Frequently Asked Questions

This program has intake dates in fall and spring of each year. 

Yes, the curriculum and course content is the same across both program modalities. 

This program can be completed in two years if the student is enrolled in the standard three classes per quarter. 

The courses for this online program are asynchronous, meaning you can view pre-recorded lectures and work on course assignments according to your own schedule. Though you are not expected to attend courses at a specified time, there are deadlines for projects/assignments each week. You can read more about individual courses in the program here. 

To finish within two years, students will need to enroll in courses for the summer term, however that term runs from mid-June to early August, so there is a monthlong break before the Fall Quarter starts. 

Yes, the program is designed to accommodate a full-time work schedule. 

Yes, there are part-time options. Students can take fewer than three courses per quarter for a lighter workload. 

Yes, this program can be finished in less than two years if the student is enrolled in more than the standard course load of three courses per quarter. 

Yes, this program offers students the opportunity to switch between in-person and online classes, but it’s not possible to switch between modalities while in a class (for example doing one week online and the next in person.) 

The program is currently on a quarter system however the university is moving to the semester system in Fall 2027. 

The standard amount of classes is three per quarter. 

Students will need to have regular and reliable access to a computer and high-speed internet throughout this program. 

Yes, there is an online orientation that orients students to the program and the university that is sent to students once they accept their offer of admission. There is also a zoom synchronous new student orientation held a few weeks before the term begins. 

Yes, there will be a cohort of fellow students to connect with throughout the program. There is a Teams channel where you will be invited to connect with each other. Your classes will also have you interacting and working on projects together. You are encouraged to make connections within and outside of the course. You will also have a Student Success Coordinator to help you with everything you need to be successful in the program.   

In 2025, the cost for total tuition = 55 credits X $874 per credit = $48,070 (plus fees) 

This program offers a merit award of up to $6,000 for the first academic year. 

Students may also be considered for teaching or research assistantships while enrolled in the program.  

• Students may be considered for a teaching assistantship that involves assisting a faculty member with a specific course. To be considered for a teaching assistantship, the student must have completed the course at an exceptional level. The teaching assistantship, depending on the course, includes assistance with grading, one-one work with students, facilitating seminar discussions, and other course-related tasks. 
• Students may be considered for a research assistantship that involves working with faculty on a research project and/or conducting research in the community. Research assistance may involve one or more research-related tasks including literature review, data collection, data entry, data analysis, report-writing, and presentation of findings at professional conferences. 

Graduates from this program work in fields such as law enforcement and corrections, legal services and victim advocacy, research and analysis and more. 

Internships are not required for academic credit, but they open up employment opportunities in criminal justice at the local, regional, and national levels. Internships must be approved by the agency supervisor and department chair. Requirements include 50 hours per credit, reflection log, agency and student self-evaluation, and synthesis paper. 3 credits maximum may apply towards degree. 

Internships usually take place in the final year of the program. 

Students are required to complete 50 hours per credit which may include training (1-3 credits may apply towards degree.) 

Check out the Seattle University Department of Criminal Justice, Criminology and Forensics Internships & Employment webpage for a list of organizations that have hosted Seattle University students as interns. 

Yes, Seattle University faculty members can help students find internships that best match their interests and offer the best professional development for individual career paths. However, students will need to be proactive in seeking openings, applying and interviewing for potential internships. 

Yes. Reach out to a faculty member if you would like to discuss a unique internship arrangement. 

Yes, there are paid internship opportunities available.