Criminal Justice University of Massachusetts Lowell

Overview

The Criminal Justice programme at the University of Massachusetts Lowell provides a comprehensive exploration of the contemporary issues and theoretical frameworks defining modern public safety. This advanced degree is structured to accommodate working professionals through a flexible online delivery model that maintains high academic standards.

Each student must complete 33 credits to graduate, typically spanning 11 distinct courses. The curriculum is evidence-based and data-driven, ensuring that graduates are equipped with the analytical tools necessary to evaluate complex policies and implement best practices within the justice system. The faculty consists of experts specialising in diverse areas such as transnational crime, mental health, and victimology.

Why Criminal Justice at the University of Massachusetts Lowell?

The institution is consistently recognised for excellence, with its online graduate offerings frequently ranked among the top three in the United States by U.S. News & World Report. It is particularly noted for its support of veteran students and its commitment to affordability. The programme is also Quinn Bill-certified, providing significant professional incentives for law enforcement officers in Massachusetts.

Students benefit from a curriculum that addresses the evolving needs of society, covering niche topics like weapons of mass destruction and offender re-entry. The school provides robust support services, including 24/7 online course assistance and dedicated graduate advisors. This combination of academic prestige and practical flexibility makes it a leading choice for justice studies.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

• International fee: USD 610 per credit
• National fee: USD 610 per credit
• Local fee: USD 610 per credit

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

Modules may include:

Required Foundations Courses

• Administration of Justice
• Criminological Theory
• Descriptive & Inferential Statistics
• Research Design
• Managing Justice Organisations
• Law and Public Policy

Criminal Justice Elective Courses

• Crisis and Emergency Management
• Victimology
• Domestic Terrorism and Violent Extremism
• Issues in Policing
• Criminal Profiling
• Forensic Psychology
• Criminal Mind and Behavior
• Mental Health & Criminal Justice
• Comparative Terrorism and Counterterrorism
• Threat Assessment and Risk Management
• Gender, Race and Crime
• Substance Abuse and Crime
• Homeland Security
• Criminal Homicide
• Crime Analysis and Mapping
• Intimate Partner Violence
• Responding to Child Maltreatment
• Violence in America
• Sexual Abuse: Dynamics, Responses, and Prevention
• Directed Study in Criminal Justice

Careers with Criminal Justice

Graduates are prepared for high-level roles across federal, state, and local agencies. Common career paths include positions as Federal Agents for the FBI, CIA, or DEA, as well as leadership roles such as Police Chief or Prison Warden. Other opportunities exist in crime analysis, forensic science, and industrial security consultancy.

The programme also supports transitions into the private sector, including roles in information security and private investigation. Many alumni find success in social services, working as Victim Advocates or Probation Officers. The advanced training provided ensures that graduates are competitive for senior positions that require expert-level knowledge of the legal system.