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Master of Science in Criminology

A Research-Driven Approach to Crime and Justice.
Launching Fall 2026.

Criminology is not what most people think. It is not courtroom drama or crime scene investigation. It is the scientific study of crime, behavior, victims, and the systems that shape justice outcomes.

Earn your Master of Science in Criminology online from Norwich University and develop an advanced understanding of criminal behavior, prevention strategy, policy analysis, and justice systems.

Through a rigorous, research-driven curriculum, you will examine crime in its social, legal, psychological, and environmental context. You will learn how theory informs prevention, how data drives policy, and how justice systems function within constitutional and ethical constraints.

The MS in Criminology emphasizes:

  • Advanced criminological theory
  • Qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-method research
  • Legal foundations and justice policy
  • Violent behavior and trauma-informed systems
  • Applied capstone research or policy analysis

Students graduate prepared to analyze complex justice issues using evidence, systems thinking, and critical evaluation.

Tailor Your Degree

Electives allow you to specialize in areas such as:

  • Terrorism and state-sponsored violence
  • Cybercrime and digital risk
  • Cyber law and emerging legal frameworks
  • Environmental criminology and place-based prevention
  • Victimology and trauma-informed systems
  • Comparative international justice systems
  • Crime prevention and policy design
  • Ethical leadership and technology

This flexibility allows working professionals to align coursework with operational, investigative, policy, intelligence, or community-based roles.

Norwich Plus and Accelerated Master’s Options

Qualified Norwich undergraduate students may reduce their time to completion through the following pathways:

  • CRIM 515 to replace CRIM 316 (Criminal Violence)
  • CRIM 530 to replace CRIM 410 (Senior Seminar)

To meet graduate program requirements, a student must earn a 2.75 or higher in CRIM 515 and CRIM 530.

These pathways reward academic momentum and reduce the total number of graduate credit hours required for completion.

Next Graduate Session Start Dates: 

FALL: August 31, 2026

Next Graduate Session Application Deadlines: 

FALL: August 21, 2026

Program Highlights

100% online

Complete your degree from anywhere in the world.

Affordable tuition

$550/credit for military, spouses, veterans, and first responders (up to 33% off).

Transfer credits

Up to 12 credits accepted to accelerate your education. 

Financial aid

Affordable tuition rate and guidance with federal loans and Pell Grants.

Military education benefits

Including Military Tuition Assistance, the GI Bill®, and the Yellow Ribbon Program.

Scholarships

Merit- and need-based for military and alumni.

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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For me, the biggest thing was the interaction with the faculty. They provide individualized feedback, advice, and concern for every student. Norwich makes online students feel just as valued as those attending classes on campus.

Thomas Mease

‘25 Master of Arts in Military History

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Ty Sbano black hat confrence

Achieving a 4.0 while working, coaching, and managing limited sleep was deeply fulfilling. The rigor and resilience Norwich demanded prepared me well for the next chapter of my career.

Ty Sbano

'13 Master of Science in Information Assurance

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SkylerBrown

Professors were available and more than willing to help. I was an individual student. I was Skyler Brown, not student number A007.

Skyler Brown

'22 Master of Science in Criminal Justice

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andrew kemp sheriffs office

Integrity and consistency build respect. Norwich drilled that into me, and it’s something I try to pass on.

Andrew Kemp

'26 Master of Arts in Museum Administration

Read Story
todds photo

Todd Boisvert

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Thomas Mease

Ty Sbano black hat confrence

Ty Sbano

SkylerBrown

Skyler Brown

andrew kemp sheriffs office

Andrew Kemp

Faculty & Staff

Profile Image of Elizabeth Gurian in uniform

Elizabeth Gurian

Position(s):

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

Admissions 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.).

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.*
    • Duolingo - a minimum score of 110 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

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