Online criminology master’s program ranked #1 in the nation

Screenshot of the 2020 MAS student cohort during a Welcome Week Zoom chat.

Screenshot of the 2020 MAS student cohort during a Welcome Week Zoom chat. Below photo features faculty and the 2019 cohort.


MAS named 2021 best in criminal justice by U.S. News & World Report for second year in a row

The University of California, Irvine Master of Advanced Study (MAS) in criminology, law and society has been named the nation’s best online criminal justice master’s program by U.S. News & World Report for the second year in a row. The 2021 rankings also mark the fourth consecutive year in which UCI has placed in the top three.

The annual U.S. News list is one of the most influential in the country, with ratings derived from five categories for academic quality: engagement, faculty credentials and training, services and technology, expert opinion, and student excellence. Evaluators considered 79 online programs for the 2021 report.

“We are thrilled that our MAS program has once again been recognized by U.S. News & World Report as the best in the country. It is a testament to the hard work of our faculty, who are leaders in their field, talented students and innovative courses,” said Nancy Guerra, dean of the School of Social Ecology. “This ranking further validates that our graduates are prepared with the critical thinking, problem-solving, communication and leadership skills necessary for criminal justice professionals to truly protect people and public safety.”

Launched in 2002, the MAS program currently has about 100 students enrolled. It’s designed to meet their goal of seeking leadership positions in a wide range of fields, including law enforcement, criminology, forensic psychology, corrections and fraud investigation.

“We are delighted to be ranked as the number one online graduate criminal justice program for the second year in a row,” said Susan Turner, MAS program director. “We continue to strive to provide a relevant and rigorous education by UCI award-winning faculty.”

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