of Science | Criminal Justice
Master of Science | Criminal Justice: Administration of Justice
Master of Science | Criminal Justice: Crime and Corrections
Minor | Criminal Justice

Bristol Community College (Fall River)
Associate of Science | Criminal Justice
Associate of Science | Computer Information Systems: Computer Forensics
Associate of Science | Computer Information Systems: Security
Certificate of Achievement | Computer Forensics
Certificate of Achievement | Law Enforcement
Certificate of Recognition | Security

Bunker Hill Community College (Boston)
Associate of Science | Criminal Justice
Associate of Science | Digital And Computer Forensics and Investigations
Certificate | Computer Forensics
Certificate | Computer Forensics (fast-track program)
Certificate | Law Enforcement
Certificate | Information Technology Security

Clark University (Worcester)
Bachelor of Science | Criminal Justice
Master of Science | Geographic Information Science
Master of Arts | Community Development and Planning
Master of Arts | International Development and Social Change
Master of Business Administration/ Master of Arts | Dual Degree in Community Development and Planning
Accelerated Master of Arts | Community Development and Planning
Accelerated Master of Arts | International Development and Social Change
Minor | Peace Studies
Post-Baccalaureate Certificate | Certificate in Refugee, Displacement, and Forced Migration Studies

Dean College (Franklin)
Associate of Science | Criminal Justice
Minor | Justice Studies

Elms College (Chicopee)
Bachelor of Arts | Criminal Justice
Bachelor of Arts | Legal Studies: Criminal Justice
Bachelor of Arts | Sociology: Criminal Justice
Minor | Criminal Justice

Fisher College (Boston)
Associate of Science | Criminal Justice
Bachelor of Science | Criminal Justice
Minor | Computer Forensics
Minor | Criminal Justice

Fitchburg State University (Fitchburg)
Bachelor of Arts/ Bachelor of Science | Geographic Science & Technology
Bachelor of Science | Criminal Justice
Bachelor of Science | Criminal Justice: Police Certification
Master of Science | Forensic Nursing (online program)
Minor | Criminal Justice
Minor | Geographic Science & Technology
Minor | Geographic Information System
Minor | Geographic Science & Technology
Minor | Psychological Science
Certificate | Police Academy
Post-Baccalaureate Certificate | Forensic Nursing (online program)
Post-Baccalaureate Certificate | Behavior Analyst (online and hybrid program)

Greenfield Community College (Greenfield)
Associate of Science | Criminal Justice
Associate of Arts | Peace, Justice, and Environmental Studies
Certificate | Addiction Studies
Certificate | Corrections

Holyoke Community College (Holyoke)
Associate of Science | Criminal Justice (online program)
Associate of Science | Forensic Science (online program)
Certificate | Addiction Studies (online program)
Certificate | Forensic Science (online program)

Student Review: “Holyoke Community College is a small school with a condensed campus but holds many opportunities. H.C.C is a wonderful school because they work diligently to keep all of their requirements up to par with surrounding Universities. I transferred to the University of Massachusetts and all of my Gen.Ed classes were accepted without issue. The professors are of high caliber even though they are part of a community college. I’ve spent many hours working with professors in their offices after class to address problems with course material and they’ve been very helpful. The campus is very small but being a campus without living accommodations makes that a big plus. You can walk from one side of campus to the other in roughly 5-10 minutes. They also offer a shuttle to the far side of campus and make it very easy for the handicapped to navigate campus. If you want a traditional college experience and don’t mind paying for it then don’t choose H.C.C. If you want to save thousands of dollars per semester and have a good time with fun classes and very support professors in small classrooms then H.C.C is the number one choice.” -Peter M., student at Holyoke Community College

Massachusetts Bay Community College (Wellesley Hills)
Associate of Science | Criminal Justice
Certificate | Cyber Security
Certificate | Cyber Security (online program)
Certificate | Advanced Cyber Security
Certificate | Advanced Cyber Security (online program)

Middlesex Community College (Bedford)
Associate of Science | Criminal Justice (transfer degree)
Associate of Science | Criminal Justice (online transfer degree)
Associate of Science | Criminal Justice: Administration of Justice
Associate of Science | Criminal Justice: Administration of Justice (online program)
Associate of Science | Criminal Justice: Law Enforcement
Associate of Science | Criminal Justice: Law Enforcement (online program)
Associate of Science | Computer Forensics
Certificate | Alcoholism/ Substance Abuse Counseling
Certificate | Computer Forensics
Certificate | Law Enforcement

Mount Ida College (Newton)
Bachelor of Science | Criminal Justice
Bachelor of Science | Applied Forensic Science
Minor | Criminal Justice
Minor | Criminalistics

Mount Wachusett Community College (Gardner)
Associate Degree | Criminal Justice: Corrections
Associate Degree | Criminal Justice: Law Enforcement
Certificate | Cyber Security
Certificate | Law Enforcement

Newbury College (Brookline)
Bachelor of Science | Criminal Justice
Bachelor of Science | Criminal Justice (3-year degree)
Minor | Criminal Justice

Nichols College (Dudley)
Bachelor of Arts | Criminal Justice Management

Student Review: “Nichols College has been a great experience for me. I transferred from a community college to Nichols two years ago, and they made the transfer process simple and quick. The campus is located in a country setting in the small town of Dudley, Massachusetts. It is very easy to get to, and simple to get around campus. The atmosphere is very inviting and you feel safe. While the school is geared more towards business major students, they offer a variety of degree programs. They offer associate, bachelor, and master degrees. The school is very flexible, offering courses during the day, night, and online. I personally have experience with all three. All of the professors are very knowledgeable and intelligent, with most having real life experience in what they are teaching. I have been fond of many of the professors I’ve had and look up to them as role models. One thing that could be improved is the number of classes they offer at night. I need a particular class that is currently only being offered online once a year for my degree program. Overall, I think Nichols College is a terrific school.” -Nicole L., student of Nichols College

North Shore Community College (Danvers)
Associate of Science | Criminal Justice
Career Certificate | Law Enforcement
Career Certificate | Criminal Justice
Certificate | Substance Abuse Counseling

Northeastern University (Boston)
Bachelor of Science | Criminal Justice
Bachelor of Science | Criminal Justice and Psychology
Bachelor of Science | Human Services and Criminal Justice
Bachelor of Science | Criminal Justice and Political Science
Bachelor of Science/ Master of Science | Criminal Justice (PlusOne Program)
Bachelor of Science/ Juris Doctor | Criminal Justice (PlusOne Program)
Master of Arts | Homeland Security
Master of Arts | Homeland Security (online program)
Master of Science | Criminal Justice
Master of Science | Criminology and Criminal Justice
Master of Science | Applied Behavioral Analysis
Master of Science | Security and Resilience Studies
Master of Professional Studies | Geographic Information Technology
PhD | Criminology and Justice Policy
Minor | Criminal Justice
Post-Baccalaureate Certificate | Global Criminology
Post-Baccalaureate Certificate | Applied Behavioral Analysis
Post-Baccalaureate Certificate | Security and Resilience Studies
Post-Baccalaureate Certificate | Forensic Accounting
Post-Baccalaureate Certificate | Geographic Information Systems
Post-Baccalaureate Certificate | Information Security Management
Post-Baccalaureate Certificate | Remote Sensing
Program | ROTC

Student Review: “The Northeastern University Criminal Justice Program is one of the best programs in the country for those interested in pursuing careers in law enforcement. The largest benefit of the program is the implementation of Northeastern’s three co-op system, where Criminal Justice Students complete three six-month full time internships with law enforcement agencies, social service organizations, law firms, or other organizations that provide careers in Criminal Justice. I completed two full-time co-ops as an undergraduate at Northeastern; my first co-op was at Northeastern University Police Department, where I gained significant experience as a patrol cadet working alongside Boston, MBTA, State, and Northeastern police officers. My second co-op was at the Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office, where I learned about legal services in the public sector. Though the program had a few drawbacks, including repetitive coursework and an occasional lack of concrete skill training, the co-op program provides amazing opportunities to get your foot in the door at a law enforcement agency or law firm.” -Stephen S., student at Northeastern University

Student Review: “Northeastern is located in a great area of Boston for college students; there’s always something to do in the city. As a result, however, the community feel is severely lacking and the campus often feels empty at night when you’re just walking around. Class sizes are pretty big the first year and mostly lecture-based, which I actually preferred after coming from a very small high school. Most professors are easy to contact and respond quickly. A few instructors from mid-level courses, especially in the medical field, are hard to get in touch with when their regular jobs are in a clinical setting. The resources here vary in usefulness; the gym is amazing but the technology standard was average or, for some unlucky residence halls, sub-par. It was very easy to find a place to study, since you could reserve rooms at the 4-story library or even most other open buildings. The dining hall food and nearby locations that accept ‘Husky Dining Dollars’ offer many options, which was nice.” -Janet Q., student at Northeastern University

Student Review: “Northeastern University’s criminal justice program was a pretty good experience for me. From the criminal justice dorm I lived in freshman year to the CJ student group, there was always a level of peer interaction easily accessible throughout my time at Northeastern. The curriculum included program-specific writing courses and math courses, which I appreciated. I found the writing course especially helpful. Northeastern has a great variety of professors teaching their CJ classes, including lawyers, nonprofit supervisors, and tv “talking heads” who advise on serial killers. I had good experiences interacting with these various people who were performing CJ work in the “real world.” The co-op internship program is also good. I worked at two different police departments and felt like I got a very good view of the world of police. The advisors were a bit lacking; they frequently did not respond to emails in a helpful manner, and many were not very down-to-earth about the student experience. Overall, though, it was a great program while I was there. Unfortunately, three years after graduating I’m still not able to find employment in my field.” – Student at Northeastern University

Student Review: “The criminal justice program at Quinsigamond was extremely laid back. I had entered into the program in hopes of becoming a police officer and expected some sort of discipline in the class. However, that was not what I received. The homework was generic and so easy, I never felt challenged. I also was hoping to get to work on current or recent cases in the county, just for learning purposes, but the only cases we were presented were 10+ years old. I really wish there were more problem solving activities and hands on work instead of so much book work. Most of the time the only thing we did was read a chapter and write a summary about what we thought. Towards the end of the program there were some activities that were hands on but not much.” -Julia C., student at Quinsigamond Community College

Roxbury Community College (Roxbury Crossing)
Associate of Science | Criminal Justice

Salem State College (Salem)
Bachelor of Science | Criminal Justice: Administration
Bachelor of Science | Criminal Justice: Criminal Investigation
Bachelor of Liberal Studies | Peace and Conflict Studies
Bachelor of Science/ Master of Science | Criminal Justice (accelerated program)
Bachelor of Science/ Master of Science | Criminal Investigation
Master of Science | Criminal Justice
Master of Science | Geo-Information Science
Minor | Criminal Justice
Certificate of Competency | Correctional Administration
Post-Baccalaureate Certificate | Geo-Information Science
Advanced Professional Certificate | Applied Behavior Analysis

Student Review: “My experience at Salem State College was moderate. It wasn’t great but it wasn’t terrible either. The program itself could use better structure, as in the faculty and the courses provided. The faculty, some of whom were not very good teachers, failed to provide proper details and information to students. I feel some of the teachers are incompetent to teach. Class sometimes gets cancelled unexpectedly, which was a problem to commuters especially. The courses provided could use more flexibility. Plenty of reading involved but little field work expected. The only field work that lets students get involved to gain some experience was the last course of the program, an internship or the capstone. They have a criminal justice club, but it lacks involvement. The career fair fails to attract federal employment. Overall, you find the best opportunities too late or never and everything is done individually. The program could use some renovations.” – student at Salem State College

Springfield College (Springfield)
Bachelor of Science | Criminal Justice
Bachelor of Science Criminal Justice/ Master of Social Work | Dual Degree Program
Master of Science | Psychiatric Rehabilitation and Substance Abuse Counseling
Minor | Criminal Justice
Minor | Social Justice

Springfield Technical Community College (Springfield)
Associate of Science | Criminal Justice
Associate of Science | Computer & IT Security
Certificate | Criminal Justice

Suffolk University (Boston)
Bachelor of Arts | Sociology: Crime & Justice
Master of Science | Crime & Justice Studies
Master of Science | Crime & Justice Studies: Victim Advocacy
Master of Science | Crime & Justice Studies: Youth, Crime, & Justice
Master of Science | Crime & Justice Studies/ Mental Health Counseling Courses (dual degree program)
Master of Science | Crime & Justice Studies/ Public Administration (dual degree program)
Master of Science | Crime & Justice Studies/ Law (dual degree program)
Master of Laws | Global Law & Technology
Master of Public Administration/ Master of Science | Crime & Justice Studies (Dual Degree program)
Juris Doctor/ Master of Science | Crime & Justice Studies
Juris Doctor | Criminal Law
Juris Doctor | Dispute Resolution
Juris Doctor | Civil Rights and Human Rights Law
Juris Doctor | Law & Public Service
Doctor of Juridical Science
Minor | Forensic Science

University of Massachusetts Amherst (Boston)
Bachelor of Arts | Criminal Justice Studies (University Without Walls program)
Certificate | Criminal Justice Studies (online program)

Student Review: “This program was a good baseline, but definitely could be better. Honestly UMass shoul have criminal justice as a major not just a concentration/certificate. I liked the classes, but they all sort of focused on the same general principles. It would have been better to be able to take classes that were more focused on specific topics such as domestic violence, criminal profiling or criminal law to get a more well rounded education. The best part about being in this program was the amazing internship opportunities at local jails, courts etc that we were able to take part in.” – Student at University of Massachusetts Amherst

University of Massachusetts Boston (Boston)
Bachelor of Arts | Criminology and Criminal Justice
Bachelor of Arts | Social Psychology
PhD | Global Governance and Human Security
Certificate | Addictions Counselor Education Program
Certificate | Inclusive Emergency Planning Certificate
Post-Baccalaureate Certificate | Applied Behavior Analysis for Special Populations
Post-Baccalaureate Certificate | Conflict Resolution
Post-Baccalaureate Certificate | Global Post-Disaster Studies (online program)
Post-Baccalaureate Certificate | Forensic Services
Post-Baccalaureate Certificate | Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
Post-Baccalaureate Certificate | Global Post-Disaster Reconstruction and Management (online program)
Program | Conflict Transformation Across Borders
Program | Pathways to Democracy and Social Justice

Student Review: “UMass Boston was overall a great experience for me. At around 16,000 students, at times it did feel a little crowded, but I still felt as though I received personal attention from the professors. Each of them held office hours at least once a week, and classes were mostly smaller in the Psychology department, with the largest class I participated in being around 40 students. It had a different feel to it than most colleges, because it is a commuter school, but there is always something going on that allows you to make friends. The school location is beautiful and located on the ocean, but can be hard to reach from the outer suburbs surrounding the city. Overall, this is a great school with high quality education and professors.” -Karaline M., student at University of Massachusetts – Boston

University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth (Dartmouth)
Bachelor of Arts | Crime & Justice Studies
Post-graduate Certificate | Computing Infrastructure Security

University of Massachusetts Lowell (Lowell)
Bachelor of Arts | Peace & Conflict Studies
Bachelor of Science | Criminal Justice
Bachelor of Science | Criminal Justice: General
Bachelor of Science | Criminal Justice: Corrections
Bachelor of Science | Criminal Justice: Homeland Security
Bachelor of Science | Criminal Justice: Information Technology
Bachelor of Science | Criminal Justice: Police
Bachelor of Science | Criminal Justice: Violence
Bachelor of Science | Criminal Justice: Crime and Mental Health
Bachelor of Science | Criminology & Justice Studies
Bachelor of Science | Forensic Science: Chemistry
Bachelor of Science/ Master of Arts | Criminology & Justice Studies (5-year program)
Master of Arts | Criminal Justice and Criminology
Master of Arts | Security Studies: Homeland Defense
Master of Arts | Security Studies: Homeland Defense (online program)
Master of Arts | Security Studies: Industrial & Economic Security
Master of Arts | Security Studies: Industrial & Economic Security (online program)
Master of Arts | Security Studies: International Security
Master of Arts | Security Studies: International Security (online program)
Master of Science | Security Studies: CBRNE Security (Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, and Explosives)
Master of Science | Security Studies: CBRNE Security (Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, and Explosives) (online program)
Master of Science | Security Studies: Critical Infrastructure Protection
Master of Science | Security Studies: Critical Infrastructure Protection (online program)
Master of Science | Security Studies: Cybersecurity
Master of Science | Security Studies: Cybersecurity (online program)
PhD | Criminology & Justice Studies
Minor | Criminal Justice
Post-Baccalaureate Certificate | Criminal Justice Informatics
Post-Baccalaureate Certificate | Security Studies
Post-Baccalaureate Certificate | Domestic Violence Prevention
Post-Baccalaureate Certificate | Forensic Criminology
Post-Baccalaureate Certificate | Victim Studies
Post-Baccalaureate Certificate | Leadership & Policy Development

Student Review: “UML has a really mixed bag of a Criminal Justice program. Although the professors are generally nice, the classes have a weird tendency to be extremely hard or extremely easy. Most of the classes in this field are generally large averaging 20-300 students, and the majority of the classes have an online portion where all the tests, quizzes and homework take place. This is good for the students who enjoy taking tests online, but could be a problem for those who do not. The program is a decent one, but if you can find a more credible one, do it.” – Student at University of Massachusetts Lowell

Western New England University (Springfield)
Bachelor of Science | Criminal Justice
Bachelor of Science | Criminal Justice: Crime and Society
Bachelor of Science | Criminal Justice: Criminal Investigation
Bachelor of Science | Criminal Justice: Terrorism and Homeland Security
Bachelor of Science | Law and Society
Bachelor of Science | Forensic Biology
Bachelor of Science | Forensic Chemistry
Master of Science | Accounting: Forensic Accounting & Fraud Investigation (online program)
PhD | Behavior Analysis
Minor | Criminal Justice
Minor | Computer Forensics

Westfield State University (Westfield)
Bachelor of Science | Criminal Justice
Bachelor of Science | Criminal Justice (online program)
Master of Science | Criminal Justice
Master of Arts | Forensic Mental Health Counseling
Master of Public Administration | Criminal Justice Administration
Minor | Criminal Justice
Minor | Geographic Information Systems
Certificate | Addiction Counselor Education
Certificate | Geographic Information Systems
Post-Baccalaureate Certificate | Homeland Security
Post-Baccalaureate Certificate | Applied Behavior Analysis

Student Review: “The criminal justice program at Westfield State is very unique and pleasurable. The class sizes aren’t that big so you get a lot of interaction with the professors. Many of the professors are laid back, intellectual, and helpful when any student needs assistance. The classes offered are also very diverse with special topics classes being the most interesting. Some special topic courses include: “Hate Crimes,” “Jihad, Holy Wars, and Religious Extremism,” and “Sports and Criminal Behavior.” I personally really liked both Hate Crimes and the Jihad, Holy Wars, and Religious Extremism classes the best because of the topics and how the professor was very informed of the subject matter. The professors are pretty funny and make the class interesting and get people involved. While some classes are more enjoyable than others, there are some tough classes and some tough professors that are pretty difficult in terms of workload. What I wasn’t a big fan of was the course times. Westfield offered certain classes that were interesting but only at one time and the classes became full quickly. Other than that, my experiences here at Westfield have been nothing but positive.” – student at Westfield State

Worcester State College (Worcester)
Bachelor of Science | Criminal Justice
Minor | Criminal Justice
Minor | Intergenerational Studies and Community Service

Student Review: “Worcester State University is a small commuter university with plentiful opportunities. Although WSU seems less appealing to new undergraduates due to it’s small campus life, it’s uniqueness allows a student to build his/her own character. The size of the classes and the close proximity of the buildings allow students to feel at ease while completing their education. In my experience, the faculty is always available to students in an as needed basis. The financial aid office have always been helpful in answering questions or receiving forms. My favorite part about WSU is the convenience of getting to know professors, students, and receiving the educational attention necessary to succeed. However, WSU is located in the Central part of Massachusetts in a city which has a bad reputation. Even though WSU is located in a non-reputable city, it is ideal for a student who is solely focused on receiving an affordable education without the excitement of campus life.” -Natalia M., student at Worcester State College

References:
1. National Center for Education Statistics: https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/
2. US News & World Report, Best Online Programs: https://www.usnews.com/education/online-education
3. Kiplinger’s Best College Values: http://www.kiplinger.com/tool/college/T014-S001-kiplinger-s-best-values-in-public-colleges/index.php
4. US Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2015 Occupational Employment and Wages, Correctional Officers and Jailers https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes333012.htm
5. US Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2015 Occupational Employment and Wages, First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives: https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes331012.htm
6. US Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2015 Occupational Employment and Wages, Detectives and Criminal Investigators: https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes333021.htm
7. US Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2015 Occupational Employment and Wages, Police and Sheriff’s Patrol Officers: https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes333051.htm
8. US Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2015 Occupational Employment and Wages, Paralegals and Legal Assistants: https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes232011.htm
9. Y Charts 10 Year Unemployment Chart: http://https://ycharts.com/indicators/massachusetts_unemployment_rate
10. Projections Central Long Term Occupational Projections: http://www.projectionscentral.com/Projections/LongTerm
11. O*Net OnLine, Police Patrol Officers: https://www.onetonline.org/link/details/33-3051.01
12. O*Net OnLine, Correctional Officers and Jailers: https://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/33-3012.00
13. O*Net OnLine, Police Detectives: https://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/33-3021.01
14. O*Net OnLine, Security Guards: https://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/33-9032.00
15. O*Net OnLine, Paralegals and Legal Assistants: https://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/23-2011.00
16. Mercatus Center, George Mason University, Ranking the States by Fiscal Condition 2016 Edition: https://www.mercatus.org/statefiscalrankings

Massachusetts Criminal Justice Schools