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.
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.
This course examines law enforcement best practices, police leadership, workforce development, accountability, internal affairs, productivity, and the management of special units. Students will also study the role of community policy, community policing, restorative justice programs, crime prevention, and the role of technology, integrated justice systems, and information system security.
This course focuses on the nexus and relationships among leadership, ethics, and emerging technology for criminal justice practitioners, managers and administrators. The multifaceted responsibilities of criminal justice professionals require basic knowledge of these focused competency based areas as well as of the symbiotic relationships which lead to successful policies, procedures, and practices in contemporary criminal justice organizations. Emerging technologies such as drone usage, body cameras and enhanced listening devices are explored in the context of ethical use in police interdiction and intervention.
Upon completion of the core courses, students choose three elective courses from the below list.
This course examines the phenomenon of transnational terrorism by non-state actors. Ideology, psychology, and strategies of major transnational groups are addressed to provide an understanding of their long-term goals and operations. You will examine the relationship of terrorist groups, WMD proliferation, and organized crime, as well as possible future trends in terrorist operations. Case studies of key groups will provide comparative analysis.
This course surveys the strategies and policies that have been deployed by states to combat transnational terrorism. You will examine the development of international law as a tool against terrorism, diplomatic and multilateral approaches in dealing with cross-border issues, and government policies designed to improve internal and multinational coordination and cooperation. Differences and commonalities among states in their approaches to terrorism are highlighted in order to examine best practices.
This course explores the nature of conflict in cyber space focusing on two major Internet-based threats to the U.S. national security: cyber terrorism and cyber crime. The course addresses questions such as: who is undertaking these cyber activities, what techniques do they use, and what countermeasures can be adopted to mitigate their impact. The course is built around a risk management framework to help information leaders leverage the benefits of Internet technologies while minimizing the risks that such technologies pose to their organizations.
This course explores a broad variety of federal statutory, common, and international laws that may impact the information technology professional. Because the overwhelming majority of cyber infrastructure is owned and operated by the private sector, the course focus is on those laws that affect the interaction between government and the private sector information technology industry, including the privacy rights so often implicated in modern data storage systems. The course starts with a look at “cyber law” and whether it is really a distinct legal discipline at all. It then moves into criminal, civil, regulatory, international and common laws with which today’s information technology professional may come in contact. Throughout the course we discuss how public policy and other factors impact the development, implementation, and interpretation of the law. Students read, interpret and apply legal authorities and theories, a valuable skill for future information technology leaders if they are to stay in compliance with the ever-growing “cyber” legal framework.
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.
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:
Christin joined the admissions team in the Fall of 2019 and is a Vermont native. She earned both her Bachelor of Social Work and Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from Castleton University and believes access to education is incredibly important. Christin is excited to help students continue their education through online learning and work with them through the application process. In her spare time she enjoys baking, reading, and hiking throughout New England.
Allison Crowson is the program manager for both the Master of Science in Criminal Justice and Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice programs at Norwich University. Previously she held the position of admissions director for the College of Graduate and Continuing Studies at Norwich. An adjunct faculty member and academic advisor in Norwich’s criminal justice department since 2006, she teaches courses on criminology, victimology, introduction to the criminal justice system and the police. She has also developed and taught courses online in criminal psychology, criminalistics, and juvenile justice. Prior to entering the academic arena, she worked in Vermont as a 911 dispatcher for the St. Albans Police Department and as a reserve police officer for the Panama City Beach Police Department. She earned a master’s degree in justice administration from Norwich University and a BA in transpersonal psychology from Burlington College.
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
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.).
Jennifer Gagnon is the Associate Program Director for the Master of Public Administration, Master of Science in Information Systems, and Master of Science in Criminal Justice programs. She joined Norwich University in August 2006, and spent several years supporting several graduate programs and advising students through their academic journey at Norwich. In 2009, she completed the Master of Justice Administration program at Norwich and holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communications.
Dr. Frank Colaprete is an adjunct faculty member at Norwich University and an associate professor of criminal justice administration at Keuka College in Keuka Park, New York. He teaches, consults, and conducts independent criminal justice research as the owner and lead consultant of Justice Systems Solutions, LLC.
Robert Pauly is a faculty member in the diplomacy and international relations graduate programs at Norwich.
Meet graduates from our master's programs.
Monday - Friday: 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. EDT
Extended hours available by appointment
Call: 1-802-962-4330
Email: onlineadmissions@norwich.edu
Please Note: All eligibility requirements are expected to be met unless noted in specific articulation agreements or memoranda of understanding (MOUs).
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:
Mail transcripts to:
Norwich University
College of Graduate and Continuing Studies
ATTN: MSCJ
P.O. Box 367
Northfield, VT 05663
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.
Ways to Pay
Do You Qualify for a Tuition Discount?
We Accept Military Benefits
Technology - $300/term
Library - $75/term
Graduation - $150/one-time
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.
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