Roberto Montano
Norwich Graduate, Class of 2017

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Master of Science in Criminal Justice

Ensuring the Safety of the Global Community

With our over 200-year legacy of preparing leaders in government, industry, and the military, Norwich University’s Master of Science in Criminal Justice program takes you on an in-depth exploration of global criminal behavior and the strategies skilled leaders employ to protect our citizens and allies from harm. Norwich offers vast resources to help you hone your knowledge in areas such as cybercrime, criminal justice system, corrections, criminological theory, law adjudication, and law enforcement.

Supplement your training and experience with a curriculum that encompasses the theory, practice, and methods of transnational criminal justice and exposes students to a broad perspective on international law and non-U.S. law enforcement systems, organizations, and challenges, especially those of terrorism. The criminal justice program is hosted on Norwich’s flexible virtual platform, which allows you to complete coursework at your own pace while continuing to work. Our distinguished faculty is comprised of leading experts in criminal justice and tangential fields, and they are prepared to offer you personalized support throughout your education.

Degree
  • Master of Science
Concentrations

Quick Info

15
Months

Average time to program completion

100%
Online

Courses completed entirely online

15
Students

Maximum number of students per class

8
June

Next Start Date

11
May

Application Deadline

Why Norwich?

  • Coursework is rigorous, relevant and immediately applicable to your career.
  • Personalized student support from our faculty and staff.
  • As the nation’s first military college, Norwich is proud to support you as you balance an active duty schedule with academic pursuits.
  • Flexible online platform offers you ability to complete coursework that fits your schedule.

Accreditation & Recognition

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Norwich University is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (formerly the Commission on Institutions of Higher Education of the New England Association of Schools and Colleges, Inc.).

 


Scholarship Opportunities

Norwich University offers a range of opportunities to help you lower your overall tuition costs. Contact our admissions team today to learn more about your options. Please note that scholarships are not additive. In addition to scholarships, students may also be eligible for discounts if their organization partners with Norwich University.

Discover Scholarships

Norwich University Online students may be eligible for scholarships and we encourage all potential students to visit our scholarships page here.

Curriculum

Core Curriculum

The 30-credit Master of Science in Criminal Justice program comprises of five courses, each of which is 11 weeks in length. Students master one course at a time, with each course building on the next to create a strong foundation of knowledge and context for future topics. The coursework will provide students with a broad exposure to international law and to non-U.S. law enforcement systems, organizations, and challenges. 

Core Curriculum

The curriculum complements existing experience and training with coursework that addresses the theory, practice, and methods of criminal justice. Applied learning develops practical skills in leadership, management, research and analysis. Students complete the first two core courses and then choose three elective courses to complete their degree.

  • Law Enforcement Administration
    GJ551 6 credit hours

    This course examines law enforcement best practices, police leadership, workforce development, accountability, internal affairs, productivity, and the management of special units. Students will also study the role of community policy, community policing, restorative justice programs, crime prevention, and the role of technology, integrated justice systems, and information system security.

  • Contemporary Issues in the Criminal Justice System
    GJ522 6 credit hours

    This course focuses on the nexus  and relationships  among leadership, ethics, and emerging technology for criminal justice practitioners, managers and administrators. The multifaceted responsibilities of criminal justice professionals require basic knowledge of these focused competency based areas as well as of the symbiotic relationships which lead to successful policies, procedures, and practices in contemporary criminal justice organizations. Emerging technologies such as drone usage, body cameras and enhanced listening devices are explored in the context of ethical use in police interdiction and intervention.

Elective Courses

Upon completion of the core courses, students choose three elective courses from the below list.

  • International Terrorism by Non-State Actors
    GD552 6 credit hours

    This course examines the phenomenon of transnational terrorism by non-state actors. Ideology, psychology, and strategies of major transnational groups are addressed to provide an understanding of their long-term goals and operations. You will examine the relationship of terrorist groups, WMD proliferation, and organized crime, as well as possible future trends in terrorist operations. Case studies of key groups will provide comparative analysis.

  • International Response to Transnational Terrorism
    GD562 6 credit hours

    This course surveys the strategies and policies that have been deployed by states to combat transnational terrorism. You will examine the development of international law as a tool against terrorism, diplomatic and multilateral approaches in dealing with cross-border issues, and government policies designed to improve internal and multinational coordination and cooperation. Differences and commonalities among states in their approaches to terrorism are highlighted in order to examine best practices.

  • Cyber Crime
    GI556 6 credit hours

    This course explores the nature of conflict in cyber space focusing on two major Internet-based threats to the U.S. national security: cyber terrorism and cyber crime. The course addresses questions such as: who is undertaking these cyber activities, what techniques do they use, and what countermeasures can be adopted to mitigate their impact. The course is built around a risk management framework to help information leaders leverage the benefits of Internet technologies while minimizing the risks that such technologies pose to their organizations.

  • Cyber Law
    GI557 6 credit hours

    This course explores a broad variety of federal statutory, common, and international laws that may impact the information technology professional. Because the overwhelming majority of cyber infrastructure is owned and operated by the private sector, the course focus is on those laws that affect the interaction between government and the private sector information technology industry, including the privacy rights so often implicated in modern data storage systems. The course starts with a look at “cyber law” and whether it is really a distinct legal discipline at all. It then moves into criminal, civil, regulatory, international and common laws with which today’s information technology professional may come in contact. Throughout the course we discuss how public policy and other factors impact the development, implementation, and interpretation of the law. Students read, interpret and apply legal authorities and theories, a valuable skill for future information technology leaders if they are to stay in compliance with the ever-growing “cyber” legal framework.


Admissions

At a Glance

  • Undergraduate GPA of 2.75 or higher
  • No GMAT or GRE required

 

Admissions Requirements »

Eligibility Requirements

  • A bachelor's degree from a regionally or nationally accredited U.S. institution, or an equivalent degree from a foreign institution, as evaluated by WES, IERF, SpanTran, or CED.
  • If English is not your first language, proof of English language proficiency is required. This can be demonstrated in one of three ways:
    • TOEFL - a minimum score of 550 (paper-based test) or 80 (Internet-based test) is required.*
    • IELTS – a minimum composite score of 6.5 is required.*
    • The applicant holds a baccalaureate or master’s degree from a college/university/institution in which the primary language of instruction was English.

Please Note:  All eligibility requirements are expected to be met unless noted in specific articulation agreements or memoranda of understanding (MOUs).

Application Process

We encourage you to contact an admissions advisor if you need help at any stage of the application process. You will be required to submit the following items:

  • Application form
  • Official transcript of your undergraduate degree from a regionally or nationally accredited university, mailed to the address below.
  • Proof of English language proficiency if applicable (TOEFL)

Transcript Links

Mail transcripts to:
Norwich University
College of Graduate and Continuing Studies
ATTN: MSCJ
P.O. Box 367
Northfield, VT 05663

For electronic delivery, we accept transcripts delivered from Parchment, National Clearing House, and other services if sent to cgcsamt@norwich.edu via password protection.

To contact an admissions advisor:

Call: 1-866-684-7237
Email: learn@norwich.edu

 

Next Start Date

Monday, December 4, 2023

Application Deadline

Wednesday, November 22, 2023

Contact Admissions

Monday - Friday: 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. EDT
Extended hours available by appointment

Call: 1-866-684-7237
Email: learn@norwich.edu

  • learn more about norwich's military heritage
    Our Military Heritage
    Established in 1819 as the nation’s first private military college, Norwich University has a long history of innovation in military education.
  • Norwich graduate student
    What to Expect at Norwich
    From student support to classroom resources to exceptional faculty, Norwich has your online learning experience covered.
  • military benefits at norwich university
    GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government Web site at http://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill.
    Military Benefits
    Norwich accepts GI Bill® benefits, military scholarships, and funding from the Veterans Administration to help you pay for tuition as well as any related program fees. We are also proud to be a part of the Yellow Ribbon Program.

Non-Discrimination Statement

Norwich University, in compliance with Title IV of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendment of 1972, and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, age, sex, or physical handicap in any of its policies, practices, or procedures.


Tuition & Fees

About

When applying for the Master of Science in Criminal Justice program at Norwich University, there are two essential factors to consider: what does it cost, and how can you pay for it? There are many ways to get financial assistance and several financial strategies that can help you achieve your academic and professional goals. We are here to help you identify and pursue the options that are best for you.

Tuition at a Glance

  • Credit Hours: 30
  • Cost Per Credit Hour: $698; $550 (military; veteran; first responder)

2023-24 Tuition and Fee Schedule - Master's Programs

Rate Per Credit
Term
Tuition
Additional Expenses Total
$698; $550 (military; veteran; first responder)
$3,300-$4,188

Technology - $300/term
Library - $75/term
Graduation - $150/one-time

$18,375-$22,815

Careers & Outcomes

Lead the Way to a Safer World

As global crime, terrorism, and violence are on the rise and become more complex, the need for law enforcement leaders with enhanced skills and knowledge continues to grow. Our new Master of Science in Criminal Justice program can be your bridge to a successful, exciting, and rewarding future by providing the skills and knowledge needed to excel in the military, public, or private sectors.

Graduates of the Master of Science in Criminal Justice program can develop the tools they need to help fight domestic, international, transnational, and non-state-affiliated criminal activity with a robust arsenal of managerial and contextual capabilities to help them advance professionally. The criminal justice graduate program can help open doors to leadership positions in areas such as the military, civilian law enforcement, federal law enforcement, and private security. Our large, well-positioned alumni network can help graduates find rewarding career opportunities.

Example career paths for graduates of the program include positions in organizations such as:

  • U.S. Military
  • State and municipal law enforcement agencies
  • Private security firms
  • Educational/training organizations
  • Federal government agencies

Faculty & Staff

Academic Director

portrait
Elizabeth  Gurian

Elizabeth Gurian holds a Bachelor of Science in human physiology from Boston University, a Master of Science in criminal justice from Northeastern University, and a doctorate from the University of Cambridge.

Before joining Norwich University, Gurian completed a consultancy for the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime in Vienna. This project entailed assisting the Division of Policy Analysis and Public Affairs, Statistics and Surveys Section, with research for a planned global report on the crime of intentional homicide. The report provides in-depth analysis of homicide trends at national, regional and global levels.

Gurian is now an associate professor of criminology and criminal justice. She is also the associate director of the School of Criminology and Criminal Justice. She has previously won the Board of Fellows Prize and Dana Category I grants in recognition of her teaching, scholarship and service, and an award for excellence in mentoring at Norwich University.In 2013, she was also awarded the Peggy R. Williams Emerging Professional Award from the Vermont Women in Higher Education.

Her research focuses on multicide (serial and mass) offenders, lone actor terrorists, and mass shooters and was awarded an American Association of University Women publication grant for her work exploring adjudication and outcomes patterns. Her book, “Serial and mass murder: Understanding multicide through offending patterns, explanations, and outcomes” is published through Routledge. She has also discussed her work through such media as BBC Radio, Vermont Public Radio, WCAX-TV, CHannel 3, and The New York Times and CBS podcast, “Why Women Kill.”

Gurian serves on Norwich’s Faculty Development Committee, and she teaches courses on research methods, courts, criminal violence, senior seminar, and the death penalty. When she’s not researching or teaching, she enjoys travel, kayaking, and snow shoeing.

Publications:
Gurian, E.A., & Woodbury Tease, A. (2020) Shadow and substance: an examination of capital punishment through the lens of the Twilight Zone and Black Mirror. JCJPC, 20(1): 43- 58.

Gurian E.A. (2018). Offending, adjudication, and outcome patterns of solo male, solo female, and partnered mass murderers. International Journal of Offender Therapy and Comparative Criminology, 62(7): 1906-1924.

Gurian, E.A. (2017). Reframing serial murder within empirical research: offending and adjudication patterns of male, female, and partnered serial killers. IJOTCC, 61(5): 544- 560.

Gurian E.A. (2015). Lawyers’ perceptions of female homicide offenders. Violence and Gender, ​2(1): 41-50.

Gurian, E.A. (2013). Explanations of mixed-sex partnered serial homicide: a review of sociological and psychological theory. Aggression and Violent Behavior, 18(5): 520-526.

Me, A., Bisogno, E., Malby, S., Jandl, M., Davis, P., Pysden, C., Rahmonberdiev, U., Reiterer, F., Gurian, E., Vieira, C.M., Aziani, A., Cenci, M., Gibbons, J., Kunnen, S. & Kuttnig, K. (2011). 2011 Global Study on Homicide: Trends, Contexts, Data. United Nations Office of Drugs and Crime: Vienna.

Gurian, E.A. (2011). Female serial murderers: directions for future research on a hidden population. IJOTCC, 55(1): 27-42

Gurian E.A., Kinnamon D.D., Henry J.J., & Waisbren S.E. (2006). Expanded newborn screening for biochemical disorders: the effect of a false-positive result. Pediatrics, 117(6):1915-1921

Meet Elizabeth »

Program Staff

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Jennifer Gagnon, MJA
Associate Program Director
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Amy  Rodger
Student Support Advisor

Featured Faculty

Faculty


Alumni

Meet graduates from our master's programs.