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Master of Science in Criminal Justice

Ensure the Safety of the Global Community

Become a skilled leader by taking an in-depth exploration of global criminal behavior and the strategies employed to protect citizens and allies from harm. At just 30-credits, Norwich’s online Master of Science in Criminal Justice program will help you hone your knowledge in areas such as law enforcement, corrections, cybercrime, criminal justice system, criminological theory, and law adjudication. 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.

Our online MSCJ program is built for working adults and designed to help you transition to your next position. Complete coursework at your own pace while continuing to work with Norwich’s flexible virtual platform. You will receive personalized support throughout your education from distinguished faculty, comprised of leading experts in criminal justice and tangential fields.

Now it is your time to help fight domestic, international, transnational, and non-state-affiliated criminal activity. With your degree, you will develop a robust arsenal of managerial and contextual capabilities to help you advance professional or open doors to leadership positions in areas such as the military, civilian law enforcement, federal law enforcement and private security.

You, at Norwich

Learn from a faculty of active scholars with doctorate degrees.

Customize your studies based on your career goals and personal interests.

Develop essential skills relevant to not only careers in history but also in business, law, education, and government.

Improve your historical insight, research, writing, analysis and presentation skills.

Apply to one of four start dates per year.

Benefit from a university recognized as offering Best Value with respect to high academic quality and low net cost of attendance, according to the U.S. News & World Report.*

*Rankings are based on undergraduate programs and on students who recieved the average level of need-based financial aid.

Accreditation & Recognition

NECHE Accredited

 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.).

Next Master's Session Start Dates: 

SPRING: February 17, 2025

SUMMER: May 19, 2025

FALL: August 25, 2025

Program & Details

At a Glance

No GRE/GMAT required Undergraduate GPA of 2.75 or higher

 

 

Contact Admissions

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

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

Transfer Credits


You may receive the equivalent of up to 12 semester credits for study conducted elsewhere. Norwich complies with VA regulations and guidelines as it pertains to transfer credits.
Learn more »

International Admissions


Norwich University welcomes students from all countries who want to study through our online programs. You must complete all steps in the admissions process.
International Admissions »

Norwich Alumni Benefits


Reconnect with Norwich to complete your master's degree. As apart of our alumni community, you are eligible for a $2,500 scholarship and other benefits.
Connect with our advisors »

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.

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 a NACES approved agency. 
  • 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 (see below) 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
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

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. 

To view program details such as course offerings, requirements, and curriculum maps for the MS Criminal Justice, visit the Norwich University Course Catalog using the below link.

Online Master's

When applying for a graduate 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: $550 - $698
Additional fees & military discounts may apply.


Financial Aid Resources
Paying for your Education

Quick Info

100%

Online

Courses completed entirely online

15

Students

Maximum number of students per class

18

Months

Average time to program completion

Alumni Testimonials

todds photo

In working with great people, I found a home at Norwich from my master’s degree.

Todd Boisvert

'19 Master of Science in Criminal Justice

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Thomas Sittmann

Because of my education at Norwich, I was very fortunate to learn topics that I was actually applying (to my job). I could take the concepts and the work from the labs we did in class and apply them to real-world scenarios.

Thomas Sittmann

'21 Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity

Read Story
Brett Adams headshot

The interactive nature of the courses, which forced me to engage with other students, crushed my expectations and helped me see problems through lenses I generally would not have.

Brett Adams

'22 Master of Arts in Strategic Studies

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Maki Farquharson headshot

With a little time management and commitment to the degree, the online program is amazing and is well worth it.

Maki Farquharson

'24 Master of Science in Leadership

Read Story
Heather Cohen headshot

The Norwich Honor Code has always strongly influenced me, particularly the concept of integrity and doing the right thing even when no one is looking. That strongly carries into my work and how I interact with my patients.

Heather Cohen

'22 Master of Science in Nursing: Nurse Education

Read Story
todds photo

Todd Boisvert

Thomas Sittmann

Thomas Sittmann

Brett Adams headshot

Brett Adams

Maki Farquharson headshot

Maki Farquharson

Heather Cohen headshot

Heather Cohen

Faculty & Staff

Image of Elizabeth Gurian

Elizabeth Gurian

Position(s):

  • Director of the School of Criminology and Criminal Justice
  • Associate Professor

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