Overview & Career Outcomes

Designed for working professionals looking to enter or advance in this critically important field, Lasell's Master of Science in Criminal Justice degree program provides the skills, knowledge, and practical experience needed to protect and serve the public through a wide range of careers. Conveniently offered entirely online and led by a team of experienced faculty comprising professionals from policing, law, corrections, and security, our Criminal Justice program prepares you for an impactful, rewarding career.  

The M.S. in Criminal Justice program offers five options:

Why Choose Lasell for a graduate degree in criminal justice? 

  • Robust curriculum - Our program adheres to standards developed by the Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences (ACJS) and the Police Career Incentive Pay Program (Quinn Bill) in Massachusetts, and offers you the flexibility to engage your interests and pursue your career goals. The M.S. in Criminal Justice degree is not an "online degree," it's a degree that is earned online.  
  • Convenient for working professionals - Participate in class discussions and complete your studies as your schedule allows with our flexible, fully online program. 
  • Faculty who have been there, and are there for you - The Program Chair of our Justice Studies department is a former Norfolk and Suffolk county prosecutor with 17 years of experience. Our faculty members are similarly qualified in their respective fields and are supportive of students throughout the program.  
  • Exceptional student support services - As a student at Lasell, you'll benefit from our wide range of services, including career counseling, online training, academic support, graduate advising, and enrollment counseling to support you in every aspect of your graduate experience.  

Quinn Bill Certified

Massachusetts State Seal

Lasell University's Criminal Justice Programs is Quinn Bill certified by the Massachusetts Board of Higher Education. By achieving your Master's in Criminal Justice at Lasell, participating communities will increase base salary for full-time police officers, incentivizing higher education and professional development in law enforcement. 

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.

What is the Quinn Bill?

The Quinn Bill, formerly known as the Police Career Incentive Pay Program (PCIPP), was enacted by the legislature in 1970 to encourage police officers to earn degrees in criminal justice.  The Quinn Bill provides educational incentives through salary increases to regular full-time officers in Massachusetts cities and towns. Depending on the degree earned, those who participate get percentage increases to their base pay; 10 percent for an associate degree, 20 percent for a bachelor's degree and 25 percent for either a law degree or a master's degree.  

Requirements

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 Visa F-1 eligible.

International Students 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.

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