Criminal Justice (MS Degree)

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Why Criminal Justice?

Earn a Master of Science (MS) degree in Criminal Justice to make a real difference as a community leader in public safety. With a master’s degree, you can advance your criminal justice career in a variety of areas based on your interests: law enforcement, probation & parole services, justice administration, criminology, community services, corrections, victims’ services and more.

Why Study Criminal Justice at Iona?

Pursue Leadership Roles

At Iona University, our MS in Criminal Justice degree explores the functional study of behaviors and public policies related to the apprehension, prosecution, sentencing, and incarceration of offenders. You will gain knowledge of policing, criminal behavior, law, and current topics in the field allowing you to pursue a variety of leadership roles in law enforcement or public administration.

Learn From Experts Dedicated to Mentorship

Our Criminal Justice faculty are sought-after experts; you will benefit from their collective expertise and their commitment to student mentorship.

Complete Your Degree in Two Years

This 33-credit degree can be completed in as little as two years. We encourage you to reach out to our admissions counselor to create a timeline that best suits your schedule and goals.

Gain Access to Professional Networks

Graduate students get connected to our faculty’s active networks of industry professionals whose career paths span the criminal justice field.

Small Class Sizes and Flexible Formats

Students can choose from hybrid and online formats, allowing for flexibility and the accommodation of working schedules. Regardless of the format, students in this program benefit from Iona's small classes and mentoring from our dedicated faculty.

Optional Advanced Certificate

You can opt to begin your studies with an advanced certificate program in Cybercrime and Prevention–and those credits may be applied toward your master’s degree in Criminal Justice. An advanced certificate program is an excellent way to specialize your knowledge of criminal justice and add value to your master’s degree.

Tuition & Financial Aid

$1,315 per credit (33 credits)
$275 program fee for Fall and Spring semesters (4 semesters)
Estimated Cost: $44,495
Applying for Aid
Graduate Tuition

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What to Expect

Hybrid and online learning formats
Finish in 2 years
Access to professional networks and mentorship

Contact Your Admissions Counselor

Degree Outcomes

Titles held by Iona graduates include:

Detective
Intelligence Analyst
Police Officer
Forensic Examiner

Careers & Outcomes

Policing, Victimology and More

Over 33 credits, Iona’s Criminal Justice graduate program covers areas of policing and security, cyber-crime, counterfeiting, environmental crime, victimology, criminal law and other important topics.

Cybercrime and Prevention Specialization

Explore cybercrime prevention in various industries, including business, finance, and banking. Gain hands-on experience in detecting and preventing cyberespionage and conducting related investigations while learning about cybersecurity from both private and government perspectives.

Communication and Technology Skills

Iona’s master’s in Criminal Justice sharpens the communication and technology skills necessary to access, analyze and share information in a multi-faceted criminal justice arena.

A Strong Background Grounded in Ethics with Flexible Electives

The core courses offer coursework about the U.S. legal system and professional ethics, while the flexible electives delve into criminal deviance and the criminal justice system.

Our MS in Criminal Justice provides a strong background in policy and professional ethics; equipping you with the tools to pursue a management-level criminal justice career in the federal, state and local jurisdictions.

Explore Courses

The department’s Mentor Dinner is such an important day of the year. Representatives from all walks of the Criminal Justice system disclose their everyday working lives. The business cards are flowing, and the learning experience is like no other.

Frank N. '17, '19MS

Criminal Justice Careers & Outcomes

A master’s degree in Criminal Justice can open a world of opportunities in many areas to promote peace and justice in society. From law enforcement leadership to public administration careers, our Criminal Justice graduates have an excellent track record pursuing coveted positions in federal and local agencies, labs and more.

Additionally, Iona provides opportunities for graduate students to join the National Criminal Justice Honor Society and the American Criminal Justice Association, expanding your professional network and academic recognition.

Job Titles

Detective
Forensic Examiner
Intelligence Analyst
Lawyer
Police Officer
Crime Analyst
Victim Assistance Services Liaison

Our Graduates Have Found Careers With:

Juvenile Corrections and Rehabilitation Centers

Iona Alumnus Joseph Benefico ’04MS Named Pelham Civic Association Person of the Year

Iona University Alumnus Joseph Benefico ’04MS has been named a Pelham Civic Association “Person of the Year” in recognition of his unwavering commitment and loyalty to his hometown.

Born and raised in Pelham, Benefico served as a Pelham police officer from 1976 to 1992 then as Chief of Police from 1992 until his retirement in 2018. He received a Master of Science in Criminal Justice from Iona in 2004.

Valuable Networking

You will join our network of more than 50,000 Iona University alumni who are eager to help fellow Gaels with mentorship and networking opportunities. Iona graduates with their MS in Criminal Justice work in a variety of careers—from criminology to law enforcement—and can provide coveted connections!

Faculty Experts

Iona University’s Criminal Justice faculty are experienced professionals, active practitioners and well-published Ph.Ds with an abundance of expertise on criminal justice topics. Agencies such as the New York Police Department seek the expertise of our faculty, and many have appeared on the news as expert sources. As a graduate student, you have the opportunity to work with some of the best in the field.

Independent Research

During your master’s in Criminal Justice, you have the opportunity to select a topic of special interest and explore it deeply in your independent research course with the support of a faculty member. Develop the expertise you need to fulfill your career goals in criminal justice and have the opportunity to be published alongside Iona’s criminal justice faculty.

Learn more about Iona’s graduate Criminal Justice program!

At Iona University, our Master of Science degree in Criminal Justice prepares you for a variety of career paths with thought-provoking coursework and the opportunity to conduct criminology research. Your career aspirations in the field of criminal justice will benefit from the connections you forge with your classmates, faculty and Iona alumni.

Go further with a M.S. degree in Criminal Justice; request information to learn more today!

Ready to apply? Begin your Iona graduate application.

Application Requirements

Application for admission (Deadline: Rolling admission).
Minimum 3.0 GPA.
Completion of the equivalent of a U.S. bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university.
Official transcript(s) from all post-secondary institutions attended.
One professional letter of recommendation.
Current résumé.

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Our scenic campuses, located just 20 miles from midtown Manhattan, truly do offer the best of both worlds. Let us show you around, answer your questions and give you a feel of our tight-knit community.

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If you're considering applying to Iona, you're not alone! Since 2019, our new-student enrollment is up nearly 40%. Graduate students automatically qualify for consideration of merit scholarships during their graduate programs. Start your application today.

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