PROGRAMS
Program Highlights

BU’s Criminal Justice Graduate Certificates are top tier. Here are a few reasons why:

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Flexibility
Study at the pace and place that works for you, full- or part-time, completely online, or with evenings on campus.
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Active Learning Environment
Case studies, real data simulations, and hands-on problem-solving are used to develop practical skills that can immediately be applied on the job.
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15:1 Class Ratio
Enjoy an exceptional student-to-instructor ratio, ensuring close interaction with faculty and access to the support you need to thrive.
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Breadth
The program draws upon a wide variety of disciplines, including criminology, crime analysis, cybersecurity, law, management, psychology, public health, and sociology.
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Extensive Network
Study alongside classmates whose diversity of criminal justice experience inspires discussion and debate, along with the opportunity to form valuable, long-lasting connections in the field.
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Ongoing Support
You’ll find support whenever you need it through assistantships, academic advising, and career resources.
Engaged, connected faculty
Collaborate with faculty who have subject-matter expertise, research-based insight, and extensive field experience in law enforcement, corrections, cybercrime investigation and digital forensics, research and policy, forensic mental health, the judicial system, strategic management, and many other areas.
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The Boston University reputation
When you have a degree from Boston University, that means something. Named to the prestigious Association of American Universities (AAU), BU is one of the top research universities in the United States and Canada. And as a graduate, you’ll be able to take that name with you. Always.
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A city unlike any other
There’s a reason we’re called Boston University. Hip neighborhoods, soaring skyscrapers, championship sports teams, and rich history and culture. When you’re at BU, you’re at the heart of it all. And because we’re right in Boston, you’ll have a wealth of opportunities to consider for your field of study or area of special interest.
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Aspiring Leaders Wanted

Here’s how BU MET’s Certificate Programs build leaders.

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Career Outlook

BU MET – For those who want to lead

Earning a graduate certificate in the criminal justice field from BU MET has propelled our graduates to positions far and wide.

Recent graduates have established their careers at:

  • Boston Police Department
  • Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
  • United States Army
  • United States Department of Justice (DOJ)
  • United States Department of State (DOS)
  • Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)
  • Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)
  • Massachusetts Trial Court
  • Denver Police Department

Potential careers:

  • Cybersecurity Analyst
  • Criminal Investigator
  • Crime Analyst
  • Security Management
  • Research Associate
  • Criminologist
  • Paralegal
  • Deputy Sheriff
  • Detective
  • Sergeant

Outlook:

“Employment of information security analysts is projected to grow 32% from 2018 to 2028, much faster than the average for all occupations.”

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics

$69,160

Median annual wage for police and detectives, May 2022

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics

“Employment of private detectives and investigators is projected to grow 8% from 2018 to 2028, faster than the average for all occupations. Demand will stem from security concerns and from the need to protect confidential information.”

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics

Completing [MET’s Graduate Certificate in Crime Analysis] allowed me to move forward in my crime analysis career by expanding the range of positions that I could apply for in the field. While I did undertake this program with the intention of advancing my career, I also had the opportunity to learn skills that were applicable in my current position. After completing this program, I could perform more varied and elaborate analyses of the kind expected of traditional crime analysts.
Caitlin Kloess (MET’22)
Graduate Certificate in Crime Analysis
Crime Analyst, Denver Police Department
I believe the education I received at BU will make me more marketable within my agency and provide me with additional external opportunities. There is certainly a need in law enforcement for a greater number of investigators who know how to conduct cybercrime investigations and can understand the different sources of potential digital evidence.
Michael Sullivan (MET’20)
Graduate Certificate in Cybercrime Investigation & Cybersecurity
Sergeant, Boston Police Department
My personal experience with BU MET’s Cybercrime Investigation & Cybersecurity program is an amazing success story. Not only have I gained extremely valuable knowledge and skills to make myself a better professional, I have also recently received an opportunity to make my dream career come true. I am looking forward to applying the skills I learned at BU MET CIC at my new job.
Inga Salija (MET’19)
Graduate Certificate in Cybercrime Investigation & Cybersecurity
I chose MET because it is an ideal option for law enforcement officers, computer science-related personnel, and other candidates who are looking for professional development in the cybercrime investigation realm. The program offers practical and essential knowledge of cybercrime and cybersecurity. Compared to other programs, MET provides a flexible course schedule, engaged and professional faculty, and a grant-supported curriculum. After completing the program, I am equipped to take on current challenges in the field and have acquired valuable, insightful, and adaptable knowledge that can be directly applied on the job while informing my career growth for years to come.
Shawn Xuyao He (MET’22)
Graduate Certificate in Cybercrime Investigation & Cybersecurity
Compliance Data Platform Manager
Having graduated from Boston University in 2008 with a master’s degree in criminal justice, I was confident that BU would provide superior professors to teach this emerging field of cybercrime and cybersecurity. I chose BU MET because I knew their programs were designed for working professionals. I was able to attend part time, in the evening, taking two courses each semester, which allowed me to complete the Cybercrime Investigation & Cybersecurity (CIC) Graduate Certificate within one year. MET’s flexibility coupled with the academic reputation of BU made my decision to attend easy.
Michael Sullivan (MET’20)
Graduate Certificate in Cybercrime Investigation & Cybersecurity
Sergeant, Boston Police Department

Boston University is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (formerly the Commission on Institutions of Higher Education of the New England Association of Schools and Colleges, Inc.).

Want to learn more?

Here’s why BU MET’s programs in Criminal Justice build leaders.

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BU MET’s Criminal Justice programs will get you where you want to be.

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