Top Online Criminal Justice Degree Programs in Massachusetts

Associate Degrees in Massachusetts

Associate programs typically take two years of full-time study to complete. During your time studying for your associate degree, you will receive a baseline education in criminal justice, supplemented with general education requirements.

Graduating with an associate’s degree in criminal justice usually means you’re ready to take on entry-level positions within the criminal justice system, such as a legal assistant, bailiff, or crime scene technician. You may even obtain an associate degree in your path to becoming a police officer.

Bachelor’s Degrees in Massachusetts

A bachelor’s degree in criminal justice is ideal for individuals who want a more comprehensive and in-depth education. Earning an undergraduate degree means you’ll be eligible for additional positions in the field. Some positions, such as those in law enforcement, are open to those with an associate degree, but graduates with a bachelor’s have a competitive edge in the hiring process.

Master’s Degrees in Massachusetts

Even if you’re currently working in the criminal justice field, a master’s degree can lead to more opportunities for advancement in your career. Most master’s programs require you to have a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice or a related field and take about two years to complete. They additionally offer opportunities for further specialization within the field.

PhD, Doctoral, and Graduate Certificate Programs in Massachusetts

Since most criminal justice occupations don’t require a doctoral degree, these types of programs aren’t common in Massachusetts. However, the few programs out there are for 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.

Frequently Asked Questions From Massachusetts Criminal Justice Students

Are online criminal justice degrees in Massachusetts accredited?

Yes, many online criminal justice degrees in Massachusetts are accredited. During your program search, it is a good idea to consider an accredited program, as this demonstrates that the program curriculum covers all the knowledge needed for criminal justice professionals. It is also important if you plan to transfer your credits to a more advanced degree program.

One example is Anna Maria College’s online BS in Criminal Justice program. Because this program is certified by the Massachusetts Department of Education’s Quinn Bill, graduates are eligible for the pay incentives outlined in the Police Career Incentive Pay Program (PCIPP).

How much does it cost to get an online criminal justice degree in Massachusetts?

The cost of college tuition in Massachusetts can range from about $6,000 to over $15,000 per year for public universities. The overall cost to pursue an online criminal justice degree depends on the type of program and school. Private universities, such as Anna Maria College, are going to cost more than public universities.

Also, it’s important to consider that the cost of going to school is more than just tuition. If you need help paying for school, it’s worth looking into some of the scholarships for criminal justice students.

Where can you find financial aid in Massachusetts to help pay for school?

Whether you’re looking for need-based or non-need-based aid, you can find it through organizations such as the Massachusetts Department of Higher Education and its Office of Student Financial Assistance. In some circumstances, students in Massachusetts can go to community college for free, and even if you don’t qualify for free tuition, community colleges offer some of the most affordable criminal justice degrees.

Most schools offer resources for financial aid, such as information about scholarships, grants, and loans. You may also be eligible for federal aid, so it’s important that you fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

How long does it take to get an online degree in criminal justice?

Online criminal justice degrees are about the same length as other degree programs. For example, if you choose to get an associate’s degree in criminal justice, it will take about two years. A bachelor’s program, on the other hand, will take closer to four years.

Online programs generally take the same amount of time as in-person programs, unless you choose an accelerated program. Programs like the BS in Criminal Justice program at the University of Massachusetts, Lowell can be completed in as little as 12 months.

What should you look for in a criminal justice degree program?

The main things to pay attention to when choosing a degree program are the accreditation, curriculum, and resources. Since criminal justice is such a broad field, it’s important to find a program that covers all the necessary aspects of the system.

Additionally, finding a job after graduation can be a challenge, but choosing a school with extensive career placement services can make the process a lot easier.

Earnings and Careers: Criminal Justice Graduates in Massachusetts

Help for Criminal Justice Students & Professionals in Massachusetts: Essential Resources

Navigating the challenges of college is about more than just finding the right school — it also includes the process of locating funding, connecting with other students, and preparing for your future career. These resources can help you find the support you need in Massachusetts both during school and after graduation.

• Criminal Justice Student Organization: The Criminal Justice Student Organization at Curry College is a student group specifically for criminal justice students. Within this organization, students explore the criminal justice field together and network with professionals in the field.
• Criminal Justice Student Society: Many universities have specific student societies for criminal justice students. At the University of Massachusetts, Lowell, they have the Criminal Justice Student Society, an organization that helps students learn about the criminal justice system through events and workshops.
• Executive Office of Public Safety and Security: The Executive Office of Public Safety and Security offers a public safety internship for undergraduate, graduate, and specialized skilled-trained students who are preparing for a career in public safety, criminal justice, or homeland security.
• Licensed Private Detectives Association of Massachusetts: The Licensed Private Detectives Association of Massachusetts (LPDAM) 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: The Massachusetts Association of Crime Analysts (MACA) accepts members from several states, and its student and professional members come from various areas of the criminal justice field to advance the field of crime analysis.
• Massachusetts Department of Higher Education: If you’re considering starting with an associate’s degree in Criminal Justice, you may be eligible to earn your associate degree for free. Through the Massachusetts Department of Higher Education, certain students without a degree can go to community college for free.
• Massachusetts Minority Court Officers Association: The Massachusetts Minority Court Officers Association (MMCOA) promotes the interests of the diverse workforce of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Trial Court Security Department. Members enjoy benefits such as networking events and learning opportunities.
• 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.
• Massachusetts Probation Training Academy: In 2025, the first probation officer academy launched in Massachusetts. For students wanting to go into this field, this can be a great place to look for internships and training.
• The Washington Center: The Washington Center provides students with scholarships, internships, seminars, and other resources to prepare them for entering the professional world. They offer scholarships in numerous states, including Massachusetts, and resources on topics such as networking and job interviews.

Best Online Options for Criminal Justice Training 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 students like you.

To help you find the right one, we ranked today’s top programs based on their accreditation, online accessibility, and availability of student resources. We also rank the schools based on the percentage of total students enrolled in online programs, affordability, and student outcomes like graduation and retention rates. For more information about our ranking process and insights into your own search, you can review the “About the Rankings” section below.