B.S. in Sport Management
The Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Sport Management at Fisher College is a dynamic progr...
B.S. in Criminal Justice
Boston, Massachusetts
INTAKE: Jan & Aug
Program Overview
The Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Criminal Justice at Fisher College offers a comprehensive understanding of the theoretical knowledge, practical applications, and robust social science skills essential for careers across various criminal justice fields. This program is designed to prepare students for traditional roles in law enforcement, corrections, and the court system, while also opening doors to broader opportunities in research, crime analysis, and social services like offender reentry programs, youth advocacy, and victim support. Available in both flexible online and on-campus formats in Boston, the program leverages its urban location to provide rich internship and professional networking opportunities with local, state, county, and federal agencies.
Curriculum: The B.S. in Criminal Justice curriculum at Fisher College is structured to provide a broad foundation across social sciences, theoretical applications, and experiential practice. Core criminal justice courses include Introduction to Criminal Justice, Corrections in America, Law Enforcement, Principles of Investigations, Criminal Court Process, Deviance and Social Control, Criminal Law, Criminal Justice Research Methods, Criminal Justice Statistics, Ethics and the Criminal Justice System, and Advanced Crime Theory and Policy. The program also integrates foundational knowledge from related social sciences with courses like Introduction to Sociology and Introduction to Criminology. A pivotal part of the curriculum is the Criminal Justice Internship and the Senior Seminar, providing hands-on experience and a culminating academic project.
Research Focus: The B.S. in Criminal Justice program at Fisher College emphasizes an applied research focus, equipping students with the skills to analyze social and political forces impacting the criminal justice system and to critically evaluate theories of crime and deviance. Students are trained to "apply professional standards of writing and research to criminal justice issues." Courses like Criminal Justice Research Methods and Criminal Justice Statistics are integral, providing the tools for empirical investigation and data analysis. The curriculum encourages students to critically assess the effectiveness of various interventions and policies, thereby fostering an evidence-based approach to understanding and addressing criminal justice challenges. This focus prepares graduates to contribute to research, crime analysis, and policy development.
Industry Engagement: Fisher College's B.S. in Criminal Justice program demonstrates strong industry engagement, primarily driven by its strategic location in Boston and its faculty composed of "field experts" including active and recently retired law enforcement and corrections officers. A crucial element of this engagement is the required Criminal Justice Internship, which allows students to gain invaluable hands-on experience and build professional connections within local, state, county, and federal agencies. The program explicitly prepares graduates for positions in law enforcement, corrections, court systems, and other related fields, indicating direct ties and alignment with industry demands. Furthermore, Fisher College is an approved vendor for the Police Career Incentive Pay Program (PCIPP), further cementing its commitment to supporting professionals in the field.
Global Perspective: Fisher College is committed to fostering a global perspective across its academic offerings, and the B.S. in Criminal Justice program contributes by exploring the interconnectedness of crime, justice, and societal factors beyond national borders. While the core curriculum primarily focuses on the U.S. criminal justice system, understanding topics like "deviance and social control" and "theories of crime" can implicitly involve comparative perspectives on international crime trends or justice systems. The college's diverse student body, which includes students from many countries, enriches classroom discussions and promotes cross-cultural understanding of justice issues. Although specific "global criminal justice" courses were not explicitly detailed, the broader analytical skills developed in the program prepare graduates to understand and adapt to varying legal and social contexts, which is increasingly relevant in an interconnected world dealing with transnational crime and international cooperation.
Location
Boston, Massachusetts
Score
IELTS 6
Tuition Fee
USD 35013
Undergraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Applicants for undergraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 60% or above in their previous academic qualifications.
English Language Proficiency:
- IELTS: Overall band score of 6.0 or 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component.
- TOEFL: Overall score of 65 or higher.
- PTE: Overall score of 50 or higher.
- DET (Duolingo English Test): Minimum score of 100.
Fisher College is making quality education accessible and affordable for students from around the globe. To support its diverse and growing international student population, the college offers a variety of scholarships and financial aid options that help ease the financial burden of studying in the United States.
Merit-Based Scholarships: Fisher College offers merit-based scholarships to international students who demonstrate strong academic performance. These scholarships are awarded based on GPA, standardized test scores (if submitted), and overall academic excellence during the admissions process. No separate application is typically required students are automatically considered for these awards at the time of admission.
Fisher International Student Scholarship: This specific scholarship is designed to support qualified international undergraduate students who show academic promise and leadership potential. The amount may vary, but it can significantly reduce tuition costs. It is renewable annually, provided the student maintains satisfactory academic progress.
Presidential and Founder's Scholarships: High-achieving international students may be eligible for Presidential or Founder’s Scholarships, which offer larger award amounts. These are competitive and may require additional documentation or essays showcasing leadership, volunteerism, or extracurricular involvement.
Talent-Based Awards: Students with exceptional skills in areas such as arts, athletics, or technology may qualify for talent-based scholarships. These are evaluated individually and may require a portfolio, audition, or recommendation.
The B.S. in Criminal Justice from Fisher College offers a comprehensive and practical education, preparing graduates for diverse roles within the criminal justice system and related social service fields.
Police Officer/Law Enforcement Officer: Work for municipal police departments, state police, or federal agencies, enforcing laws, responding to emergencies, conducting investigations, and maintaining public order.
Correctional Officer: Supervise inmates in prisons, jails, or detention centers, maintaining security, enforcing rules, and assisting with inmate rehabilitation programs.
Probation Officer/Parole Officer: Supervise individuals released from incarceration or placed on probation, monitoring their compliance with court orders, providing support, and assisting with reintegration into the community.
Victim Advocate: Provide support and resources to victims of crime, helping them navigate the legal system, access services, and cope with trauma.
Crime Analyst: Collect, analyze, and interpret crime data to identify patterns, trends, and hotspots, assisting law enforcement in strategic planning and resource allocation.
Court Clerk/Judicial Assistant: Provide administrative support within the court system, managing court records, scheduling hearings, and assisting judges and legal professionals.
Private Investigator: Conduct investigations for private clients, law firms, or corporations, gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, and performing surveillance for legal, financial, or personal cases.
Security Manager/Specialist (Corporate/Private): Develop and implement security protocols, manage security personnel, and protect assets for private companies, organizations, or institutions.
Juvenile Justice Worker/Youth Advocate: Work with at-risk youth or young offenders in juvenile detention centers, community programs, or social service agencies, focusing on rehabilitation and positive development.
Customs and Border Protection Officer: Work for federal agencies to enforce immigration and trade laws, inspect cargo and travelers at borders and ports of entry, and prevent illegal activities.
