Criminology (M.S.)

The Master of Science in Criminology prepares students to confront the increasingly complex challenges associated with crime, public safety, and social harm in a rapidly evolving world. As criminal behavior becomes more interconnected with technology, economics, health, and global instability, criminology has emerged as an essential discipline for understanding and addressing these issues. The program builds on Norwich’s growing reputation in criminal justice, intelligence, cybersecurity, and public policy education, offering rigorous training in theory, research methods, data analytics, and applied policy analysis. The program equips students to lead in roles across government agencies, justice organizations, military and corporate sectors, research institutions, and community-based initiatives. The program offers flexible pathways—including an accelerated undergraduate to graduate track to meet the needs of diverse learners and strengthen Norwich’s role in shaping the next generation of public safety and policy professionals.

Program Mission

The mission of the Master of Science in Criminology is to develop ethical, analytically skilled, and service-oriented leaders who can interpret complex systems, integrate interdisciplinary knowledge, and create evidence-based solutions that advance fairness, accountability, and community resilience. Guided by Norwich University’s commitment to experiential learning and public service, the program empowers students to understand the causes and consequences of crime, conduct rigorous inquiry, and apply criminological insights to real-world challenges at local, national, and global levels.

Program Goals

The MS in Criminology is structured around the following broad program goals, which articulate the program’s overarching aims:

Goal 1: Theoretical Mastery
Provide students with a deep understanding of classical and contemporary criminological theories and their relevance to modern forms of crime, social problems, and public policy.

Goal 2: Research Excellence
Develop students’ capacity to critically evaluate, design, and conduct rigorous research using qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-methods approaches.

Goal 3: Applied Problem Solving
Prepare graduates to apply criminological knowledge to practical challenges in public safety, justice reform, community well-being, cybersecurity behavior, and organizational leadership.

Goal 4: Interdisciplinary Integration
Promote the synthesis of insights from social science, behavioral science, law, technology, and policy to address complex and emerging criminological issues.

Goal 5: Ethical Leadership and Service
Cultivate ethical decision-making, cultural competence, and a commitment to public service consistent with Norwich University’s values and the demands of justice-oriented professions.

Goal 6: Professional Preparation
Equip students with the analytical, communication, and leadership skills necessary to succeed in careers involving criminal analysis, research and evaluation, victim advocacy, policy development, intelligence, and related fields.

The Criminology (M.S.) offers accelerated master's pathways from designated programs. Refer to the Accelerated Master's page for eligible programs.

• A bachelor's degree from an accredited institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, or an equivalent degree from a foreign institution, as evaluated by WES, IERF, SpanTran, or CED.

  • Undergraduate GPA of 2.75 or higher

• If English is not your first language, proof of English language proficiency is required. This can be demonstrated in one of three ways:

  • TOEFL - a minimum score of 550 (paper-based test) or 80 (Internet-based test) is required.

  • IELTS – a minimum composite score of 6.5 is required.

  • The applicant holds a baccalaureate or master’s degree from a college/university/institution in which the primary language of instruction was English.

All eligibility requirements are expected to be met unless noted in specific articulation agreements or memoranda of understanding (MOUs).

Up to 12-semester graduate credits for study conducted elsewhere may be awarded. Norwich complies with VA regulations and guidelines as it pertains to transfer credits.