Master of Science in Crime & Justice Studies

Want to make a difference in your community and your career? Our Master of Science in Crime & Justice Studies (MSCJS) program is designed to give you the educational foundation and hands-on know-how you'll need to have an impact in your area of interest.

FULL-TIME | PART-TIME

This graduate program will help you challenge traditional thinking with new approaches to crime and justice. Our community-oriented curriculum is pragmatic and career-oriented, emphasizing crime's impact on communities, victims, and offenders.

You’ll get the tools you need to build a career in:

  • Criminology
  • Gender, Race & Social Justice
  • Probation
  • Policing
  • Corrections
  • Juvenile Justice
  • Quantitative Analysis
  • Victim Advocacy
  • Court and Offender Services
  • Policymaking

MSCJS alumni have had successful careers at institutions such as the Massachusetts State Police, Department of Youth Services, Middlesex County Court, Massachusetts Department of Corrections, and Youth Options Unlimited. A more complete list of employers of our graduates can be found on the Graduate Student Opportunities page.

View the MSCJS curriculum

Additional Resources

Office of Graduate Admission
CAS Graduate Student Services & Resources

Cost of Graduate Study at Suffolk (2021-2022)

Per Semester Rate Per Credit Rate
$16,080 $1,340

Financial Aid for Graduate Study

Suffolk University is pleased to offer merit-based financial aid to graduate students—these awards can be up to $14,750 per academic year. Merit-based aid is awarded based on the applicant's academic credentials presented on the admission application. No separate application is required for merit consideration.

MSCJS Program Overview

Full-time students often complete this degree program in three academic semesters. Please contact the Graduate Program Director for additional information about program timelines.

Application Deadlines

Fall Semester: July 15 (International Applicants), August 15 (Domestic Applicants), then rolling
Spring Semester: December 1 (International Applicants), January 4 (Domestic Applicants), then rolling
Learn about the advantages of priority applications.

Application Materials

  • Completed application
  • $50 application fee (waived for students who visit campus)
  • Resume
  • Official transcripts for all post-secondary education
  • Goal statement (essay)
  • Two letters of recommendation (Learn more)
  • Unofficial transcripts of all post-secondary work. Admitted students enrolling in the program will need to have official transcripts, including proof of degree conferral, on file prior to their first class
  • Official TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE-Academic scores (international students only)

View details about application materials required.

Courses & Requirements

Learn more about the classes, degree requirements, and different options available to complete the program.

Crime & Justice Studies Information Request

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Related Events

Jun 28
Coffee Chat with Graduate Admission
Virtual Event
Jul 28
July Instant Decision Day - College of Arts and Sciences
On-campus and virtual appointments available

What's going on in Crime and Justice Studies?

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Introducing the Women and Incarceration Project

Confronting Two Interconnected Epidemics

How to Build an Anti-Racist Government

Disrupting the Prison to Homelessness Pipeline

Finding Her Place and Her People

Cut off from Tutoring, Students Pivot to Creating Care Packages for Schoolchildren

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My experiences at Suffolk have given me the confidence to not only be a part of the difficult conversations, but rather initiate the difficult conversations in order to push the envelope when it comes to social justice activism. It has given me the tools to think critically about the world around us and has helped me to create the framework and foundation that allows me to not only envision my goals, but to also initiate them in order to execute them. As a mid-career professional who works full time and has a family, this program allowed me the flexibility of working and going to school part-time in a way that would allow me to be successful.

Courtney Kinney, MSCJS ‘21

During the program, I gained an understanding of the needs of diverse populations with varying ages, backgrounds, and cultures. I’m grateful to have been taught and supported by many sociology and criminal justice professors, and to have found mentorship with faculty that took the time to listen and genuinely cared about my concerns. I look forward to applying what I learned at Suffolk throughout my time in a demanding and rewarding career.

Elizabeth Le, Accelerated MSCJS ’19 Student Police Officer, Quincy Police Department, Quincy

The MSCJS program has a wonderful group of professors that are both faculty and professionals in the field of criminal justice. They share their professional experiences and help bridge the connection between classroom and professional experience. They truly believe in you and your aspiration to succeed.

Annalia Guerrero, MSCJS ’20, BS ‘13 Background Record Check Specialist, Department of Early Education and Care
Program Highlights
28
average student age
dollar bill icon
30%
greater earning potential (Georgetown Analysis of American Community Survey 2013)
30
minimum credits required
​80%
3-year graduation rate
89%
job placement rate