Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice in Massachusetts

We have compiled a full listing of all the criminal justice programs in Massachusetts to save you time while you search for schools. Contact those offering bachelor’s programs that interest you to learn more about your options.

Massachusetts has recently been in the news for the Boston Marathon bombing. This trial was a long time in the making, finally leading to a conviction in mid-2015. For a case like this to come together, the community relies on criminal justice professionals that are efficient, careful, and well-versed in Massachusetts law.

There are many criminal justice measures in Massachusetts that may make this a great state for new graduates. Supreme Judicial Court Chief Justice Ralph Gants hopes to do away with minimum sentences on drug cases in Massachusetts. This may prevent overcrowding in prisons and create career opportunities for graduates that are skilled in helping those with addiction or mental health issues.

Working as a criminal justice professional also involves combating non-violent crime. This may be a major issue in coming years, as legislators in Massachusetts hope to more tightly regulate casinos in the state.

Criminal Justice Bachelor’s Programs in Massachusetts

To complete a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, you should plan on attending school full-time for four years. As you meet the degree requirements of your chosen school, you may learn about statistics, different types of crime, the mindset of criminals, and how to best help victims.

You may choose elective courses that fit your intended career path, so you should spend some time learning about criminal justice careers to figure out which fields most interest you. Courses you may take as a student include Systems of Criminal Justice, Police in Society, Criminal Courts, Family Violence, Victimology, and Criminology.

At some point in your education, you’ll likely complete an internship or practicum course. This gets you out into the community and gives you the chance to get work experience in a local criminal justice agency. Learning about internship opportunities early in your education can assist you in preparing for your future career.

Scholarships, grants, and loan repayment programs may help you pay for your education and avoid student debt. The Office of Student Financial Assistance supports undergraduate students with numerous scholarship programs. The Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts offers interest-free student loans and awards several scholarships.

Criminal Justice Careers in Massachusetts

Overall, the job outlook for criminal justice graduates is fairly positive in Massachusetts. Per CareerOneStop, job openings for police officers are expected to increase about 7% through 2030, faster than the national average of 3%. Jobs for correctional officers may see a slight decrease through 2030 (CareerOneStop, 2022). In this same time frame, criminal investigators may see a 4% increase in jobs.

Salaries in Massachusetts tend to be somewhat higher than the national average. Police officers earn an average salary of $73,290 per year (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2022) and correctional officers earn an average of $69,140 per year. The average salary for a criminal investigator is $99,560 per year.

The field of criminal investigation is growing rapidly. Become part of it now by contacting criminal justice schools in Massachusetts directly from our site.

2022 US Bureau of Labor Statistics salary and employment figures for Massachusetts contained here reflect national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed November 2023.