MS in Criminology & Criminal Justice  

Devoted to Community Impact 

At Carlow University, our Master of Science in Criminology and Criminal Justice empowers you to lead with purpose and serve with integrity. Whether you’re advancing your career or shifting your path, you’ll find a supportive, student-focused environment focused on making a lasting impact. Join a network of changemakers shaping a more just and merciful world. 

The program spans one year, with five specializations that are cross-disciplinary, and skills based. All students will complete the core program requirements (totaling 12 credits) and will select from two specialization tracks (each consisting of 9 credits for a total of 18 credits). Specialty tracks include Forensic Psychology, Public Safety, Fraud Investigation, Forensic Accounting, and Cyber Threat Analytics. 

Where Theory Meets Real-World Application

The Carlow MS in Criminology and Criminal Justice offers students a 30-credit graduate degree that can be highly specialized depending on the student’s career interests. The program has four core courses (MCR 700 Advanced Criminological Theory, MCR 701 Justice Policy, PYM 706 Research Methods for the Social Sciences, and PYM 721 Systems of Criminal Justice) that form the foundation on which to build specialization.

Students can match any two of our five dynamic practice tracks to form unique learning experiences relevant to their future careers. Are you interested in developing skills to address financial crimes and money laundering? Complete the specialization tracks in Forensic Accounting and Fraud Investigation. Do you want to understand how psychological assessment and treatment affects police and those who are incarcerated? Complete the specialization tracks in Public Safety and Forensic Psychology. Have you considered entering federal law enforcement and pursuing bad actors on the dark web? Specializations in Cyber Threat Analytics and Forensic Psychology or Fraud Investigation may be your best academic option.

Quick facts

Whatever career path you are considering, the Carlow MS in Criminology and Criminal Justice can help support your training for those next steps. Unique aspects of the program include:

• Five unique specializations that are not commonly offered by competitor programs
• Heavy emphasis on applied skills development
• A potential blend of psychology and criminology options for those exploring both disciplines
• Professors with both research and field experience who not only teach, but engage with their area of specialized practice in the community

Specializations

The Forensic Psychology specialization develops students’ expertise at the juncture of psychology and the legal system, preparing them for roles in forensic, correctional, and clinical settings. Core courses cover competency evaluations, risk assessments, and ethical practice, while exploring criminal behavior’s psychological and social causes. Practical skills in motivational interviewing and offender treatment emphasize real-world application. This foundation prepares graduates to become ethical and effective forensic psychology professionals.

Fraud Investigation

The Fraud Investigation specialization equips students with knowledge and tools to detect, investigate, and prevent financial crimes in various settings. Students study white-collar crime motives and methods, money laundering mechanisms, and legal and investigative strategies. Ethics and prevention courses focus on risk minimization and fostering organizational integrity. This specialization suits those targeting careers in forensic accounting, compliance, corporate investigations, or financial regulation.

Forensic Accounting

The Forensic Accounting specialization prepares students to identify financial misconduct and support legal proceedings through investigative analysis. Foundational courses differentiate forensic from traditional accounting, emphasizing litigation support and fraud detection. Advanced study in financial statement examination and audit procedures builds skills in spotting red flags and employing controls to prevent fraud. The curriculum readies students for roles in fraud examination, financial forensics, compliance, and investigative accounting.

Public Safety

The Public Safety specialization is tailored for professionals working in high-pressure environments involving mental health, communication, and crisis response, especially first responders. Students learn to identify behavioral and substance-related signs in the field, apply de-escalation communication techniques, and adopt trauma-informed mental health approaches. Emphasis is placed on building trust, safety, and competence in complex situations. This program prepares students for enhanced public safety roles requiring psychological insight and crisis management skills.

Cyber Threat Analytics

The Cyber Threat Analytics specialization prepares students to detect, analyze, and respond to evolving digital threats. Courses on cybercrime cover tactics like hacking and identity theft, while dark web analysis trains safe and effective investigation of illicit online activity. Advanced cyber analysis focuses on using cutting-edge tools to identify patterns and generate actionable intelligence. This specialization is ideal for careers in cybersecurity, digital forensics, intelligence, and cybercrime investigation.

Accreditation

The Carlow MCRM program does not have any required accrediting bodies.

Criminology faculty

Joseph Roberts, PhD Professor, Department Chair, Program Director of MA in Psychology and MS in Criminology & Criminal Justice

Alexa Piacquadio, PhD Assistant Professor of Psychology & Criminology Program Director of MS in Fraud & Forensic Program

Jonathan Uhl, PhD Assistant Professor of Criminology, Program Director of Undergraduate Criminology