What is Criminal Justice?
Are you interested in pursuing a criminal justice degree in Massachusetts? Choosing to major in criminal justice can lead to a wide variety of employment opportunities related to law enforcement and legal advocacy. There are, however, many career options available to graduates, who tend to develop a plethora of useful skills while enrolled. In fact, most academic programs in this field strive to help students establish and improve abilities that can be utilized in most individual and group safety settings.
Some of the most notable career paths in criminal justice include:
- Criminology
- Cyber Security
- Emergency Management
- Forensic Science
- Fire Science
- Homeland Security
It's important to realize that every state has and maintains its own criminal justice system. While state systems generally work in tandem with the United States government, prospective professionals need to become familiar with their local regulations prior to applying for employment. This does mean job descriptions are likely to vary significantly, even between counties. As a result, many colleges and universities strive to design criminal justice programs that instill students with easily transferrable skills such as communication, empathy, and leadership.
Successful criminal justice professionals tend to have good judgement and are highly perceptive. They are good problem solvers capable to addressing multiple issues quickly. Many professions in this field are rewarding, but those interested in pursuing these careers should be aware of the associated physical demands and potential dangers.
Top Ranked Campus & Online Criminal Justice Programs in Massachusetts
1
Boston University
Score: 80.94
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $65,168
- Out-of-State:$65,168
- Net Price: $27,829
- Acceptance Rate: 14%
- Retention Rate: 94%
- Graduation Rate: 89%
- Total Enrollment: 36,714
- Undergrad Students: 18,459
- Graduate Students: 18,255
- Grads Salary: $85,000
- Student-to-faculty: 11:1
2
Boston College
Score: 79.84
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $67,680
- Out-of-State:$67,680
- Net Price: $30,559
- Acceptance Rate: 17%
- Retention Rate: 95%
- Graduation Rate: 91%
- Total Enrollment: 15,287
- Undergrad Students: 9,982
- Graduate Students: 5,305
- Grads Salary: $85,000
- Student-to-faculty: 12:1
3
Northeastern University
Score: 77.38
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $63,141
- Out-of-State:$63,141
- Net Price: $35,827
- Acceptance Rate: 7%
- Retention Rate: 97%
- Graduation Rate: 91%
- Total Enrollment: 30,013
- Undergrad Students: 16,302
- Graduate Students: 13,711
- Grads Salary: $87,000
- Student-to-faculty: 16:1
4
Regis College
Score: 75.07
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $47,770
- Out-of-State:$47,770
- Net Price: $30,014
- Acceptance Rate: 89%
- Retention Rate: 76%
- Graduation Rate: 67%
- Total Enrollment: 3,230
- Undergrad Students: 1,121
- Graduate Students: 2,109
- Grads Salary: $100,000
- Student-to-faculty: 9:1
5
University of Massachusetts-Amherst
Score: 74.12
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $17,357
- Out-of-State:$39,293
- Net Price: $22,291
- Acceptance Rate: 64%
- Retention Rate: 90%
- Graduation Rate: 83%
- Total Enrollment: 32,229
- Undergrad Students: 24,391
- Graduate Students: 7,838
- Grads Salary: $82,000
- Student-to-faculty: 18:1
6
University of Massachusetts-Lowell
Score: 71.58
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $16,570
- Out-of-State:$35,396
- Net Price: $17,240
- Acceptance Rate: 86%
- Retention Rate: 84%
- Graduation Rate: 71%
- Total Enrollment: 17,153
- Undergrad Students: 12,389
- Graduate Students: 4,764
- Grads Salary: $82,000
- Student-to-faculty: 17:1
7
Clark University
Score: 69.19
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $55,160
- Out-of-State:$55,160
- Net Price: $32,053
- Acceptance Rate: 50%
- Retention Rate: 88%
- Graduation Rate: 76%
- Total Enrollment: 3,770
- Undergrad Students: 2,389
- Graduate Students: 1,381
- Grads Salary: $73,000
- Student-to-faculty: 9:1
8
Western New England University
Score: 67.93
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $46,430
- Out-of-State:$46,430
- Net Price: $30,214
- Acceptance Rate: 88%
- Retention Rate: 78%
- Graduation Rate: 67%
- Total Enrollment: 3,430
- Undergrad Students: 2,406
- Graduate Students: 1,024
- Grads Salary: $84,000
- Student-to-faculty: 11:1
9
Springfield College
Score: 66.87
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $43,707
- Out-of-State:$43,707
- Net Price: $27,930
- Acceptance Rate: 76%
- Retention Rate: 83%
- Graduation Rate: 73%
- Total Enrollment: 2,921
- Undergrad Students: 2,005
- Graduate Students: 916
- Grads Salary: $72,000
- Student-to-faculty: 11:1
10
Fitchburg State University
Score: 66.84
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $11,046
- Out-of-State:$17,126
- Net Price: $15,535
- Acceptance Rate: 86%
- Retention Rate: 72%
- Graduation Rate: 56%
- Total Enrollment: 6,554
- Undergrad Students: 3,168
- Graduate Students: 3,386
- Grads Salary: $76,000
- Student-to-faculty: 12:1
11
Worcester State University
Score: 66.6
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $11,286
- Out-of-State:$17,366
- Net Price: $14,435
- Acceptance Rate: 88%
- Retention Rate: 75%
- Graduation Rate: 59%
- Total Enrollment: 5,311
- Undergrad Students: 4,478
- Graduate Students: 833
- Grads Salary: $74,000
- Student-to-faculty: 14:1
12
Salem State University
Score: 64.94
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $11,978
- Out-of-State:$18,961
- Net Price: $19,277
- Acceptance Rate: 93%
- Retention Rate: 75%
- Graduation Rate: 55%
- Total Enrollment: 6,539
- Undergrad Students: 5,078
- Graduate Students: 1,461
- Grads Salary: $76,000
- Student-to-faculty: 12:1
13
Westfield State University
Score: 64.91
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $11,882
- Out-of-State:$17,962
- Net Price: $18,021
- Acceptance Rate: 82%
- Retention Rate: 75%
- Graduation Rate: 60%
- Total Enrollment: 4,702
- Undergrad Students: 3,943
- Graduate Students: 759
- Grads Salary: $72,000
- Student-to-faculty: 14:1
14
Cambridge College
Score: 64.72
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $18,072
- Out-of-State:$18,072
- Net Price: $21,178
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 100%
- Graduation Rate: 50%
- Total Enrollment: 2,135
- Undergrad Students: 840
- Graduate Students: 1,295
- Grads Salary: $71,000
- Student-to-faculty: 8:1
15
College of Our Lady of the Elms
Score: 64.5
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $42,061
- Out-of-State:$42,061
- Net Price: $23,498
- Acceptance Rate: 91%
- Retention Rate: 75%
- Graduation Rate: 75%
- Total Enrollment: 1,275
- Undergrad Students: 980
- Graduate Students: 295
- Grads Salary: $63,000
- Student-to-faculty: 10:1
16
University of Massachusetts-Boston
Score: 64.06
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $15,496
- Out-of-State:$37,174
- Net Price: $17,123
- Acceptance Rate: 81%
- Retention Rate: 72%
- Graduation Rate: 51%
- Total Enrollment: 15,586
- Undergrad Students: 12,221
- Graduate Students: 3,365
- Grads Salary: $78,000
- Student-to-faculty: 16:1
17
Endicott College
Score: 63.36
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $39,212
- Out-of-State:$39,212
- Net Price: $39,496
- Acceptance Rate: 73%
- Retention Rate: 85%
- Graduation Rate: 78%
- Total Enrollment: 4,006
- Undergrad Students: 3,062
- Graduate Students: 944
- Grads Salary: $72,000
- Student-to-faculty: 12:1
18
Nichols College
Score: 62.4
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $40,375
- Out-of-State:$40,375
- Net Price: $27,192
- Acceptance Rate: 85%
- Retention Rate: 72%
- Graduation Rate: 58%
- Total Enrollment: 1,403
- Undergrad Students: 1,164
- Graduate Students: 239
- Grads Salary: $80,000
- Student-to-faculty: 16:1
19
Merrimack College
Score: 62.26
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $51,786
- Out-of-State:$51,786
- Net Price: $37,296
- Acceptance Rate: 75%
- Retention Rate: 82%
- Graduation Rate: 68%
- Total Enrollment: 5,505
- Undergrad Students: 4,229
- Graduate Students: 1,276
- Grads Salary: $76,000
- Student-to-faculty: 13:1
20
Curry College
Score: 60.99
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $46,220
- Out-of-State:$46,220
- Net Price: $31,091
- Acceptance Rate: 88%
- Retention Rate: 62%
- Graduation Rate: 52%
- Total Enrollment: 2,052
- Undergrad Students: 1,833
- Graduate Students: 219
- Grads Salary: $83,000
- Student-to-faculty: 12:1
21
Bridgewater State University
Score: 60.86
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $11,389
- Out-of-State:$17,529
- Net Price: $17,225
- Acceptance Rate: 88%
- Retention Rate: 75%
- Graduation Rate: 56%
- Total Enrollment: 9,604
- Undergrad Students: 8,116
- Graduate Students: 1,488
- Grads Salary: $68,000
- Student-to-faculty: 17:1
22
Lasell University
Score: 60.8
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $26,000
- Out-of-State:$26,000
- Net Price: $29,706
- Acceptance Rate: 73%
- Retention Rate: 77%
- Graduation Rate: 61%
- Total Enrollment: 1,591
- Undergrad Students: 1,247
- Graduate Students: 344
- Grads Salary: $68,000
- Student-to-faculty: 11:1
23
Suffolk University
Score: 60.5
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $45,380
- Out-of-State:$45,380
- Net Price: $32,270
- Acceptance Rate: 87%
- Retention Rate: 76%
- Graduation Rate: 60%
- Total Enrollment: 6,734
- Undergrad Students: 4,381
- Graduate Students: 2,353
- Grads Salary: $75,000
- Student-to-faculty: 13:1
24
Anna Maria College
Score: 58.64
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $43,064
- Out-of-State:$43,064
- Net Price: $23,894
- Acceptance Rate: 70%
- Retention Rate: 68%
- Graduation Rate: 40%
- Total Enrollment: 1,436
- Undergrad Students: 1,069
- Graduate Students: 367
- Grads Salary: $74,000
- Student-to-faculty: 12:1
25
American International College
Score: 57.81
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $42,970
- Out-of-State:$42,970
- Net Price: $18,317
- Acceptance Rate: 89%
- Retention Rate: 67%
- Graduation Rate: 37%
- Total Enrollment: 2,010
- Undergrad Students: 1,167
- Graduate Students: 843
- Grads Salary: $71,000
- Student-to-faculty: 12:1
