Master of Science in Criminology and Criminal Justice

Degree Program

Since the 1980s, the need for law enforcement and correctional staff has increased dramatically. As many baby boomer practitioners approach retirement, there will be an increasing demand for criminal justice professionals at all levels. Law enforcement and correctional agencies are placing a high priority on the professional development of their workforce. Those who have earned a master’s degree will have a competitive edge in the job market and will be more likely to be promoted within their agency.

The online Master of Science in Criminology and Criminal Justice (MSCCJ) degree is an accelerated program offered by the School of Criminology, Criminal Justice, and Emergency Management in partnership with the College of Professional and Continuing Education. The MSCCJ program at CSULB was recently named one of the Best Online Programs in 2021 according to U.S. News & World Report. Ranked in the Top 40 of the magazine’s Best Online Graduate Criminal Justice Programs list, the MSCCJ program’s selection was based on high performance across indicators of excellence including student engagement, student services and technology, admissions selectivity, faculty credentials and training, and peer reputation.

This fully online, accelerated program is designed for busy, working professionals who seek to earn a master's degree in a flexible and accelerated format. This program will expand and increase individual competency, develop and mature thought processes, aid in gaining insights into professional leadership and knowledge, permit an exchange between students and faculty, and further the spirit of research and scholarship to enhance professional and personal development. The curriculum offers a balance of theory and practical application that will prove to be challenging to students and useful in the field. This program provides the requisite knowledge for individuals to be competitive for administrative positions in law-enforcement, the courts, corrections, private security, and probation and parole. It is also suitable for those who seek research positions in criminal justice agencies or community college teaching positions.

Please note: The Cal Vet College Fee Waiver cannot be used for this program.

  • Individuals interested in supervisory positions that require graduate credentials
  • Those interested in pursuing advanced degrees in criminal justice
  • Working professionals pursuing part-time teaching positions in colleges and universities
  • People who are unable to attend our traditional on-campus MS in Criminal Justice program
  • Fully online delivery
  • Can be completed in as little as 24 months
  • Courses taught by full-time faculty in the School of Criminology, Criminal Justice, and Emergency Management and a select group of part-time scholar-practitioner instructors
  • Industry-relevant curriculum
  • Networking opportunities with other professionals in a team learning environment
  • Police Organization and Management
  • Crime and Public Policy
  • Law and Social Control
  • Theories of Crime Causation
  • Legal Issues in Criminal Justice
  • Research Methodology and Statistical Analysis
  • Ethics, Values, and Diversity