Master of Science in Criminology and Criminal Justice
Degree Program
As communities grapple with complex contemporary issues related to crime, safety, and justice, those with graduate-level expertise are better equipped to navigate these challenges. Whether pursuing a career in law enforcement, corrections, re-entry, social justice, or academia, a graduate degree provides a deeper understanding of criminological theories, research methodologies, and ethical considerations, making graduates invaluable contributors to the development of effective and just criminal justice systems. In an era where the need for well-trained professionals is on the rise, a graduate degree in criminology and criminal justice serves as a crucial step towards fulfilling and impactful careers in this field.
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 named one of the Best Online Programs in 2024 according to U.S. News & World Report. Ranked in the Top 30 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 are interested in supervisory positions that require graduate credentials and those interested in pursuing advanced degrees in criminal justice. 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, courts, corrections, private security, and probation and parole as well as those who are interested in working with social justice, rehabilitation, re-entry, and victims’ services organizations. It is also suitable for those who seek research and data analysis positions in criminal justice agencies or teaching positions at community colleges.
The MSCCJ program now features a concentration in Crime and Intelligence Analysis. Course topics include social network and intelligence analysis, crime mapping, and geographic information science (GIS). Graduates complete the program with an Analyst Portfolio that can be used to secure positions in local, state, and federal law enforcement as well as the private sector. "If you want to serve your community, if you want to make a difference and be in public service, but not necessarily become a cop or a probation officer, then this is a great option," said Ron Mark, retired police manager and director of the Center for Criminal Justice Research & Training at CSULB. "It’s a growing field for people who want to support public safety."
Students enrolled in this program are eligible for some forms of financial aid, with the exception of the State University Grant (SUG) and Cal Vet College Fee Waiver.
GI Bill benefits can be used for this program. Click here to learn more about eligibility, rates, and other details.
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 two years or less
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
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
Program Outline
Take the following required courses and the designated culminating activity course(s):
CRJU 501 - Proseminar and Professional Writing in Criminology and Criminal Justice (3 units)
CRJU 504 - Criminological Theory (3 units)
CRJU 520 - Advanced Criminal Justice Research Methods (3 units)
CRJU 525 - Advanced Statistics for Criminal Justice (3 units)
CRJU 535 - Criminal Justice Policy (3 units)
CRJU 555 - Law, Justice, and Social Control (3 units)
Culminating Activity Course(s) (3-6 units)
Note: All students must earn a grade of “B” or higher in CRJU 501, 504, 520, 525, 535, and 555, and their culminating activity course(s).
Take Graduate Advisor-approved elective courses in Criminology and Criminal Justice. Please note that a selection of electives will be offered each semester, subject to instructor availability. Electives include:
GEOG 471 - Geographic Information Science (GISci) for Justice (3 units)
CRJU 695 - Directed Readings/Independent Study (1-4 units)
CRJU 697 - Directed Research (1-4 units)
Students completing a project shall take 15 units of electives. Students completing a comprehensive examination shall take 15 units of electives. Students completing a thesis shall take 12 units of electives.
Unless waived by the Graduate Advisor, students must take CRJU 530 Criminal Justice Ethics, Values, and Diversity as one of the 3-unit electives. Students who completed an undergraduate course in applied criminal justice ethics with a grade of “B” or higher could have this course waived.
With written approval from the Graduate Advisor:
A maximum of 6 units may be taken from 400-level courses in Criminology and Criminal Justice;
Up to 6 units of graduate work (with a grade of “B” or higher) may be transferred from another accredited university or another program at CSULB; and
Graduate-level and 400-level courses in related disciplines (e.g., psychology, public policy, social work, sociology, political science, law) may be used to satisfy the elective requirements for the master’s degree in criminology & criminal justice.
Students may not have more than 6 units of “C” grades apply toward the master’s degree.
Advancement to Candidacy is necessary before students can take culminating activity courses (CRJU 694 Thesis I and CRJU 698 Thesis II; Comprehensive Exam CRJU 695; or Project CRJU 697).
Students must earn a grade of “B” or higher in their culminating activity course(s).
Project: Concentrate in Crime and Intelligence Analysis is only available to those graduate students concentrating their studies in Crime and Intelligence Analysis.
Students who concentrate in Crime and Intelligence Analysis shall:
Complete 15 units of Graduate Advisor-approved electives in crime and intelligence analysis;
Submit a project, consisting of an Analyst Portfolio. More details about the project are provided by the Graduate Advisor; and
Complete CRJU 697 - Directed Research (1-4 units), which should be taken for 3 units and during which the project will be completed.
Students choosing the comprehensive exam as their culminating activity shall:
Pass the comprehensive essay examination, covering criminal justice policy and one of the following topic areas: (1) policing, (2) corrections and reentry, (3) crime and inequality (race, gender, and sexual orientation issues), (4) law and social control, (5) drugs, drug war, and crime, (6) crime and mental illness, (7) juvenile delinquency and juvenile justice, (8) terrorism, (9) white collar crime, or other authorized subject area. More details about the comprehensive exam are provided by the Graduate Advisor;
Complete 15 units of Graduate Advisor-approved electives; and
Complete CRJU 695 - Directed Readings/Independent Study (1-4 units), which should be taken for 3 units in the semester they are taking the exam.
The thesis is a supervised experience in the application of theory and analytical tools to an issue in criminology or criminal justice. The thesis should prepare students for further graduate work or research in the field. More details about the thesis are provided by the Graduate Advisor.
Students who struggle with writing, conceptualizing, and paper organizing (i.e., not earn an “A” in CRJU 501) may want to consider the Comprehensive Exam. Students who are on academic warning should not complete a thesis.
Students choosing the thesis as their culminating activity shall:
Complete 12 units of Graduate Advisor-approved electives; and
Complete the following thesis courses: CRJU 694 - Thesis I (3 units) and CRJU 698 - Thesis II (3 units)
To Advance to Candidacy, students shall:
Satisfy the general University requirements for advancement to candidacy, as specified in this catalog;
Successfully complete CRJU 504, CRJU 520, and CRJU 525 and an additional 3-unit Graduate Advisor-approved course with a grade of “B” or higher in each course;
Have a 3.0 GPA; and
Successfully pass the School’s Qualifying Examination.
The Qualifying Examination tests graduate-level competency in statistics, research methods, and criminological theory.
Information Sessions
Potential students interested in learning more about this program are encouraged to attend a free information session. The information sessions include short presentations by a program representative, designed to provide you with an opportunity to ask questions and learn more about the program's benefits.
Upcoming online Information Sessions are listed below when they are available. Choose a date and click the link to register for that Zoom meeting. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email with details about joining the meeting.
If no sessions are listed below, then none are currently available. Please check this page at a later date to view updated sessions.
Each year, the application deadline for the program is May 31st. Students seeking admission to the School of Criminology, Criminal Justice and Emergency Management Graduate Program should have an undergraduate degree and a desire for graduate study.
Applying to the master's program in criminology & criminal justice at CSULB requires the application and all supplemental materials be electronically submitted to Cal State Apply. The following documents must be uploaded to Cal State Apply in .pdf. Applications cannot be submitted unless all required documents have been uploaded. Please carefully review these instructions.
Program Application Fill in and upload the MSCCJ Program Application Form (PDF) found on the program website. If you did not complete any of the following prerequisites, please state “will complete” on the form. If you are currently enrolled in a prerequisite course and have not yet received a grade state “IP” for in progress on the form.
CV/Résumé Upload an up-to-date CV/résumé that provides a summary of your academic background, degree(s), GPAs, training, certificates, awards, publications, presentations, extracurricular activities, leadership positions, internships, volunteer and work experiences, skills, and credentials. Please include all preparation for a graduate program that you would like the admissions committee to consider. It can be more than one page.
Statement of Purpose: In three (3) to five (5) double-spaced pages (i.e., 750 word minimum to 1,250 word maximum), discuss all of the following:
What motivates you to apply for a graduate degree
What are your relevant research and practical experiences that qualify you for admission to our MS in criminology and criminal justice program?
What are your specific areas of interest in criminology or criminal justice practice, policy, and/or research?
With whom on our faculty would you like to work and why?
What are your personal goals and objectives for earning a master's degree in criminology & criminal justice?
Additional Evidence of Suitability for Graduate Study: Upload either a Writing Sample or an LSAT/GRE Test Score in a PDF file
Writing Sample: Submit one (15-25 page) or two (each 7-13 pages) writing samples that evidence your research, writing, and critical thinking abilities. Papers written for undergraduate or other coursework are permitted. Include a cover page that indicates the context (course name and number) and date of the writing sample. If you do not have a writing sample from a prior course that meets these criteria, you may prepare one related to current controversy in the criminology and criminal justice fields. If you are using two papers, you must combine them into one PDF file; you can only upload one document.
Test Scores:
GRE: Submit scores to CSULB directly: University Code: 4389; Department Code: 2202; OR
LSAT: Submit scores to CSULB directly: University Code: 4389; Department Code: 2202.
You may also upload the summaries under Test Scores below.
Transcripts
Official Transcripts: One set of official transcripts from the university where you earned or will earn your BA/BS degree must be sent from the university electronically to ES-IDPTrans@csulb.edu OR postal mail to:
Enrollment Services/Admissions, California State University, Long Beach, 1250 Bellflower Blvd., Long Beach, CA 90840-0106
Once you submit your Cal State Apply application, please follow-up with ES-IDPTrans@csulb.edu to ensure transcripts have been received and linked to your Cal State Apply application. Note: DO NOT send transcripts to the Criminology and Criminal Justice Program. Official transcripts must be sent to CSULB’s Enrollment Services.
Unofficial Transcripts
Upload the unofficial transcript from the institution where you earned (or will earn) your bachelor’s degree and the unofficial transcripts from the institutions where you completed the prerequisite courses (see the MSCCJ program application form).
If you have 5 or more unofficial transcripts to upload, please combine the remainder into one document, as only 4 documents may be uploaded.
Two Letters of Recommendation
In Cal Sate Apply, you must provide the names and email addresses for two referees (those writing you a recommendation letter) with your application. These should be academics, professors, and/or professionals who can evaluate your potential to succeed in graduate school.
Please advise your referees that they will receive an email from “Calstateapply@liaisoncas.com” with a link to submit a confidential letter of reference. Please inform your recommenders to “be on the lookout” for this email in their inbox and in their spam or junk folders. Recommenders must submit their recommendations in Cal State Apply.
Frequently check your portal to ensure letters have been submitted and contact those recommenders who have yet to complete the recommendation. If your recommenders do not submit letters by the application deadline, your application will be incomplete and will not be reviewed.
Prerequisites
A bachelor's degree from a regionally-accredited university. Although a major or minor in criminology, criminal justice, or a related social-scientific discipline is preferred, the School's Graduate Committee may admit students with undergraduate preparation in other fields.
A student must have an overall undergraduate average (GPA) and average in their major of 3.00 or better. A student whose overall grade point average is between 2.750 and 2.999, but who presents acceptable evidence of professional potential either through recent academic performance and/or experiential background, may be conditionally admitted by special action of the School's Graduate Committee.
Competencies
Students entering the MS program in criminology and criminal justice are expected to have completed the following six undergraduate courses or their equivalents:
CRJU 101: The Criminal Justice System in Society
CRJU 304: Criminological Theory
CRJU 320: Research Methods (or a similar social-scientific research methods course in psychology, sociology, political science, or related field)
CRJU 325: Statistics (or a similar applied statistics course)
Students who have not taken courses in criminological theory, research methods, and statistics during their undergraduate studies may still qualify for conditional admission to the MS program in criminology and criminal justice, but they will be required to take deficiency courses in these areas before being permitted to enroll in the graduate-level courses for which undergraduate competency in one or more of these areas is required. Because deficiency courses do not count for graduate credit, the necessity of acquiring undergraduate competency in one or more of these areas may extend the time to degree completion by a semester. For more information, please contact Nicholas Perez at nicholas.perez@csulb.edu.
How to Apply
Each year, the application deadline for the program is May 31st. Students seeking admission to the School of Criminology, Criminal Justice and Emergency Management Graduate Program should have an undergraduate degree and a desire for graduate study.
Admission into the Master of Science in Criminology and Criminal Justice (MSCCJ) program is dependent upon approval by the University. You will be asked in the following directions to concurrently submit many of the application materials to both the University as well as to the MSCCJ Program housed within the School of Criminology, Criminal Justice, and Emergency Management. Please make certain to follow all directions closely to ensure your final admission into the program and a smooth transition into your first semester of coursework.
Admission Criteria
The following are required for admission consideration:
A baccalaureate degree from an accredited university.
A resume and letter of intent that includes a summary of the applicant's reasons for seeking a master's degree in criminology and criminal justice. Both documents must be sent directly to the MSCCJ program director.
Official transcripts of all undergraduate course work, including work done at all community colleges attended. Each applicant must request that official transcripts be sent to both the Graduate Advisor in the School of Criminology, Criminal Justice and Emergency Management and Enrollment Services.
Two (2) letters of recommendation from persons able to testify to the student's academic ability, preferably from former professors.
A 3.0 grade-point average in the last 60 semester units attempted. A student whose overall grade point average is less than 3.0 but who presents acceptable evidence of professional potential, either through recent academic performance and/or experiential background may be admitted by special action of the MSCCJ Graduate Committee.
Application Deadlines
The School of Criminology, Criminal Justice, and Emergency Management admits students in the fall and the application deadline for the online, accelerated MSCCJ is May 31st.
Note: The May 31 deadline is the date on which application files must be complete. Thus, all application materials must be received by the applicable deadline. Applications that are incomplete on the due date will not be reviewed. Applicants are, therefore, strongly encouraged to submit their application materials early.
Applying to the master's program in criminology & criminal justice at CSULB requires the application and all supplemental materials be electronically submitted to Cal State Apply. The following documents must be uploaded to Cal State Apply in .pdf. Applications cannot be submitted unless all required documents have been uploaded. Please carefully review these instructions.
Program Application Fill in and upload the MSCCJ Program Application Form (PDF) found on the program website. If you did not complete any of the following prerequisites, please state “will complete” on the form. If you are currently enrolled in a prerequisite course and have not yet received a grade state “IP” for in progress on the form.
CV/Résumé Upload an up-to-date CV/résumé that provides a summary of your academic background, degree(s), GPAs, training, certificates, awards, publications, presentations, extracurricular activities, leadership positions, internships, volunteer and work experiences, skills, and credentials. Please include all preparation for a graduate program that you would like the admissions committee to consider. It can be more than one page.
Statement of Purpose: In three (3) to five (5) double-spaced pages (i.e., 750 word minimum to 1,250 word maximum), discuss all of the following:
What motivates you to apply for a graduate degree
What are your relevant research and practical experiences that qualify you for admission to our MS in criminology and criminal justice program?
What are your specific areas of interest in criminology or criminal justice practice, policy, and/or research?
With whom on our faculty would you like to work and why?
What are your personal goals and objectives for earning a master's degree in criminology & criminal justice?
Additional Evidence of Suitability for Graduate Study: Upload either a Writing Sample or an LSAT/GRE Test Score in a PDF file
Writing Sample: Submit one (15-25 page) or two (each 7-13 pages) writing samples that evidence your research, writing, and critical thinking abilities. Papers written for undergraduate or other coursework are permitted. Include a cover page that indicates the context (course name and number) and date of the writing sample. If you do not have a writing sample from a prior course that meets these criteria, you may prepare one related to current controversy in the criminology and criminal justice fields. If you are using two papers, you must combine them into one PDF file; you can only upload one document.
Test Scores:
GRE: Submit scores to CSULB directly: University Code: 4389; Department Code: 2202; OR
LSAT: Submit scores to CSULB directly: University Code: 4389; Department Code: 2202.
You may also upload the summaries under Test Scores below.
Transcripts
Official Transcripts: One set of official transcripts from the university where you earned or will earn your BA/BS degree must be sent from the university electronically to ES-IDPTrans@csulb.edu OR postal mail to:
Enrollment Services/Admissions, California State University, Long Beach, 1250 Bellflower Blvd., Long Beach, CA 90840-0106
Once you submit your Cal State Apply application, please follow-up with ES-IDPTrans@csulb.edu to ensure transcripts have been received and linked to your Cal State Apply application. Note: DO NOT send transcripts to the Criminology and Criminal Justice Program. Official transcripts must be sent to CSULB’s Enrollment Services.
Unofficial Transcripts
Upload the unofficial transcript from the institution where you earned (or will earn) your bachelor’s degree and the unofficial transcripts from the institutions where you completed the prerequisite courses (see the MSCCJ program application form).
If you have 5 or more unofficial transcripts to upload, please combine the remainder into one document, as only 4 documents may be uploaded.
Two Letters of Recommendation
In Cal Sate Apply, you must provide the names and email addresses for two referees (those writing you a recommendation letter) with your application. These should be academics, professors, and/or professionals who can evaluate your potential to succeed in graduate school.
Please advise your referees that they will receive an email from “Calstateapply@liaisoncas.com” with a link to submit a confidential letter of reference. Please inform your recommenders to “be on the lookout” for this email in their inbox and in their spam or junk folders. Recommenders must submit their recommendations in Cal State Apply.
Frequently check your portal to ensure letters have been submitted and contact those recommenders who have yet to complete the recommendation. If your recommenders do not submit letters by the application deadline, your application will be incomplete and will not be reviewed.
International (Foreign) Admission Requirements
International Students are subject to the same admission criteria as non-international students (presented above) plus a minimum TOEFL Score of 100 for the Internet-based or 600 for the paper-based exam.
Please note: A minimum GPA of 2.5 overall is required for admission into CSULB's graduate programs. However, the School of Criminology, Criminal Justice, and Emergency Management typically only accepts students who earned a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher. Applicants with GPAs between 2.75 and 3.0 will be considered for admission but must present a strong application to compensate for the low GPA (e.g. unusually strong letters of recommendation; high GRE scores; years of experience in criminal justice field; volunteer or internship experience, and/or organizational leadership positions).
Applying to the master's program in criminology and criminal justice at CSULB requires a dual application. One version of the application must be electronically submitted to the University using Cal State Apply. A second version of the application must be submitted to the master's program in criminology and criminal justice. The following steps will take you through that process:
Step 1 - Apply Online
Apply now using the online Cal State Apply system. Cal State Apply is California State University's online resource to help you quickly and easily apply for graduate admission. Please make sure that you meet application deadlines.
By applying online, you can start, stop, and save your application information throughout the process. You do not have to complete the entire application during one session.
Have your previous academic information ready when you apply. For example, you'll be asked to submit information about the colleges you have attended (including community college). You will need the name of the college(s), dates attended, units completed, major, honors, and GPA. For each institution you identify on the application, you will need to request that a transcript be sent to the Office of Admissions and Records at CSU Long Beach.
Step 2 - Submit Documents
Arrange for your official sealed transcripts to be sent to CSU Long Beach. You should arrange to have official transcripts sent at the same time you submit your application. If you have college transcripts at home, they should remain in the college's official, sealed envelope. Send (or arrange for your transcripts to be sent) to the following address:
Office of Admissions and Records California State University, Long Beach 1250 Bellflower Blvd. Long Beach, CA 90840-0106
Note: Final admission to the degree program, for the semester for which application is made, is determined by the MSCCJ Graduate Committee. Admission to the University does not guarantee acceptance into the MSCCJ program.
Step 3 - Wait for University Admissions Decision
Wait for your University admissions decision. You will be sent a letter from CSU Long Beach indicating whether your application for admission to the University was approved. If approved, you will also be sent additional information about how to register for classes. Prior to enrolling in any courses however, you should await specific directions regarding enrollment in your first semester of the degree to be forwarded from the MSCCJ Graduate Advisor.
Step 4 - Receive Course Schedule and Orientation Details
If admitted, we will send you a letter that will include information about the upcoming schedule of courses, and the day and time for an online orientation session for newly admitted students. This orientation will be conducted utilizing an interactive program called “Elluminate.” Directions regarding the specific hardware you will need (e.g. microphone and headset), and how to connect to Elluminate will be included in this letter. In the event you are unable to be available for the “Live” Elluminate Orientation Session, these sessions are recorded, and all new admits can have access to the session recording within 48–72 hours.
Step 5 - Register and Begin Classes
Register for classes and begin your master's program. Contact the MSCCJ Graduate Advisor, Nicholas Perez (nicholas.perez@csulb.edu), for information about developing an approved program plan of your graduate studies and requirements for advancement to candidacy.
The Master of Science in Criminology and Criminal Justice (MSCCJ) is an interdisciplinary program delivered exclusively online which prepares students for leadership responsibilities in the criminal justice system.
Completely online program
Students are encouraged to take courses in sequence with their same program-entry cohort. However, the program recognizes the professional and family demands of most all of our students. The program can be taken successfully by students working through the sequence of courses at their own pace.
Courses (3-unit) will generally run for 15 weeks during the fall or spring semester, or 12 weeks if offered in the summer.
Students can choose a thesis or comprehensive exam option.
MSCCJ has been designed to bring together students representing many different criminal justice professionals living and working throughout the state, country, and world. MSCCJ seeks students who recognize that, to advance in their career and attain better leadership skills, they must become a more educated professional. Upon completion of this program, you will be more skilled in effective organizational communication and developing criminal justice policy for the communities you serve.
Law enforcement
Corrections personnel
Probation/Parole personnel
Military personnel
Public health practitioners
Public administrators
NGO administrators
MSCCJ requires a total of 36 graduate level units. Of this total, 21 units of coursework are required of all students, while 15 units may be taken as electives. We require all students to pass a qualifying examination after completing their first two semesters (full-time). We also require students to complete either a comprehensive examination or a thesis.
MSCCJ accepts students for fall admissions.
CSULB full-time criminal justice faculty teach the majority of the MSCCJ courses; however, certain courses are taught by part-time faculty currently employed in high ranking criminal justice positions.
Required courses focus on developing competencies in:
Writing and critical thinking skills
Criminal justice policy and planning
Gathering information and research data for making more informed and strategic decisions
Interagency communications
Homeland security
Forensic psychology
And many more
The MSCCJ program is delivered exclusively online.
Advising is conducted utilizing web-based technology.
Classes are held online in the Fall, Spring, and Summer semesters.
Faculty develop their courses to offer intensive study and discussion of course topics in weekly lessons delivered in an asynchronous online modality. Students can watch course content at any time to accommodate their professional working schedules. Students can expect a weekly workload of approximately nine hours of study for each three-unit course.
Yes, required courses are offered sequentially and all students admitted into the same cohort each fall can progress with their same cohort colleagues throughout their program of study.
However, as a program designed for working professionals, MSCCJ does not expect all students to pursue this program in lock-step; changes in work assignment and/or family responsibilities can always have an impact on degree planning. Students who commit to starting the program are expected to have planned their work/family demands, so that they can finish their degree in a timely manner. Adjustments will have to be made in consultation with the MSCCJ Graduate Advisor.
The program is designed to be completed in 24 months of full-time attendance, but can be completed in as few as 16 months for those who take a third class each semester.
The application deadline for the program is May 31st.
You should receive a reply by approximately the third week in June.
Cost per unit: $575 (Starting Fall 2016)
Cost per course: $1,725
Total cost of the program: $20,700
Costs for books, software, or other course materials are in addition to the course fees
The School of Criminology, Criminal Justice, and Emergency Management and the College of Health and Human Services (CHHS) at California State University, Long Beach.
Every step in the process for applying to the MSCCJ program is detailed on our How To Apply page.
Students enrolled in this program are eligible for some forms of financial aid, with the exception of the State University Grant (SUG) and Cal Vet College Fee Waiver.
GI Bill benefits can be used for this program. Click here to learn more about eligibility, rates, and other details.
Instructors
Dr. Binnall’s research focuses on the civic marginalization of convicted felons, parole and post-release restrictions, conditions of confinement, and inclusive education for system-involved students. Funded by the National Science Foundation and the American Bar Association, Dr. Binnall’s primary area of research examines the exclusion of convicted felons from the jury process. As the nation’s leading scholar on felon-juror exclusion, Dr. Binnall has testified for the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights, The California Assembly, and The California Senate. He is the author of numerous articles published in both law reviews and social science journals.
James M. Binnall, Instructor
Alice H. Choi, JD (UCLA School of Law, ’93) is a full-time lecturer at CSULB and enjoys teaching a variety of undergraduate and graduate classes, including ethics in criminal justice, criminal law, constitutional procedural law, and court systems in the U.S. Recently, she published an online textbook, American Criminal Judicial Process: Key Concepts & Practices. She is also an attorney with experience in diverse areas of law, including criminal law, business litigation, and employment law; and is a partner at the law firm Choi & Greenwald.
Alice H. Choi, Instructor
Robert Handy (MPA) has more than 29 years of law enforcement experience in three police departments in California and Arizona. Currently, Handy is the Chief of Police in Huntington Beach, California. Handy has Bachelor and Master degrees in Public Administration, and has taught both graduate and undergraduate classes since the late 1990’s. He has received many awards including two medals of Lifesaving, two medals of Valor, and the International Public Safety Leadership and Ethics Institute’s (IPSLEI) Lifetime Achievement Award. Handy is also graduate of the FBI National Academy.
Robert Handy, Chief of Police, Huntington Beach, California
Dr. Aili Malm, PhD, has almost 20 years of teaching experience in the field of criminal justice, and is currently a Professor in the School of Criminology, Criminal Justice, and Emergency Management at CSULB. She has led over $5 million in research grants to evaluate policing strategies for federal, state, local, and private agencies. Dr. Malm is also one of the pioneers in applying social network analysis to help understand illicit networks. In addition to teaching and research, Dr. Malm frequently trains law enforcement from around the globe on the use of social network analysis to enhance their investigations.
Aili Malm, Professor
Dr. Nash’s research interests are concentrated in white-collar crime, terrorism, and counter-terrorism. Her research focuses on applications of network theory and diffusion theory in understanding illicit networks, as well as counter-terrorism policy evaluations. Dr. Nash’s teaching focus is in quantitative research methods, using a variety of methodological crime-analyzing applications including social network analysis, GIS crime mapping, and statistical analysis.
Rebecca Nash, Instructor
Nicholas Perez is an Associate Professor of Criminology and Criminal Justice in the School of Criminology, Criminal Justice, and Emergency Management at California State University, Long Beach (CSULB). He is also the Graduate Advisor for the online Master of Science in Criminology and Criminal Justice (MSCCJ) program. His main research interests involve the development of delinquent behavior, policing, and opioid and prescription drug abuse. He has had numerous peer-reviewed journal articles published in the Journal of Youth and Adolescence, Policing: An International Journal of Police Strategies & Management, Child Abuse & Neglect, Aggression & Violent Behavior, Deviant Behavior, and Crime & Delinquency. He currently serves on the editorial board of the Journal of Youth and Adolescence and is the Secretary of the Western Society of Criminology. Dr. Perez received his Ph.D. in Criminology from the University of South Florida.
Nicholas Perez, Graduate Advisor & Associate Professor
An ethnographer and qualitative researcher with expertise in drug use, drug policy, and process evaluations, Dina Perrone earned her PhD and MS degrees in Criminal Justice from Rutgers University-Newark. She has conducted research on drug users in multiple U.S. states, and has worked with the following agencies to conduct process evaluations for their projects: L.A. Office of Diversion and Re-Entry, Long Beach Police Department, L.A. and San Francisco Sheriffs offices, the Long Beach City Attorney’s office, and nonprofit organizations providing harm reduction and case management services.
Dina Perrone, PhD, Associate Professor
Dr. Robert Schug is a neurocriminologist and clinical psychologist specializing in the biology and psychology of the criminal mind. A true “criminal mind scientist,” his research focuses on understanding the relationship between extreme forms of psychopathology and antisocial, criminal, and violent behavior from a biopsychosocial perspective—with the application of advanced neuroscience techniques from areas such as neuropsychology, psychophysiology, and brain imaging. He has also pioneered an innovative biopsychosocial developmental timeline approach to the study of multiple homicide offenders, which has become the basis for a one-of-a-kind CSULB research study involving interviews and neurocognitive assessment of incarcerated serial killers.
Robert Schug, Instructor
Dr. Christine Scott-Hayward has over ten years of research and teaching experience in the fields of criminal justice and law. She is also a licensed attorney, and is currently an Associate Professor in the School of Criminology, Criminal Justice, and Emergency Management at CSULB. Her areas of specialization include courts and corrections, from pretrial decision-making to sentencing and post-release supervision. Dr. Scott-Hayward has both work and research experience in federal courts, and spent the 2016-2017 academic year on leave as a Supreme Court Fellow assigned to the United States Sentencing Commission.
Christine Scott-Hayward, Instructor
Dr. Sam Vickovic (MD, PhD) is an Assistant Professor in the School of Criminology, Criminal Justice, and Emergency Management at California State University, Long Beach. He earned a BS in criminology, law, and society from the University of California, Irvine; an MS in criminal justice from California State University, Long Beach; and a PhD in criminology and criminal justice at Arizona State University. His research focuses on correctional officer organizational attitudes. Dr. Vickovic has also assisted the city of Long Beach with their Safe Long Beach Violence Prevention Plan.
Sam Vickovic, Instructor
How to Enroll
To begin registering for classes, log on to your MyCSULB account.
Click on My Page
Click on Student Center
Click on Academics
Click on Enroll
You can view your current classes for the term, add a class, and place yourself on a waitlist.
You will be prompted to select a term. Click on the radio button for the corresponding term and click the "Continue" button.
Your Class Schedule for the selected term will display. Icons will indicate your enrollment status (Enrolled, Dropped or Wait Listed).
Search for Classes When Enrolling
You can search for classes by clicking on the "Search" button below the "Class Search" option on the left side of your shopping cart. The basic search function allows you to search using general class information. If you receive a "no matching values found" message, make your search less specific.
Note: When searching for classes during your enrollment period, you can click on the "Select Class" button on the Class Search Results page to add the class to your Enrollment Shopping Cart. If you are already enrolled in a class, the “Select Class” button will not appear for the section you are enrolled in.
Class Enrollment Options
Multiple Component Courses: For classes that require a related component (e.g. lab, activity, etc.), you must specify the related class section.
Units: For classes with variable units, you may specify the number of units being taken.
Continue selecting classes until you have entered all the classes in which you would like to register, and then click on the "Proceed to Step 2 of 3" button.*
Confirm the classes you wish to add and click the "Finish Enrolling" button.
Icons will indicate the enrollment status (Open, Closed, or Wait Listed).**
*Note: You will be prevented from enrolling and will receive an error message if attempting to add a course under the following conditions:
currently have an incomplete grade
received a grade of C, B, A or CR
already repeated a course once at CSULB
reached the repeat limit
In these cases, you will need to remove the course from your enrollment request in order to add other courses and complete your registration.
**Note: The Waitlist icon will only display during the waitlist period. Once the Last Day to Waitlist has passed for the term, the class will display a status of Closed.
Undergraduate students are subject to limits of course repetitions allowed during their entire CSULB undergraduate career. If a student attempts to enroll in a class that goes beyond these limits, an error message will appear pertaining to the following situations:
Undergraduate students may repeat courses only if they earned grades lower than a C. An error message will appear if you are attempting to enroll in a class in which you have received a grade of C or higher.
Undergraduate students may take a course no more than two times. After the student has enrolled in the course for the second time, an error message will indicate that the class cannot be repeated because the total number of completed attempts allowed has been exceeded.
Post-baccalaureate and undergraduate students may not re-enroll in a course for which they have received a grade of “I” (Incomplete) until that “I” has been converted to a grade other than “I” (e.g., A-F, CR/NC). An error message will appear if you are attempting to enroll in a class in which you have received an “Incomplete” and it has not yet been resolved.
Enrollment Results
The system will display the status of each enrollment request. Be sure to review the errors and/or messages.
Possible Messages
The class is currently full. You may place yourself on the waitlist (see below for more information about waitlisting).
There is a time conflict between this class and one you are already enrolled in for this term.
A Requirement Designation (GE Indicator) was assigned; these are used to help the degree audit process and require no action on your part.
You have not met the prerequisites or co-requisites for this class. Refer to the message details to see what the requirements are for the course. For further information, refer to the University Catalog or contact the Department.
Enrolling into a Waitlist
Waitlisted classes will count towards your maximum number of units allowed for registration, but you will only be charged for fees based on your number of units "enrolled." Additional charges, if any, will be assessed if you are successfully enrolled from the waitlist.
Note: To see classes that are currently full, uncheck the "Open Classes Only" checkbox. Then you will see all classes offered for a course and can choose to waitlist in ones that are currently full.
To place yourself on the waitlist of a class, check the "Waitlist if class is full" checkbox and then click the "Next" button. If there is no space available in the class, you will be placed on the waitlist unless the waitlist is already full.
If you were placed on a waitlist, a message will be returned indicating your position on the list.
Note: Be sure to update your email address in the Personal Information section. Communications regarding changes to your registration will be emailed to your "Preferred" email address.
Withdrawals
Withdrawals are not permitted during the final week of instruction. Only extenuating circumstances will be considered. Approval from Instructor, Department Chair, Dean and University Provost will be required. Forms must be turned in to Enrollment Services.
How to Pay
Fees are due at the time of registration. If you have any questions regarding payments please email CPaCE Student Services Center at cpace-info@csulb.edu.
CHECK OR MONEY ORDER Personal Check, Cashiers Check or Money Order
Payable to: California State University, Long Beach (CSULB)
Mail to: CPaCE Student Services Center, 6300 E. State University Dr. Suite 100, Long Beach CA 90815 (Please allow 3-5 business days to process).
The University is not responsible for delayed or lost mail via U.S. Postal Service.
Payable in $USD and must be written in blue or black ink.
Be sure to write your student ID number on the check.
The university has contracted with TRANSACT SmartPay to accept credit card payments. SmartPay charges a 2.65% service charge on all payment transactions.
There is no convenience fee to pay by E-Check at MyCSULB or in person with an ATM/Debit, check, money order, or cash.
THIRD PARTY FEE PAYMENT If a company or organization wishes to pay your fees, a sponsorship agreement and authorization of services must be received, prior to registration, by email at cpace-info@csulb.edu. If your sponsor does not pay some or all of your fees, it is your responsibility to pay or your classes may be canceled, a financial hold placed on your record and services withheld until fees are paid.
Veterans If you are a veteran or a dependent of a veteran, you may be eligible for financial assistance for your higher education. For more information, go to Veterans' Affairs Services or the Veterans Affairs Office, Foundation Building, Room 265, or call 562.985.5115.
Financial Aid If you have applied for and accepted a financial aid award for the current academic year, you may register without paying. Your aid will be disbursed according to your program schedule set by the Financial Aid office.
Refunds For refund information, please refer to the Credit Courses section of our Refunds page.
Dishonored Payments A $20 dishonored check fee will be charged to your account if a check is returned for any reason. If a credit card charge is disputed, a $20 dishonored credit card fee will be charged to your account. Contact Student Account Services, 562.985.8280, before disputing a credit card charge through your bank. Personal checks will not be accepted for repayment of dishonored checks or disputed credit cards.
Master of Science in Criminology and Criminal Justice
The new Crime and Intelligence Analysis concentration in the MS in Criminology and Criminal Justice program at CSULB produces graduate-level trained crime and intelligence analysts. Course topics include social network and intelligence analysis, crime mapping, and geographic information science (GIS). Graduates complete the program with an Analyst Portfolio that can be used to secure positions in local, state, and federal law enforcement as well as the private sector.