Top Online Criminal Justice Degree Programs in Massachusetts
Ready to pursue your criminal justice degree in Massachusetts? You can choose from many great online and campus-based degree and certificate programs, all ready to help you begin or advance your career in law enforcement, corrections, or several other fields. Keep reading to learn more.
Are you fascinated by anything concerning the legal system? Do you binge watch cold-case shows and enjoy watching trials? Or perhaps you’re intrigued by police procedurals and all things public safety. If this describes you, working in the criminal justice system might be a great career move.
You can take several paths to fulfilling careers in law enforcement, corrections, or the court system. One of the most popular avenues is to earn a degree in criminal justice, and there are many criminal justice programs in Massachusetts to choose from at the undergraduate and graduate levels. And because many students wish to continue working or taking care of their families while in school, you’ll also find fully-online criminal justice degrees in Massachusetts.
But which programs provide the quality, accreditation and affordability you’re looking for? In this guide, we highlight the best overall criminal justice schools in Massachusetts and provide other helpful information to help you narrow your options. Get started with our list of top-ranked schools.
Top Online Criminal Justice Degree Programs in Massachusetts
If you have a busy life with personal, educational, and professional obligations that need balance, you’ll find many online criminal justice degrees in Massachusetts available for busy students. These programs allow students to complete academic requirements in an online or hybrid format, making it easier to take classes from anywhere and usually at any time during the day. Depending on the school, your degree, and area of focus, you can often earn your degree 100% online, with no on-campus or in-person learning requirements needed.
If you’re interested in learning more, we ranked today’s top programs that use an online learning format to provide flexible options tailored to your specific professional and academic needs. Additional information about online criminal justice programs can also be found on our main guide to online criminal justice programs.
University of Massachusetts-Lowell
Lowell, Massachusetts
Public
Boston University
Boston, Massachusetts
Private
Westfield State University
Westfield, Massachusetts
Public
Northern Essex Community College
Haverhill, Massachusetts
Public
Bristol Community College
Fall River, Massachusetts
Public
Massasoit Community College
Brockton, Massachusetts
Public
Quincy College
Quincy, Massachusetts
Public
Middlesex Community College
Bedford, Massachusetts
Public
Quinsigamond Community College
Worcester, Massachusetts
Public
Types of Criminal Justice Programs in Massachusetts
One of the great things about the various criminal justice programs in Massachusetts is that they can be found at almost any level in colleges and universities. Because of this, criminal justice schools in Massachusetts offer programs that will meet your academic needs, whether you’re entering the workforce for the first time or have decades of experience. The next few sections provide an overview of what you can expect at the various undergraduate and graduate criminal justice program levels.
Criminal Justice Associate Degrees in Massachusetts
If you want to enter the criminal justice field as quickly as possible, the associate degree in criminal justice is probably your best option. These programs typically last two years and provide an education in both criminal justice and general education areas. Graduating from a criminal justice school in Massachusetts with an associate degree usually means you’re ready to take on entry-level positions within the criminal justice system, such as legal assistant, bailiff, crime scene technician, or police officer.
Examples of Accredited Massachusetts Colleges with this Criminal Justice Degree
| College | Location | Delivery | Accreditation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Northern Essex Community College | Haverhill | On-Campus | NECHE |
| Holyoke Community College | Holyoke | Online | NECHE |
| Cape Cod Community College | West Barnstable | On-Campus | NECHE |
| Quinsigamond Community College | Worcester | Hybrid | NECHE |
| Massachusetts Bay Community College | Wellesley Hills | On-Campus | NECHE |
Criminal Justice Bachelor’s Degrees in Massachusetts
A criminal justice bachelor’s degree is often ideal for individuals who want to begin their careers in criminal justice but want a more comprehensive and in-depth education. Earning an undergraduate degree can mean you’ll be eligible for additional positions and may offer an easier road to future advancement. This is because there are some jobs open to those with an associate degree, but they offer preference to those with a bachelor’s degree — such as a police officer or a position with management responsibilities.
Examples of Accredited Massachusetts Colleges with this Criminal Justice Degree
| College | Location | Delivery | Accreditation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boston College | Chestnut Hill | On-Campus | NECHE |
| Worcester State University | Worcester | On-Campus | NECHE |
| University of Massachusetts – Dartmouth | Dartmouth | On-Campus | NECHE |
| University of Massachusetts Amherst | Amherst | Online | NECHE |
| Springfield College | Springfield | On-Campus and Online | NECHE |
Criminal Justice Master’s Degrees in Massachusetts
There are several reasons why you may be interested in seeking a master’s degree from criminal justice colleges in Massachusetts, especially if you’re already working in the field. For example, some enroll in graduate criminal justice schools in Massachusetts to receive a promotion. The master’s degree also helps individuals be more competitive when applying for a different job within the criminal justice realm. This might occur when applying for a job with a federal law enforcement agency that prefers applicants with graduate degrees.
Examples of Accredited Massachusetts Colleges with this Criminal Justice Degree
| College | Location | Delivery | Accreditation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Salem State University | Salem | Online | NECHE |
| Merrimack College | North Andover | On-Campus | NECHE |
| Fitchburg State University | Fitchburg | Online | NECHE |
| Curry College | Milton | Online | NECHE |
| Westfield State University | Westfield | Hybrid | NECHE |
Criminal Justice Doctoral Degrees in Massachusetts
A doctorate is the highest level of education someone can obtain. Because most criminal justice occupations don’t require a doctoral degree, these types of criminal justice programs aren’t common in Massachusetts. However, a few programs exist and are usually tailored to professionals who want a job that requires them to teach, conduct research, or develop new policies. Graduates often find work as professors, senior analysts, and research directors.
Examples of Accredited Massachusetts Colleges with this Criminal Justice Degree
| College | Location | Delivery | Accreditation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Northeastern University | Boston | Online | NECHE |
| University of Massachusetts – Lowell | Lowell | On-campus | NECHE |
Criminal Justice Certificates in Massachusetts
Criminal justice colleges in Massachusetts often offer CJ certificates at both the graduate and undergraduate levels. These certificates are designed for students who already have a degree or established careers but want to shift into the criminal justice field for the first time. They’re also good for criminal justice professionals who need to learn about a specialized area. Certificates offer an affordable and quick way to get the necessary training without committing the time and money to a full degree.
Examples of Accredited Massachusetts Colleges with this Criminal Justice Degree
| College | Location | Delivery | Accreditation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bridgewater State University | Bridgewater | On-Campus | NECHE |
| University of Massachusetts – Amherst | Amherst | Hybrid | NECHE |
| University of Massachusetts – Lowell | Lowell | On-Campus | NECHE |
| Boston University | Boston | Online | NECHE |
Where to Get Financial Aid in MA for Your Criminal Justice Degree
To help pay the costs of an on-campus or online criminal justice degrees in Massachusetts, you’ll find a variety of financial aid options available. For many students, the primary source will come from federal student loans, but an even better source will come from scholarships, fellowships, and grants, especially those only open to criminal justice students. These can be found from schools and organizations. For instance, Merrimack College offers a competitive fellowship for its criminal justice graduate students, and theSoutheastern Massachusetts Police Chiefs Association has its annual scholarship that provides a special preference to students studying criminal justice, law enforcement, or public service.
Because some criminal justice students have well-established careers before applying, there’s also the possibility of tuition reimbursement or discount benefits. The University of Massachusetts – Amherst has special partnerships with certain employers where their employees receive a 10% discount on tuition. And state workers (and their spouses) in Massachusetts may be eligible for total or partial tuition remission when attending a public college or university in the state. To learn more about how to pay for your criminal justice education, check out our criminal justice scholarships and resources guide.
Employment and Salary Outlook in MA After Your Criminal Justice Degree
Graduating from one of the criminal justice colleges or universities in Massachusetts is an excellent way to find an in-demand career with solid potential for advancement. Despite this fact, not all careers hold the same level of promise. To provide you with an overall picture of what sort of pay and job growth you can anticipate after you graduate, check out the following chart.
One thing you’ll notice is that the best pay usually lies with criminal justice jobs where you’ll be working for the Commonwealth or a local government. However, these positions are more likely to have less growth in the foreseeable future. In contrast, criminal justice positions in the private sector pay less, but have much higher growth rates for certain occupations. One common area for criminal justice graduates is corrections, and while the profession is expected to contract in the next few years, certain parts of Massachusetts like Essex County have a need for correctional officers that’s so strong, they’re lowering the age requirement from 21 to 19 and offering signing bonuses.
| Job Growth Rate (2020-2030) | Average Annual Openings (2020-2030) | Annual Mean Wage (2022) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Security Guards | 33.9% | 3,870 | $40,760 |
| Police and Sheriff’s Patrol Officers | 6.8% | 1,480 | $73,290 |
| Private Detectives and Investigators | 23.3% | 40 | $55,730 |
| Court, Municipal, and License Clerks | 3.9% | 220 | $56,670 |
| Correctional Officers and Jailers | -9.1% | 450 | $69,140 |
Sources: Projections Central;Bureau of Labor Statistics
Criminal Justice Professional Associations in Massachusetts
- The Correctional Association of Massachusetts
The Correctional Association of Massachusetts (CAM) exists to provide opportunities for professional development and education for those already working in the field or who are interested in starting a career in this field. - Massachusetts Police Association
As its name implies, this professional organization is for members of law enforcement in Massachusetts. Members include police officers from all over the Commonwealth, and services include protection of employment benefits, financial products, scholarships, and policy advocacy. - Licensed Private Detectives Association of Massachusetts
Also known as LPDAM, this group exists to help private detectives network and exchange advice. The LPDAM also provides legislative advocacy services to promote the professional interests of private detectives within the Commonwealth. - Massachusetts Association of Crime Analysts
Despite its name, the Massachusetts Association of Crime Analysts (MACA) accepts members from several states in the northeast as well as from Canada. Its student and professional members come from various areas of the criminal justice field to work together to advance the field of crime analysis. - Massachusetts Minority Court Officers Association
The mission of the Massachusetts Minority Court Officers Association (MMCOA) is to promote the interests of the diverse workforce of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Trial Court Security Department. Members enjoy benefits such as career development, networking events, and learning opportunities.