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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.

Next Graduate Session Start Dates:

FALL: August 25, 2025

WINTER: November 17, 2025

SPRING: February 16, 2026

Next Graduate Session Application Deadlines:

FALL: August 15, 2025

WINTER: November 7, 2025

SPRING: February 6, 2026

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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Todd Coulard headshot

An MBA felt like a check in the block, whereas the leadership program fed my passion.

Todd Coulard

'22 Master of Science in Leadership

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vincent cold headshot

The professors became my mentors and gave me an edge in conducting viable academic research that will pay dividends throughout my next career.

Vincent Cole

'22 Master of Arts in History

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Deborah Yemisi Ayodele headshot

Norwich University has made me a better person. I have gained up-to-date knowledge that I wouldn’t trade for gold.

Deborah Yemisi Ayodele

'21 Master of Science in Cybersecurity

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Kelso Horne headshot

The government, foreign policy, and military side of Norwich made it seem like that would be a great institution to learn from. It turned out it was.

Kelso Horne

'20 Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity

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todds photo

Todd Boisvert

Todd Coulard headshot

Todd Coulard

vincent cold headshot

Vincent Cole

Deborah Yemisi Ayodele headshot

Deborah Yemisi Ayodele

Kelso Horne headshot

Kelso Horne

Faculty & Staff

Image of Elizabeth Gurian

Elizabeth Gurian

Position(s):

  • Director of the School of Criminology and Criminal Justice
  • Charles A. Dana Professor

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: 1-888-409-1480
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.

 

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.).

 

U.S. News Badge 2025
Norwich University's online Master of Science in Criminal Justice program is ranked #35 for Best Online Master's in Criminal Justice Programs and #13 for Best Online Master's in Criminal Justice Programs for Veterans by the 2025 U.S. News & World Report.

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
ATTN: CGCS
158 Harmon Drive
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: 1-888-409-1480
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