PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
• One hundred percent online format (complete your work in an asynchronous learning format—don’t worry about making it to campus or signing online in time).
• Earn your MS degree in as few as 18 months (with full-time and summer enrollment).
• Social justice-focused curriculum—your coursework will prepare you to meet the complex needs of today’s criminal justice system.
• Customize your degree based on your goals—graduate workforce ready or pursue a law degree or PhD.
• Salem State’s criminal justice MS program is Quinn Bill approved.
CURRICULUM
Salem State’s criminal justice curriculum emphasizes applied theory and research, and is rooted in social justice—preparing students to assess, analyze, and respond to complex social problems ethically and equitably. You will acquire advanced knowledge of current and developing criminological theory, data analysis and criminal justice policy and practice. Our curriculum develops the competencies needed to conduct sophisticated crime analyses, use academic research to inform decision-making, and develop effective public policy responses, preparing you for leadership roles in your chosen field.
The program is 36 credit hours and consists of courses in three areas: core, concentration and electives. Students may elect to complete a thesis. Students can complete the program in as few as 16 months if they take three courses per semester, including one summer course load. However, many of our enrolled students opt to complete their graduate degree on a part-time basis.
FACULTY
Salem State University has outstanding faculty who are leaders in their fields and bring their experiences to life in the classroom. Students benefit from the professional expertise of faculty from criminal justice, some of whom have worked as professionals in the field. Small class sizes allow faculty to know you by name.
All faculty have doctorate degrees from accredited institutions. Our faculty are committed to providing students with multifaceted, interactive educational experiences.
Students have opportunities to work closely with faculty by participating in grant-sponsored research activities, completing graduate assistantships, and receiving faculty guidance on student-driven research projects in directed study or thesis courses. Outside of the classroom, you’ll have weekly access to your faculty during online and in-person office hours.
COST
For Massachusetts residents, each credit costs $514.20,* which includes tuition and fees. For non-Massachusetts residents, each credit costs $609.30.* The program is 36 credits (excluding prerequisites). For assistance funding your graduate education, options such as financial aid, graduate assistantships, employer reimbursement and tuition remission, and veteran’s benefits may be available.
*Tuition and fees subject to change.
ADMISSIONS
Salem State University’s graduate program in criminal justice is designed for professionals currently working in the criminal justice system, college graduates who want to enter the criminal justice field and students who may wish to continue study toward a doctoral degree. The program adheres to the university’s guidelines for graduate programs and the Massachusetts Board of Higher Education guidelines for Quinn Bill-approved criminal justice programs.
Apply: salemstate.edu/apply Financial Aid: salemstate.edu/finaid
Email: gradadmissions@salemstate.edu
Phone: 978.542.6200
For accommodations and access information, visit salemstate.edu/access.
