At a Glance

  • Flexibility
    Part Time | Full Time
  • Delivery Options
    Online | Hybrid
  • Degree
    MA

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To receive additional information about this program, please complete the Request Information form.

Master of Arts in Criminal Justice Overview

Whether you study online or in hybrid format (blending online and on-campus courses), full-time or part-time, you'll learn from faculty who are leading experts in their fields through UMass Lowell's Master's in Criminal Justice degree. Our program has a long history of producing graduates highly regarded and in demand by federal, state and local agencies. 

Why Choose UMass Lowell's Master's in Criminal Justice?

  • Reputation: In 2023, U.S. News & World Report ranked our program as the #2 Best Online Master's in Criminal Justice nationwide. According to The Wall Street Journal, UMass Lowell is Massachusetts's highest-ranked public university for student outcomes.
  • Quinn-Bill Certification: Through our master's program, full-time officers qualify for salary increases if they work in participating towns and cities.
  • Certificate Specializations: Depending on your interests and career goals, you may complete a graduate certificate in Domestic Violence Prevention, Forensic Criminology, Leadership & Policy Development, Security Studies or Victim Studies with courses that will count toward the Master's in Criminal Justice.
  • Value: UMass Lowell ranks #1 for lifetime return on investment among public research universities in Massachusetts, according to Payscale.com.
  • Flexibility: Depending on your schedule and learning style, you may study on-campus or online, part-time or full-time. 

Curriculum

The M.A. in Criminal Justice is a 33-credit master's degree. Graduate students can choose to complete a thesis option.
For a complete list of courses and academic requirements, please visit the Academic Catalog.

Career Outlook

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wages, Massachusetts's first-line supervisors of police and detectives earned a mean annual salary of $109,090 in 2022.

Criminal-Justice-Professionals
A Master's in Criminal Justice will open a range of occupational opportunities, including careers such as:
  • Victim Advocates
  • Leaders in Social Justice
  • Police Officers
  • Crime Scene Investigators
  • Detectives
  • Substance Abuse Counselors
  • Correctional Officers
  • Homeland Security Agents
  • Legal Researchers or Policymakers
  • Community College Professor or Advisors
See the Master's in Criminal Justice Career Guide for more information.
Top Companies Hiring UMass Lowell's Criminal Justice Graduates
  • Massachusetts Trial Court
  • Commonwealth of Massachusetts
  • Massachusetts State Police
  • Army National Guard
  • Drug Enforcement Administration
  • Middlesex Sheriff's Office
  • United States Air Force
  • U.S. Department of Justice
  • Securitas Security Services USA, Inc.
  • Allied Universal
  • Essex County Sheriff's Department

Admissions & Tuition

Take the next step and apply. Learn more about admission requirements, tuition and funding options.

For information about the application process and requirements, please visit Fine Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences Admissions Requirements.

Estimated Full-Time Graduate

TypeTotal TuitionMandatory Fees*Housing**Food Plan Costs***Total Tuition and Mandatory Fees
In-State$15,714$720$10,548$5,600$32,582
Out-of-State$28,398$720$10,548$5,600$45,266
New England Regional Program$24,430$720$10,548$5,600$41,298
International****$28,398$4,356$10,548$5,600$48,902

Cost of Attendance (COA) is an estimate of the cost of attending UMass Lowell. It is based on residency status, career level, and whether the student will be living on-campus, off-campus or commuting. The cost of attendance includes both direct and indirect costs.

  • *Mandatory Fees include Technology Fee and Activity Fee only.
  • **The Housing Cost reflects the Weighted Average Cost.
  • ***Food Plan Cost reflects the Unlimited 200 Plan (most popular plan).
  • ****International Mandatory Fees includes the International Fee and the Health Insurance Fee.

Housing Options range from $9,240-$12,520. Visit the Office of Residence Life for more information.

Graduate Tuition and Fee charges are based on 9 credits per semester. Credits in excess of 9 will have additional charges added.

These prices are estimates and subject to change by vote of the UMass Board of Trustees.

Additional fees that may apply are based on your status and enrollment. Fee descriptions provide more information on each fee that may be charged.

Online Tuition

For online programs, please visit Tuition & Fees for Graduate, Online & Professional Studies.

For more information about government aid, visit the Federal Student Aid website.

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Contact Us

Amber Horning-Ruf, Ph.D.
Master's Program Coordinator
978-934-5391
Amber_Ruf@uml.edu