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College of Social Sciences & Humanities

Criminology and Criminal Justice

Master's

The Master of Science in Criminology and Criminal Justice is designed to prepare students for professional and research careers in criminal justice, criminology, and related fields.

Program curriculum Explore College of Social Sciences & Humanities
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Program Format
Online
Time Commitment
Part time, Full time
Duration
1 Year(s)
Entry Term(s)
Fall, Spring, Summer
Meets F1 visa requirements
No
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Program overview

Advanced study in criminology

The online Master of Science in Criminology and Criminal Justice concentrates on the problem of crime as a form of deviant behavior, and on the criminal justice and private security systems that address it.

The program emphasizes a systems approach to criminal justice and stresses policy development and analysis. It also studies the impact these policies have on the individuals and organizations charged with delivering justice fairly and equitably. Broad in concept and scope, it encompasses such related disciplines as law, sociology, political science, psychology, criminology, and public administration.

The online master’s program is comprised of required courses that deliver both substantive and technical skills. Additionally, students choose elective courses from offerings within the School of Criminology and Criminal Justice and the broader College of Social Sciences and Humanities. Students may also design directed studies with faculty in specific areas of interest. The course offerings afford students the flexibility to customize their own degree plans.

Faculty members in the graduate program represent several different academic disciplines and teaching activities that vary in nature. The faculty’s specialized interests help make possible a broad range of program offerings, including courses on the criminal justice process, criminology, immigration and crime, and global criminology.

Please visit the MS in Criminology and Criminal Justice site to learn more about the program and download a free brochure.

  • All required and elective courses are taught by tenured, full-time faculty to ensure a quality learning environment.
  • Students accepted into the online master’s program can also take on-ground courses and complete the program on a full-time or part-time basis, allowing students the flexibility to complete coursework at their own pace.
  • Students can complete the program in as few as two semesters, with the option to complete a co-op, which extends the program by six months.

Admissions

Apply to the program

A graduate degree or certificate from Northeastern can accelerate your career through rigorous academic coursework and real-world professional experience in your area of interest. Apply to take your career to the next level.


Fall Term Entry

Domestic and International In-country DeadlineAugust 15

Spring Term Entry

Domestic and International In-country DeadlineDecember 15

Summer Term Entry

Domestic and International In-country DeadlineApril 15

  • Application

  • Application fee

  • Personal statement

  • Three letters of recommendation

  • Unofficial transcripts from all institutions attended

    • The Foreign Credential Evaluation (FCE) is a required assessment of all transcripts and documents from non-U.S. accredited post-secondary education institutions. (Review the

      FCE requirements

      by country.)

  • English proficiency for international applicants

  • Three letters of recommendation

  • Writing sample 

  • Resumé

  • GRE not required

Program objectives

Prepare for success

Students apply multidisciplinary and comparative social science to understand, predict, and explain crime, and to contribute to the development of public policy within and across U.S. communities.

Policy and research skills

Students learn the skills necessary to impact policy and practice by becoming producers and critical consumers of research and scholarship.

Foundational knowledge

Students demonstrate mastery of foundational knowledge in the field of criminology and criminal justice, growing intellectually and ethically.

Develop expertise

Students develop a keen appreciation for and understanding of the complexities of crime, criminal behavior, and responses to crime. They gain the ability to contribute to public and private efforts to make communities safer and to ensure justice.

Connect with us

Want more information?

We’re here to answer your questions about this program, the application process, and more. Complete the form below to receive additional program details and speak with a member of our enrollment team. 

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Cost of attendance

Tuition and financial aid

  • $34,656 - $36,822
    Tuition in USD

Estimated Total Tuition

This is an estimate based on the tuition rates for Academic Year 2025-2026 and does not include any fees or other expenses. Some courses and labs have tuition rates that may increase or decrease total tuition. Tuition and fees are subject to revision by the president and Board of Trustees at any time. Select programs at select campuses offer additional scholarships of up to 25% off the listed price for domestic students studying on campus. For more detailed information, please visit Student Financial Services.

For students interested in pursuing financial assistance or educational loans, additional educational costs, known as Cost of Attendance (COA) components, can be included in the calculation of aid and loan eligibility. Components may include food, housing, books, course materials, supplies, equipment, transportation, personal expenses, and the cost of obtaining a first professional licensure. You can find comprehensive details on the Student Financial Services website. Please keep in mind that COA can vary significantly depending on academic program, enrollment intensity, and individual circumstances.

There are many ways to pay for your education, including scholarships, financial aid, and more. Connect with a financial counselor to learn about your options and make your dream a reality.

Visit tuition & financial aid

Total Cost of Attendance: This figure reflects the cost-per-credit pricing for the current academic year. The total cost of attendance is dependent on the pace at which students complete the program. Please visit the Student Financial Services site for a more detailed breakdown of pricing per credit and other program fees.

Online Programs

Your education, your way

A person with curly hair in a white zip-up jacket sits at a modern kitchen table, focused on their laptop. They hold a mug and appear engaged, with natural light filtering through a window behind them.

Northeastern's online classes give you the same top-tier education you'd get in person, on a schedule that works for your lifestyle and career needs. They offer a range of videos, interactives, breakout sessions, and experience-focused learning opportunities to immerse you in the material and build community. You'll graduate with the same degree as your in-person peers.

Learn more about online learning at Northeastern

#8

Northeastern's national ranking for Most Innovative Schools

(U.S. News & World Report, 2024)

53.5%

Percent of graduate students in the U.S. enrolled in online courses

(NCES, 2022)

97%

Percent of students in the U.S. who recommend online education

(BestColleges, 2024)