Best Online Criminal Justice Programs in Massachusetts (2026)

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Massachusetts Criminal Justice At a Glance

MetricDetail
Median Criminal Justice Salary$116,621
Salary OutlookMassachusetts offers competitive wages for criminal justice professionals, reflected in the state-specific Bureau of Labor Statistics median salaries shown below.
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 offers competitive wages for criminal justice professionals, reflected in the state-specific Bureau of Labor Statistics median salaries shown below. 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.


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

Every school list on this site is ordered by the BOC Score, computed from the most recent school-level data published by the U.S. Department of Education (College Scorecard and IPEDS). To qualify, a school must be currently operating and accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Each eligible school is then scored on five measures, percentile-ranked against schools at the same credential level:

  • Graduation rate 30%
  • Median earnings, 10 years after entry 25%
  • Average net price (lower is better) 20%
  • Retention rate 15%
  • Fully online availability 10%

Schools without enough outcome data appear after ranked schools, without a score. Advertising never affects these rankings. Read the full methodology.

#1

Boston University

Boston, MA BOC Score 81.6
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
  • Accredited
Acceptance rate 11%
Graduation rate 89%
Tuition
In鈥憇tate$68,102
Out鈥憃f鈥憇tate$68,102
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 33

Source:Accreditor: New England Commission on Higher EducationIPEDSCollege Scorecard

#2

Northeastern University

Boston, MA BOC Score 80.4
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
TuitionContact school for pricing
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 27

Source:IPEDSCollege Scorecard

#3

Northeastern University Professional Programs

Boston, MA BOC Score 79.9
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
TuitionContact school for pricing
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 18

Source:IPEDSCollege Scorecard

#5

Benjamin Franklin Cummings Institute of Technology

Boston, MA BOC Score 43.7
  • 4 year
TuitionContact school for pricing
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 24

Source:IPEDSCollege Scorecard

#6

Dean College

Franklin, MA BOC Score 18.7
  • 4 year
  • Accredited
Acceptance rate 74%
Graduation rate 48%
Tuition
In鈥憇tate$46,526
Out鈥憃f鈥憇tate$46,526
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 2

Source:Accreditor: New England Commission on Higher EducationIPEDSCollege 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$176,680
Judge or Magistrate$221,710
Police Supervisor$104,320
Detective or Criminal Investigator$110,150
Police or Sheriff’s Patrol Officer$78,940
Correctional Officer$86,310
Probation Officer$94,590
Forensic Science Technician$79,320
Paralegal or Legal Assistant$77,640
Information Security Analyst$136,550

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), May 2025 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 offers competitive wages for criminal justice professionals, reflected in the state-specific Bureau of Labor Statistics median salaries shown below. 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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