Master of Science in Criminal Justice
The 30-credit Master of Science in Criminal Justice program comprises of five courses, each of which is 11 weeks in length. Students master one course at a time, with each course building on the next to create a strong foundation of knowledge and context for future topics. The coursework will provide students with a broad exposure to international law and to non-U.S. law enforcement systems, organizations, and challenges. The program culminates in a required one-week residency and a graduation ceremony at Norwich University in June.
Core Curriculum
The curriculum complements existing experience and training with coursework that addresses the theory, practice, and methods of criminal justice. Applied learning develops practical skills in leadership, management, research and analysis. Students complete the first two core courses and then choose three elective courses to complete their degree.
Elective Courses
Upon completion of the core courses, students choose three elective courses from the below list.
Residency
The final academic requirement for the criminal justice program is a week-long residency at the beautiful and historic Norwich University campus in Vermont. Students have the opportunity to meet with fellow students, faculty, and program staff in both formal classroom and informal settings. Norwich covers the cost of all meals and accommodation on campus. Academic recognition ceremonies and commencement cap off the week, and family and friends are encouraged to attend.
Norwich covers the cost of all meals and accommodation on campus.
Lead the Way to a Safer World
As global crime, terrorism, and violence are on the rise and become more complex, the need for law enforcement leaders with enhanced skills and knowledge continues to grow. Our new Master of Science in Criminal Justice program can be your bridge to a successful, exciting, and rewarding future by providing the skills and knowledge needed to excel in the military, public, or private sectors.
Graduates of the Master of Science in Criminal Justice program can develop the tools they need to help fight domestic, international, transnational, and non-state-affiliated criminal activity with a robust arsenal of managerial and contextual capabilities to help them advance professionally. The criminal justice graduate program can help open doors to leadership positions in areas such as the military, civilian law enforcement, federal law enforcement, and private security. Our large, well-positioned alumni network can help graduates find rewarding career opportunities.
Example career paths for graduates of the program include positions in organizations such as:
- U.S. Military
- State and municipal law enforcement agencies
- Private security firms
- Educational/training organizations
- Federal government agencies

With our over 200-year legacy of preparing leaders in government, industry, and the military, Norwich University’s Master of Science in Criminal Justice program takes you on an in-depth exploration of global criminal behavior and the strategies skilled leaders employ to protect our citizens and allies from harm. Norwich offers vast resources to help you hone your knowledge in areas such as cybercrime, criminal justice system, corrections, criminological theory, law adjudication, and law enforcement.
Supplement your training and experience with a curriculum that encompasses the theory, practice, and methods of transnational criminal justice and exposes students to a broad perspective on international law and non-U.S. law enforcement systems, organizations, and challenges, especially those of terrorism. The criminal justice program is hosted on Norwich’s flexible virtual platform, which allows you to complete coursework at your own pace while continuing to work. Our distinguished faculty is comprised of leading experts in criminal justice and tangential fields, and they are prepared to offer you personalized support throughout your education.
Master of Science- Students complete all course offerings.
- Coursework is rigorous, relevant and immediately applicable to your career.
- Personalized student support from our faculty and staff.
- As the nation’s first military college, Norwich is proud to support you as you balance an active duty schedule with academic pursuits.
- Flexible online platform offers you ability to complete coursework that fits your schedule.

Norwich University is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (formerly the Commission on Institutions of Higher Education of the New England Association of Schools and Colleges, Inc.).
Meet graduates from our master's programs.
At a Glance
- Undergraduate GPA of 2.75 or higher
- No GMAT or GRE required
Contact Admissions
Monday - Friday: 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. EDT
Extended hours available by appointment
Call: 1-866-684-7237
Email: learn@norwich.edu
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Our Military HeritageEstablished in 1819 as the nation’s first private military college, Norwich University has a long history of innovation in military education.
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What to Expect at NorwichFrom student support to classroom resources to exceptional faculty, Norwich has your online learning experience covered.
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GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government Web site at http://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill.Military BenefitsNorwich accepts GI Bill® benefits, military scholarships, and funding from the Veterans Administration to help you pay for tuition as well as any related program fees. We are also proud to be a part of the Yellow Ribbon Program.
Eligibility Requirements
- A bachelor's degree from a regionally or nationally accredited U.S. institution, or an equivalent degree from a foreign institution, as evaluated by WES, IERF, SpanTran, or CED.
- If English is not your first language, proof of English language proficiency is required. This can be demonstrated in one of three ways:
Please Note: All eligibility requirements are expected to be met unless noted in specific articulation agreements or memoranda of understand (MOUs).
Application Process
We encourage you to contact an admissions advisor if you need help at any stage of the application process. You will be required to submit the following items:
- Application form
- Official transcript of your undergraduate degree from a regionally or nationally accredited university, mailed to the address below.
- Official military training transcripts (Joint Services Transcript/CCAF), mailed to the address below.
- Resume
- Letter of intent
- Proof of English language proficiency if applicable (TOEFL)
Transcript Links
- Army/Navy/Marine/Coast Guard Joint Services Transcript
- Community College of the Air Force (CCAF) Transcript Requests
Mail transcripts to:
Norwich University
College of Graduate and Continuing Studies
ATTN: MSCJ
P.O. Box 367
Northfield, VT 05663
To contact an admissions advisor:
Call: 1-866-684-7237
Email: learn@norwich.edu
About
When applying for the Master of Science in Criminal Justice program at Norwich University, there are two essential factors to consider: what does it cost, and how can you pay for it? There are many ways to get financial assistance and several financial strategies that can help you achieve your academic and professional goals. We are here to help you identify and pursue the options that are best for you.
Tuition at a Glance
- Credit Hours: 30
- Cost Per Credit Hour: $719
Technology - $300/term
Library - $75/term
Graduation - $150/one-time
Featured Alumni


Scholarship Opportunities
Norwich University offers a range of opportunities to help you lower your overall tuition costs. Contact our admissions team today to learn more about the below options. Please note that scholarships are not additive. In addition to the below scholarships, students may also be eligible for discounts if their organization partners with Norwich University.
Achievement Scholarship
Recognizing your past academic and professional achievements, the Achievement Scholarship is for newly enrolled students. You could receive a $4,200 scholarship, which will be distributed equally over the courses of the program. To be considered for this scholarship opportunity, submit your application package (application form, resume, letter of intent, and essay (if applicable)) for your program of interest at least one week prior to the upcoming application deadline. The Scholarship Selection Committee will review all application materials and select the recipient.
Norwich Alumni Scholarship
Norwich University alumni and their spouses, parents, and children are eligible to receive our Alumni Scholarship. The scholarship is award for each term of enrollment at $425 per term.
Active Duty Military Scholarship
Active duty, National Guard, and Reserve personnel are eligible to receive a $250 award for each term of enrollment in an online master’s degree program.
Learn More About our online Master of Science in Criminal Justice
- Students complete all course offerings.