Welcome to the School of Criminal Justice at Michigan State University
The School conducts cutting-edge research to understand some of the most challenging problems posed by crime and emerging risks – firearms violence, cybercrime, environmental crime, product counterfeiting, terrorism, gender-based violence, and youth violence – and then engages with policy makers and practitioners to advance justice. We are home of the oldest continuous degree granting program in Criminal Justice in the U.S. In 2025, over 1,000 students were enrolled, and over 200 students graduated, joining the ranks of our impressive and valued alumni base, which numbers over 14,000.
The School offers a number of degree programs at the baccalaureate, master, and doctoral levels. We offer the MA in Criminal Justice, MS in Law Enforcement Intelligence Analysis (LEIA), and MS in Cybercrime and Digital Investigation in an on-line format. Our Online Masters Programs and our Doctoral Program are ranked in the top 10 nationally by US News & World Report and we are ranked in the Top 10 best programs for veterans!
The School is home to over 30 faculty known both nationally and internationally for their expertise. Reflective of the inter-disciplinary nature of the field, our faculty come from a range of backgrounds including criminology, law, history, public health, developmental psychology, environmental social science, biology, and chemistry.
True to the pioneering land-grant mission of Michigan State University, the School of Criminal Justice has a strong and proud tradition of both advancing and translating knowledge into practice and policy through engagement with local, state, national and international partners in both public and private sectors. We engage in leadership development of public safety professionals, partner with communities to reduce crime, conduct research on crimes and emerging risks, and prepare students to utilize evidence-based practices and to become leaders committed to advancing justice. Our vision is to use science to advance justice, thereby improving the quality of life in our communities.
