Master of Science in Criminal Justice - Violence Prevention & Advocacy

The Violence Prevention and Advocacy concentration equips students to address abuse and violence through avenues that include working with vulnerable populations to strengthen communities, developing local support programs, and participating in the reform of unsuccessful policing or prevention systems.

A convenient, flexible approach

• 36 credits of coursework: 21 credits in the core program curriculum; 9 credits of concentration-specific courses; 6 credits of electives; Capstone project
• Affordable 8 or 16-week modules
• Quinn bill certified

A noble calling
At Lasell, you’ll learn to develop comprehensive strategies and programs focused on effectively preventing and responding to violence of all types. Full-time faculty with rich industry experience will enhance your communication and management skills to advocate – legislatively and otherwise – for those who have suffered abuse and to aid their recovery. Students are positioned to utilize their learning and previous professional experience to lift up communities at the domestic, local, and state level, resulting in a big-picture impact on individual lives. Graduates of the Violence Prevention and Advocacy concentration go on to work and advance in various settings that include schools, healthcare institutions, and police departments, where they make a substantive difference in the lives of those they serve.

Critical skills for critical work
Graduate students at Lasell are respected for their experience and encouraged to optimize their network to make the most out of the concentration. Take a course with the head of community relations for the Middlesex DA’s office, or intern with the Boston Police Department and work with juveniles and abuse survivors. Apply your experience as part of your Capstone, either by conducting an in-depth research project or participating in an internship with a featured course connection. Whether you are newly pursuing work in the field or looking to advance in the field, Lasell will help you enhance your experience and position you to make a positive impact after graduation.

Career advancement
Thanks to a vibrant community of working professionals and a wide range of available services, graduate students are positioned to develop their expertise and advance their careers. As a Lasell graduate student, you will have the opportunity to:

• Benefit from the experience of your faculty and peers, who bring deep expertise and a unique point of view to every class discussion and group project
• Expand your network and learn to position yourself as a leader in your field
• Engage with an active alumni community
• Participate in career services programs that include resume-building workshops and webinars on how to develop a career plan

Your pathway to a fulfilling future
Graduates in the Violence Prevention and Advocacy concentration pursue work in federal protection agencies, law enforcement, legal work, schools and healthcare institutions, and other related roles. Our graduates are well-positioned to succeed in positions that include:

• Frontline staff in community health work, domestic violence, homeless organizations, and general human service organizations
• Manager or director in public health fields
• Title IX administrator on a college campus
• Administrative arbiter or mediator
• Independent consultant or trainer for a corporation or non-profit service agency

The Master's in Criminal Justice in Violence Prevention & Advocacy curriculum will provide you with the skills you need to make a difference in the community and the world and become a leader in today's criminal justice field.  

The degree program is structured as follows:

• 36 credits are required for the MS degree
  • 21 credits (7 courses) comprise the core offerings which includes 1 capstone (3 credits) which you can choose from two options: Research Project or Internship
  • 9 credits (3 courses) are required for the concentration
  • 6 credits (2 courses) are required for electives

Get information on our Course Schedules.

Wondering what types of classes, you will be taking? Below is a sample of the curriculum provided to get a sense of what your academic path looks like. If you want to see the full curriculum visit the academic catalog.

Candidates seeking admission to Lasell University's Criminal Justice graduate degree must hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution and demonstrate through academic background and/or work experience the ability to succeed in graduate studies. 

No GMAT/GRE scores are required for admission. 

The Criminal Justice program is not F-1 Visa eligible.

International students must submit English equivalency from one of the following: TOEFL scores: minimum required score is 80 (iBT) or IELTS, minimum required score is 6.0; or Pearson PTE Academic minimum score is 53; or Duolingo minimum required score is 105. The English equivalency scores may be waived for international applicants who have earned a bachelor's degree at an accredited college/university in the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, or Canada.

Admission Requirements Checklist:

1. Online application
2. Official transcripts of all college-level coursework *
3. A one-page personal statement describing your goals, strengths, and potential for achievement in graduate school
4. Resume

Materials can be provided through MyPortal or emailed to gradinfo@lasell.edu.

International Applicants:

This program is not F-1 eligible, international applicants can only be considered for the online curriculum option.

All International applicants need to submit English equivalency from one of the following: TOEFL scores: minimum required score is 80 (iBT) or IELTS, minimum required score is 6.0; or Pearson PTE Academic minimum score is 53; or Duolingo minimum required score is 105. The English equivalency scores may be waived for international applicants who have earned a bachelor's degree at an accredited college/university in the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, or Canada.

For additional requirements please visit our International Admission Requirement page.

Materials should be submitted through MyPortal or emailed to gradinfo@lasell.edu:
The Office of Graduate Enrollment
Lasell University
1844 Commonwealth Ave.
Newton, MA 02466

Questions about your application? Call/text us today at 617-243-2400!