CSULB's fully online Master of Science in Criminology and Criminal Justice (MSCCJ) is an accelerated program designed for working professionals ready to advance in law enforcement, corrections, policy, or social justice. Ranked among the Best Online Graduate Criminal Justice Programs by U.S. News & World Report, the MSCCJ prepares you to lead with research-based expertise and applied skills.

In partnership with CSULB's School of Criminology, Criminal Justice, and Emergency Management, the program blends rigorous coursework with real-world application — exploring criminological theory, research methodology, and policy analysis while you continue to work in your field.

Applications for Fall 2026 are due by June 1, 2026.

Why This Program

  • Fully online: Complete your degree without leaving your current career.
  • Top-ranked: Named a Best Online Graduate Criminal Justice Program by U.S. News & World Report (2025), Top 40.
  • Expert faculty: Learn from scholars and practitioners actively shaping criminal justice policy.
  • Applied research skills: Build expertise in data analysis, policy evaluation, and organizational leadership.

Not sure if this program is the right fit? Our team is happy to talk through your background and goals.

Talk With Our Team

No commitment required. We’re here to answer your questions and help you explore your options.

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This program gave me the research skills and theoretical grounding I needed to move into a supervisory role. The online format meant I never had to step away from my career — I applied what I was learning immediately.

– MSCCJ Graduate, CSULB CPaCE
Law Enforcement Professional

Who This Program Is For

This program is designed for working professionals who want to advance in criminology and criminal justice, including:

  • Law enforcement officers seeking supervisory or command roles
  • Corrections and probation professionals pursuing advancement
  • Social service workers and advocates in justice-adjacent fields
  • Policy analysts, researchers, and government employees
  • Professionals preparing for academic or research careers

Program Features

  • Fully online — no campus visits required
  • 36-unit curriculum: criminological theory, research methods, and policy
  • Designed for working adults with flexible scheduling
  • Ranked Top 40 nationally, U.S. News & World Report (2025)
  • Culminating experience: comprehensive exam or applied research project

The MSCCJ consists of 36 units organized around criminological theory, research methodology, and applied practice. Each course is 3 units.

Core Curriculum Areas

Criminological Theory
Foundational through contemporary perspectives on crime, deviance, and social control.

Research Methods and Statistics
Qualitative and quantitative research design, data analysis, and evidence-based practice.

Criminal Justice Policy and Administration
Policy analysis, organizational leadership, and evidence-based approaches to public safety.

Special Topics and Electives
Focus areas including corrections, law enforcement, juvenile justice, cybercrime, and victimology.

Culminating Experience
Comprehensive examination or applied research project.

For the full course list, visit the CSULB Catalog or contact the program advisor.

The MSCCJ is taught by CSULB faculty from the School of Criminology, Criminal Justice, and Emergency Management — scholars and practitioners with expertise across law enforcement, corrections, criminal law, juvenile justice, cybercrime, and criminological theory.

Students benefit from direct access to faculty who are:

  • Active researchers and published authors in criminology and criminal justice
  • Former or current professionals in law enforcement, government, and policy
  • Connected to criminal justice agencies across California and nationally

For a full faculty directory, visit the School of Criminology, Criminal Justice, and Emergency Management.

Where MSCCJ Graduates Work

Graduates advance into leadership and specialized roles across the criminal justice system, including:

  • Law enforcement agencies (supervisory, command, and specialized units)
  • Correctional institutions and probation/parole departments
  • Federal agencies (FBI, DEA, ATF, DHS, U.S. Marshals Service)
  • Courts, legal services, and public defense organizations
  • Nonprofit organizations in social justice, advocacy, and reentry services
  • State and local government policy and research divisions
  • Colleges, universities, and research institutions

The fully online format means you can continue building your career while earning the credentials to take the next step.

Prospective students are encouraged to attend a free online information session to learn more about the program and ask questions directly.

Upcoming Session

Wednesday, May 28, 2026 — 2:00 p.m. (Pacific)
Register for the May 28 Information Session

After registering, you’ll receive a confirmation email with Zoom details.

Can’t make it? Visit the How to Apply page or contact our team directly.