Criminal justice Brochure

College of Social Sciences and Humanities

Networked for Success. Networked for Industry. Networked for Life.

MASTER OF SCIENCE

CRIMINOLOGY AND CRIMINAL JUSTICE

“The knowledge I gained through the Master’s Program in Criminology and

Criminal Justice truly enabled me to effect

positive change in public safety.

At the Department of Correction, I now

assist in implementing key reentry initiatives.”

—Kyle Daley, MS in Criminology and

Criminal Justice

THE PROGRAM

MS IN CRIMINOLOGY AND CRIMINAL JUSTICE

Northeastern’s MS in Criminology and Criminal Justice focuses on both the

causes of crime and victimization, as well as the social response to crime by

the criminal justice and private security systems. The program emphasizes

a systems approach to criminology and criminal justice by stressing the links

among the causes of crime, the social and political responses to crime, and

the development of policy aimed at creating both safer communities and the

equitable administration of justice.

The MS in Criminology and Criminal Justice develops criminal justice and

private security leaders who are capable of conducting applied research as

well as assuming responsibility for policy planning and administration. The

program prepares students for professional and research careers by applying

multidisciplinary and comparative social science to understand, predict, and

explain crime and contribute to the development of public policy within urban

communities.

THE EXPERIENCE

The Northeastern Network

The Northeastern University network spans the globe. With the support of over

3,000 employer partners and more than 200,000 alumni, Northeastern students

are Networked for Success. MS in Criminology and Criminal Justice students

have access to all of our campus resources, including our research library, career

services, and various conferences and presentations. Whatever their location, all

of Northeastern’s students graduate prepared and Networked for Life.

The Faculty

Northeastern’s MS in Criminology and Criminal Justice program is taught by

respected faculty who are also leaders in their fields. These dedicated and

talented faculty members assure that your education is rigorous, current,

and relevant.

The Capstone Experience

Our curriculum affords students the flexibility to customize their own program.

Students can choose to complete either a capstone course or a master’s thesis.

Close consultation with faculty mentors guides students through whichever option

they choose.

THE OPPORTUNITY

Conditions and needs within the criminal justice industry are always changing,

making current perspectives, substantive knowledge, up-to-date technical skills,

and new analytical techniques particularly important. The program’s intersection

with related disciplines such as law, sociology, political science, psychology, and

public administration allows students to acquire the necessary skills and knowledge

to assume responsibilities in a variety of settings. The MS in Criminology and

Criminal Justice prepares students for research, policy development, administrative,

and supervisory positions in the various sectors of the criminal justice field.

Northeastern’s Center for Criminal Justice Policy and Research (CCJPR) as well as

The Institute on Race and Justice (IRJ) provide additional opportunities for students

to develop relevant skills and participate in the assessment of contemporary

criminal justice policies. Both organizations use strategic social science research

methodologies to examine questions of justice, conduct nationally recognized

research, and assist government agencies, educational institutions, and community

stakeholders to advance the cause of social justice.

“ The program was instrumental in preparing me for a career in criminal justice research and policy. I was able to learn about the criminal justice system and the processes involved, and also make contact with professionals and researchers in the field.”

—Kashif Siddiqi, MS Criminology and Criminal Justice

THE CURRICULUM

An Interdisciplinary Curriculum

The MS in Criminology and Criminal Justice is comprised of required courses

that hone both substantive and technical skills. Our broad range of elective

offerings includes courses on the criminal justice process, victimology, security

management, criminal law, juvenile justice, law and psychology, and terrorism.

Required Core Courses Criminal Justice Process

Criminology

Research and Evaluation Methods

Research and Evaluation Methods Lab

Statistical Analysis

Statistical Analysis Lab

Sample Elective CoursesEvidence-Based Crime Policy

Law and Psychology

Globalization of Crime and Justice

Race and the Criminal Justice System

Capstone ExperienceCapstone Course

Master’s Thesis

THE OPTIONS

One Outstanding City

Boston is the home of Northeastern’s main campus, a city known as a center for

world-class research, innovation, and public service entities—large and small.

Two Flexible Formats

Northeastern’s MS in Criminology and Criminal Justice is offered on campus

on both a full-time and part-time basis. All required classes are offered in the

evenings to allow for more flexibility. Full-time students generally complete the

program in eighteen months; part-time students complete the degree in three

to four years.

An Innovative University

Whichever option you choose, Northeastern’s MS in Criminology and Criminal

Justice program delivers the same rigorous academics, experienced faculty,

cutting-edge research opportunities, and industry experience. With the support

of our global network of employer partners, connected alumni, and dedicated

faculty, the program enables students to successfully build their careers while

maintaining their lives.

THE NEXT STEP

Apply

If you’re ready to make a difference in your life—and the world—apply to

Northeastern University’s MS in Criminology and Criminal Justice. To access our

online application, go to northeastern.edu/cssh/graduate/admissions.

Application Requirements

To apply to the program, you must have:

> A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution

To complete the application process, you must submit:

> Transcripts from all previous undergraduate and graduate institutions

> A personal statement

> Three letters of recommendation

> A resumé

> GRE scores

> A writing sample

> Official TOEFL or IELTS scores (for non-native English speakers only)*

*If you are an international applicant who has received a bachelor’s degree from a U.S. institution, this requirement can be waived.

For application questions:

[email protected]

For program questions:

[email protected]

northeastern.edu/sccj/ graduate

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