Master of Science in Criminal Justice
Advance your career and build a safer community with a Master of Science in Criminal Justice from BSU. Our PCIPP-approved MS in Criminal Justice program is designed for aspiring and current professionals who want to develop leadership and management skills to play a vital role in criminal justice administration, practice and research.
Whether you’re completing your undergraduate degree or you're looking to advance or change your career path, our program stands out with its hands-on experience, personalized learning and career-focused curriculum. With a diverse faculty of experienced attorneys, investigators and law enforcement officers, you’ll gain practical knowledge and be mentored by thought leaders in the field.
Register your interest to start your journey.
Specialized Concentrations
Customize your degree to fit your career goals. Choose from four in-demand concentrations:
Administration of Justice: Focus on organizational leadership and planning within criminal justice agencies
Crime and Corrections: Dive into the theories of criminal behavior and methods for crime prevention and management
Restorative and Transformative: Justice – learn to repair relationships between victims and offenders and promote community healing
Trauma and Victim Studies: Gain a deep understanding of crime victimization and acquire the skills to support victims.
Early acceptance for BSU Undergrads
Current BSU B.S. in Criminal Justice students can qualify for early acceptance (4+1 program) and waive the GRE (criteria apply), allowing you to start working toward your graduate degree early in your junior year.
True Return on Investment with Affordable Tuition
Full-Time, Part-Time, In-Person and Hybrid Options
Small, Highly-Personalized Classes
Learn from industry experts
Advance your knowledge with faculty who served as attorneys, investigators, corrections experts and law enforcement officers. Their active research and fieldwork in cybercrime, immigration, legal studies, restorative justice, victimization and more translate into relevant, real-world learning.
Personalized Learning Experience
At BSU, our small class sizes and dedicated faculty provide a personalized learning experience. Every student is paired with a faculty advisor for one-on-one academic career guidance, internship connections and research opportunities. This individualized approach, combined with a focus on equipping you with valuable, marketable skills, sets you on a path to a successful future.
Graduate Funding & Assistantships
The College of Graduate Studies at Bridgewater State University is committed to making graduate education accessible and affordable by offering a variety of Graduate Assistantships, Graduate Fellowships, financial aid and scholarships. You can engage in academic, administrative or graduate research assistantships, receiving tuition and fee remission as part of your work, while gaining invaluable real-world experience. Individual counseling and support are also available to help you work toward your personal and professional goals.
A Master’s degree in Criminal Justice can increase your salary by 17% on average, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
17%
"I took full advantage of the small class sizes because the professors were able to come around when I had important questions and walk me through the challenges I faced. The experience I had with the faculty and my mentor was phenomenal. I’m forever grateful to them; I felt supported in every way possible. Without my mentor at BSU, I wouldn’t be where I am today. BSU gave me hands-on training to launch my career in cybersecurity and now I’m protecting the state government against cyber-attacks."
– Rachel Cullity, ’21, G’23
Master of Criminal Justice
