About Michigan State University School of Criminal Justice

Who We Are

For more than 80 years, the Michigan State University (MSU) School of Criminal Justice has been advancing the common good with uncommon will. As the nation’s first school focused entirely on the study of criminal justice, we set the standard for the education of world-class researchers, practitioners and leaders.

Our nationally and internationally known faculty combine expertise in law, criminology, public health, developmental psychology and more to provide an exceptional, interdisciplinary experience that prepares students to confront the most challenging criminal justice issues.

Who We Are

For more than 80 years, the Michigan State University (MSU) School of Criminal Justice has been advancing the common good with uncommon will. As the nation’s first school focused entirely on the study of criminal justice, we set the standard for the education of world-class researchers, practitioners and leaders.

Our nationally and internationally known faculty combine expertise in law, criminology, public health, developmental psychology and more to provide an exceptional, interdisciplinary experience that prepares students to confront the most challenging criminal justice issues.

Ranked No. 6 Best Online Graduate Criminal
Justice Program
by U.S. News & World Report 2023

Why Choose MSU School of Criminal Justice

Founded in 1935, the School of Criminal Justice is part of the College of Social Science and is one of the oldest and most renowned programs in the world. Our areas of expertise include: law enforcement intelligence, cybersecurity and cyber forensics, and emerging crime and justice issues. Graduates go on to distinguished careers in public service, private security and more.

MSU currently offers three criminal justice master’s programs and a graduate certificate to online students.

Why Choose MSU School of Criminal Justice

Founded in 1935, the School of Criminal Justice is part of the College of Social Science and is one of the oldest and most renowned programs in the world. Our areas of expertise include: law enforcement intelligence, cybersecurity and cyber forensics, and emerging crime and justice issues. Graduates go on to distinguished careers in public service, private security and more.

MSU currently offers three criminal justice master’s programs and a graduate certificate to online students.

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          Accreditation

          MSU is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. This accreditation recognizes our commitment to quality and continuous improvement through rigorous, comprehensive peer review.

          Recognition

          MSU is internationally recognized as a top research university and a leader in criminal justice education. Our distinctions include:

          • Ranked No. 6 Best Online Graduate Criminal Justice Program by U.S. News & World Report and No. 1 in the Reputation (Expert Opinion) category, 2023 & 2020
          • Ranked No. 35 among public universities and No. 85 overall in U.S. News & World Report’s America’s Best Colleges 2019 report.
          • Ranked in the Top 100 Best Global Universities by U.S. News & World Report, placing 90th out of 1,400+ universities worldwide.

          What Sets MSU School of Criminal Justice Apart

          • 80+ year legacy of criminal justice education
          • Ranked Top-6 in the nation for Criminal Justice Online Education
          • Network of 12,000 alumni worldwide

           

          More than 80 Years of Advancing Justice

           

          Our Mission

          Our mission is to pursue academic excellence through research, education and engagement. At the MSU School of Criminal Justice:

          We integrate disciplinary research to address the challenges posed by crime and emerging risks, translate knowledge into innovations that transform justice systems, and prepare students to utilize evidence-based practices and to serve as future leaders committed to interdisciplinary and engaged scholarship that impacts justice.

          Our Vision

          Our Science Transforms the Human Experience and Transforms Leaders.

          We strive to be the leading academic program that utilizes interdisciplinary research on crime to advance justice.

          Our Values

          We believe our values set us apart and form the core of our connections with each other and the community we serve:

          • Excellence in Education and Research
          • Commitment to the Highest Ethical Standards
          • Collaboration Across Disciplines and Professions
          • Commitment to Equity, Inclusion and Justice

          Why MSU

          Michigan State University has been advancing the common good with uncommon will for more than 160 years. One of the top research universities in the world, MSU pushes the boundaries of discovery and forges enduring partnerships to solve the most pressing global challenges while providing life-changing opportunities to a diverse and inclusive academic community through more than 200 programs of study in 17 degree-granting colleges.

          As an online student with MSU, you become part of a diverse, inclusive academic community, comprising 50,000 students across all 50 states and more than 130 countries.

          Why MSU

          Michigan State University has been advancing the common good with uncommon will for more than 160 years. One of the top research universities in the world, MSU pushes the boundaries of discovery and forges enduring partnerships to solve the most pressing global challenges while providing life-changing opportunities to a diverse and inclusive academic community through more than 200 programs of study in 17 degree-granting colleges.

          As an online student with MSU, you become part of a diverse, inclusive academic community, comprising 50,000 students across all 50 states and more than 130 countries.

          MSU History

          The nation’s pioneer land-grant university, MSU was founded as a bold experiment that democratized higher education and helped bring science and innovation into everyday life.

          In communities from East Lansing to East Africa, MSU pushes the boundaries of discovery and forges enduring partnerships to solve the world’s most pressing problems—from ensuring safe food and water supplies and developing lifesaving vaccines to exploring alternative energy and preparing a new generation of urban educators.

          MSU History

          The nation’s pioneer land-grant university, MSU was founded as a bold experiment that democratized higher education and helped bring science and innovation into everyday life.

          In communities from East Lansing to East Africa, MSU pushes the boundaries of discovery and forges enduring partnerships to solve the world’s most pressing problems—from ensuring safe food and water supplies and developing lifesaving vaccines to exploring alternative energy and preparing a new generation of urban educators.