Best Online Criminal Justice Programs in Massachusetts (2026)

Updated May 3, 2026 Table of Contents

Massachusetts Criminal Justice At a Glance

MetricDetail
Median Criminal Justice Salary$114,332
National ComparisonMassachusetts salaries are approximately 29.1% higher than the national average for criminal justice
Primary Licensing BodyMassachusetts POST Commission
Accreditation RequiredInstitutional + Regional

Earning an online criminal justice degree in Massachusetts offers a flexible path to a high-demand career. Massachusetts salaries are approximately 29.1% higher than the national average for criminal justice roles. Whether you’re looking for an affordable in-state option or a top-ranked national program, Massachusetts students have access to a variety of accredited online choices that balance quality and cost.

Top Online Criminal Justice Schools in Massachusetts

The following schools offer accredited online criminal justice programs and are ranked based on affordability, graduation rates, and student outcomes in Massachusetts.

How we rank schools: Rankings are based on available IPEDS and College Scorecard data including graduation rate, admission rate, program availability, completions, and published tuition. Data is informational only -- always confirm details directly with each school.

#1

Suffolk University

Boston, MA In-state option
  • 4 year
  • Accredited
Acceptance rate 85%
Graduation rate 60%
Tuition
In‑state$45,380
Out‑of‑state$45,380
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 12

Source:ACCSCIPEDSCollege Scorecard

#2

Worcester State University

Worcester, MA In-state option
  • 4 year
  • Accredited
Acceptance rate 90%
Graduation rate 57%
Tuition
In‑state$11,286
Out‑of‑state$17,366
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 2

Source:ACCSCIPEDSCollege Scorecard

#3

Westfield State University

Westfield, MA In-state option
  • 4 year
  • Accredited
Acceptance rate 81%
Graduation rate 57%
Tuition
In‑state$11,882
Out‑of‑state$17,962
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 5

Source:ACCSCIPEDSCollege Scorecard

#4

Springfield College

Springfield, MA In-state option
  • 4 year
  • Accredited
Acceptance rate 70%
Graduation rate 70%
Tuition
In‑state$43,707
Out‑of‑state$43,707
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 11

Source:ACCSCIPEDSCollege Scorecard

#5

Western New England University

Springfield, MA In-state option
  • 4 year
  • Accredited
Acceptance rate 83%
Graduation rate 66%
Tuition
In‑state$46,430
Out‑of‑state$46,430
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 11

Source:ACCSCIPEDSCollege Scorecard

#6

Bay Path University

Longmeadow, MA In-state option
  • 4 year
  • Accredited
Acceptance rate 74%
Graduation rate 52%
Tuition
In‑state$37,227
Out‑of‑state$37,227
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 8

Source:ACCSCIPEDSCollege Scorecard

#7

Anna Maria College

Paxton, MA In-state option
  • 4 year
  • Accredited
Acceptance rate 90%
Graduation rate 40%
Tuition
In‑state$43,064
Out‑of‑state$43,064
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 14

Source:ACCSCIPEDSCollege Scorecard

#8

American International College

Springfield, MA In-state option
  • 4 year
  • Accredited
Acceptance rate 97%
Graduation rate 40%
Tuition
In‑state$42,970
Out‑of‑state$42,970
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 5

Source:ACCSCIPEDSCollege Scorecard

Career Outlook and Salaries in Massachusetts

Criminal Justice professionals in Massachusetts experience a dynamic job market with competitive wages. Below are the median annual salaries for key roles in the field, based on the latest Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data for Massachusetts.

OccupationMedian Annual Salary (Massachusetts)
Attorney$179,050
Judge or Magistrate$221,710
Police Supervisor$105,150
Detective or Criminal Investigator$111,460
Police or Sheriff’s Patrol Officer$78,610
Correctional Officer$78,830
Probation Officer$90,700
Forensic Science Technician$75,210
Paralegal or Legal Assistant$74,990
Information Security Analyst$127,610

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), May 2024 Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.

Why Pursue an Online Criminal Justice Degree in Massachusetts?

Choosing a program in Massachusetts can provide several advantages:

  • In-State Tuition: Many public universities in Massachusetts offer lower tuition rates for residents, even for online programs.
  • Local Networking: Attending a school within your state can make it easier to connect with local employers and professional organizations.
  • Licensing Alignment: Programs in Massachusetts often align with POST (Peace Officer Standards and Training) requirements specific to the state.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are online criminal justice programs in Massachusetts accredited?

Yes, the programs listed above are accredited by recognized regional or national agencies. For Massachusetts, this includes accreditation from agencies recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, ensuring your degree meets high academic standards.

How does Criminal Justice pay in Massachusetts compare to other states?

Massachusetts salaries are approximately 29.1% higher than the national average for criminal justice roles. This makes Massachusetts a strong choice for students looking to maximize their ROI after graduation.

What is the primary licensing board for criminal justice in Massachusetts?

The Massachusetts POST Commission oversees professional standards and licensure for the field in Massachusetts. Most accredited programs are designed to align with their specific requirements.

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