Boston University Metropolitan College

Prepare for a Career in Criminal Justice with an Undergraduate Degree or Certificate

Gain the skills you need for a career in criminal justice with an undergraduate degree or certificate from a top-ranked research university.

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Find out how our Criminal Justice programs provide affordable, flexible study options. Get news and invitations to upcoming information sessions. Connect with a BU advisor.

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The challenges that face criminal justice professionals in the 21st century are more complex than ever and reach deep into the fabric of society. Undergraduate programs in criminal justice at Boston University’s Metropolitan College can help you lay the foundation for deeper study and enhance professional opportunities.

Explore the methods and theories of social science while building a specialized understanding of criminal activity, policing, corrections, criminal court procedures, and social policy as it relates to crime control. You will also become adept at critical thinking, computer applications, and quantitative analysis in relation to criminal study.

PROGRAMS

BU MET has the right Criminal Justice program for you:

BS in Criminal Justice

The BS in Criminal Justice at Boston University’s Metropolitan College is a self-paced bachelor’s degree completion program offered in a convenient, part-time evening format—ideal for busy professionals who seek to earn a Boston University degree without turning their personal lives upside down or putting their careers on hold.

Metropolitan College’s Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice equips you with:

Proficient knowledge of theoretical perspectives of crime causation and their implications and applications for public policy and practice.
Specialized knowledge of content areas connected to domains within the administration of justice (law, policing, adjudication, and corrections) and specific crime- and justice-related social problems.
A foundation for conducting, interpreting, and evaluating research designs, as well as the quantitative and qualitative analytical methods for understanding crime- and justice-related social problems.
A capacity to recognize and analyze legal and ethical constraints, their implications for criminal justice policy and decision-makers, and the effect of justice policy and practice on diverse sets of values and groups in society.
An ability to synthesize, evaluate, recognize implications, and communicate effectively using scholarly sources of information connected to crime theory and policy.

BU MET’s Criminal Justice bachelor’s degree program can serve as a preparatory building block to future graduate education opportunities—including the Master of Science in Criminal Justice and the Graduate Certificate in Criminal Justice.

Undergraduate Certificate in Criminal Justice

The Undergraduate Certificate in Criminal Justice program provides a comprehensive and in-depth study of law enforcement, the judiciary, and corrections, beginning with introductory principles of criminal justice and then laying the foundation for deeper study into the critical areas of the justice system.

The undergraduate certificate program can provide a way to integrate scholarship about criminal justice within an existing program of study at Boston University, or may serve as a stand-alone credential for non-degree students enrolled in Metropolitan College. The certificate will help you lay a foundation in the discipline of criminal justice—whether you seek to prepare for graduate study or are looking for a professional development opportunity.

Program Highlights

BU’s Criminal Justice programs are top-tier. Here are a few reasons why:

Flexibility

Study part-time at the pace that works for you, evenings on campus.

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.

Breadth

The program draws upon a wide variety of disciplines, including criminology, crime analysis, cybersecurity, law, management, psychology, public health, and sociology.

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.

Ongoing Support

You’ll find support whenever you need it through personalized, professional academic advice from a team of academic counselors.

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.

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.

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.

Career Outlook

BU MET – For those who want to lead

Earning an undergraduate degree or certificate in Criminal Justice from BU MET has propelled our graduates to positions far and wide.

Potential careers:

Police officer
Private detective
Corrections officer
Probation officer
Correctional treatment specialist
Paralegal/legal assistant
Private investigator

Outlook:

“Employment of paralegals and legal assistants is projected to grow 14% from 2021 to 2031, much faster than the average for all occupations.”

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics

“About 3,700 openings for private detectives and investigators are projected each year, on average, over the next decade.”

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics

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.).

Prepare for a Career in Criminal Justice with an Undergraduate Degree or Certificate

Ready to learn more?

BU MET has the right Criminal Justice program for you:

BU’s Criminal Justice programs are top-tier. Here are a few reasons why:

Build your career

BU MET – For those who want to lead

Potential careers:

Outlook:

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