Northeastern University offers the Master of Criminology and Criminal Justice as a full-time degree delivered on campus at its Boston and Online campuses in United States of America. Taught in English and completed over 2 years, the program equips students with the theoretical knowledge and practical skills required for criminology and criminal justice and related professional fields. The next available intake begins on January 1, 2027.

About Master of Criminology and Criminal Justice

The Master of Science in Criminology and Criminal Justice concentrates both on the problem of crime as a form of deviant behavior, and on the criminal justice and private security systems that deal with it. The program emphasizes a systems approach to criminal justice, stressing policy development and analysis, as well as the impact these policies have on the individuals and organizations charged with delivering justice in a fair and equitable manner. Broad in concept and scope, it encompasses such related disciplines as law, sociology, political science, psychology, criminology, and public administration.

A key part of the master's education is to develop and grow intellectually and ethically in order to make communities safer and to ensure justice. Students learn the skills necessary to impact policy and practice by becoming producers and critical consumers of research and scholarship.

The master’s program is comprised of required courses that deliver both substantive and technical skills. Additionally, students choose elective courses from offerings within the graduate program in criminal justice. The course offerings afford students the flexibility to customize their own programs, which may include directed study. Faculty members in the graduate program represent several different academic disciplines and teaching activities that vary in nature, depending on the instructors’ specific objectives. The faculty’s specialized interests help make possible a broad range of program offerings including courses on the criminal justice process, victimology, security management, criminal law, juvenile justice, law and psychology, and terrorism. Please visit the MS in Criminology and Criminal Justice site to learn more about the program and download a free brochure.

Faculty members in the graduate program represent several different academic disciplines and teaching activities that vary in nature, depending on the instructors’ specific objectives. The faculty’s specialized interests help make possible a broad range of program offerings including courses on the criminal justice process, victimology, security management, criminal law, juvenile justice, law and psychology, and terrorism.

Please visit the MS in Criminology and Criminal Justice site to learn more about the program and download a free brochure.

More Details

Unique Features

Full-time and part-time study options allow students the flexibility to complete coursework at their own pace
Students may choose to complete a co-op, which extends the program by six months

Program Objectives

To demonstrate mastery of foundational knowledge in the field of criminology and criminal justice
To develop and grow intellectually and ethically, as demonstrated by an ability to be a critical consumer of research and scholarship
To develop a keen appreciation for the complexities of crime, criminal behavior, and responses to crime
To develop an understanding of, and an ability to contribute to, public and private efforts to make communities safer and to ensure justice

The Master of Science in Criminology and Criminal Justice is designed to prepare students for professional and research careers in criminal justice, criminology, and related fields. Students apply multidisciplinary and comparative social science to understand, predict, and explain crime, and to contribute to the development of public policy within and across U.S. communities. To learn more about the program and download a free brochure, please visit the MS in Criminology and Criminal Justice site.

Full-time and part-time study options allow students the flexibility to complete coursework at their own pace
Students may choose to complete a co-op, which extends the program by six months

Requirements and Admission Criteria for Master of Criminology and Criminal Justice at Northeastern University

Entry Requirements

Admissions Dates

Fall Term

Spring Term


Final deadline for international applicants:	June 15
Final deadline for domestic applicants (non-international):	August 15
Deadline for special student applicants (non-international only):	August 25


Final deadline for international applicants:	October 1
Final deadline for domestic applicants (non-international):	December 15
Final deadline for Special Student applicants (non-international only):	December 15

English Requirements

PTEMin 76
IELTSMin 8
TOEFLMin 108

English Program Requirements

Northeastern students will be exposed to not only a rigorous academic environment but also a fast-paced experiential one. In order to be successful in both, all first-year and transfer applicants, regardless of citizenship, must demonstrate proficiency in English to be considered for admission to Northeastern.

Once your application is submitted, received, and processed, you will be able to access your Application Status Check. If you are required to provide further information regarding your proficiency in English, you will be able to complete the requirement in several ways, depending on your familiarity with English, and the frequency with which you use English each and every day:

Non-native English-speaking applicants will be required to submit official and valid results from one of the following English Language Tests:
- C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency (Cambridge English)
- Duolingo English Test (DET)
- IELTS Academic
- PTE Academic
- TOEFL Internt-based Test (CEEB Code: 3667) Northeastern will accept either the in-person version completed in a test center, or the TOEFL iBT Home Edition
However, based on your academic environment and the primary instructional language in either your high school or university, you may be eligible for a waiver. All waivers must be submitted through your Application Status Check. For additional information and to determine whether or not you are eligible for a waiver, please read the section below on waiving the English proficiency requirement.

Please note: Northeastern’s Admissions Committee reserves the right to request proof of English language proficiency from any applicant, regardless of citizenship or first language, at any time during the evaluation process.

Tuition and Fee Information for Master of Criminology and Criminal Justice at Northeastern University

Application Fee 75

How to Apply for Master of Criminology and Criminal Justice at Northeastern University

1.Create your application
Submit your application through The Common Application or the Coalition Application (both are accepted). Once you have created your application, please select Northeastern University to directly submit your application to us. Application fee of $75 or need-based fee waiver* *Northeastern accepts need-based fee waivers from the Common Application, the Coalition Application, as well as organizations such as the College Board and ACT, or in a written request from a school official.
2.Submit all required materials
Double check to make sure that you have submitted all required materials. Even if your application has been submitted, we cannot begin reviewing your file until all of your required materials have been received. For applicants applying for the 2022-2023 academic year, Northeastern University is test-optional and does not require standardized testing to complete an application for admission.
3.Check your application status
Within seven days of applying, you should receive a confirmation email containing your Northeastern University ID number and instructions for setting up your Application Status Check account. To ensure all of the necessary documents have been submitted, and for updates or information about your application, visit your application status check.