Program Overview

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MS in Criminal Justice Program Overview

The Master of Science in Criminal Justice (MSCJ) program at Suffolk University is designed to help students navigate the intricacies of the criminal justice system and empower them to make a difference. The program prepares students to tackle real-world challenges and devise tangible strategies to enhance community well-being and public safety.

Program Objectives

As a student in the MS in Criminal Justice program, you will:

• Identify alternative, community-based responses and interventions to crime and disorder
• Assess how other social processes and institutions beyond the criminal justice system affect crime and crime control
• Develop strong communication skills that can adapt to a variety of audiences and research products
• Become a more critical media and research consumer who interrogates data presentation, source biases, and the representation of the criminal justice system
• Learn from research-active faculty who bring their experiences into the classroom and provide opportunities for student involvement in projects

Program Requirements

• Core Requirements: 12 Credits (4 Courses)
• Electives: 18 Credits (6 Courses)
• Total: 30 Credits (10 Courses)

Real-World Flexibility

The majority of MSCJ courses meet on campus Monday through Thursday after 5:00 pm, allowing graduate students to pursue internships and careers during traditional business hours.

Additional Student Opportunities

MSCJ Fellowship

The Sociology & Criminal Justice Department awards a program fellowship every year to help defray the cost of graduate school in exchange for eight hours of work per week.

Alpha Phi Sigma

Eligible students can join Alpha Phi Sigma, the national criminal justice honor society. Graduate students must have completed four courses in criminal justice, have a minimum GPA of 3.4, and be in the top 25 percent of their class.

Advising & Other Resources

The Graduate Student Services team is available to support students every step of the way, from application advising to financial aid counseling and international student resources.

Strategic Partnerships

The program offers graduate internships, research and fieldwork opportunities, and partnerships with organizations such as the Center for Women's Health & Human Rights and the Center for Restorative Justice.

Applying to the MSCJ Program

Application Deadlines

• Fall Semester: June 15 (International Applicants), August 15 (Domestic Applicants), then rolling
• Spring Semester: December 1 (International Applicants), January 4 (Domestic Applicants), then rolling

Application Materials

• Completed application
• $50 Application Fee (waived for students who visit campus)
• Resume
• Goal Statement (essay)
• Two letters of recommendation
• Unofficial transcripts of all post-secondary work

Tuition & Investment

The MS in Criminal Justice program is offered at a single, transparent tuition rate of $1,000 per credit, beginning Fall 2026.

Financial Aid for Graduate Study

Suffolk University offers merit-based financial aid to graduate students, with awards up to $14,750 per academic year.

Meet the MSCJ Faculty

The program is taught by research-active faculty who bring their experiences into the classroom and provide opportunities for student involvement in projects.

Research Areas

The program focuses on various research areas, including:

• Systemic racism and inequality
• Public Safety
• Incarceration
• Violence
• Substance use
• The unique health concerns of women, girls, and gender-expansive people
• Housing insecurity

Career Opportunities

Graduates of the MS in Criminal Justice program can pursue careers in various fields, including:

• Law enforcement
• Corrections
• Social work
• Policy analysis
• Research
• Non-profit management

Success after Suffolk

Recent graduates of the program have gone on to work in various roles, including:

• Assistant Deputy Director, Youth Options Unlimited Program
• Program Coordinator
• Policy Analyst
• Court Assistant
• Probation Support Technician
• Family Services Case Manager
• Clinical Supervisor
• Executive Director
• CREW Instructor & Case Manager
• Director of Public Affairs
• Commissioner to Qualify Public Officers