Amanda Geller (bottom left) and Charis Kubrin (bottom right), co-directors of the university’s top-ranked online M.A.S. program in the subject, flank Class of 2024 graduates.
U.S. News & World Report ranks M.A.S. among top programs
The University of California, Irvine Master of Advanced Study in criminology, law and society has been named the nation’s second best online criminal justice master’s program by U.S. News & World Report. The 2025 rankings mark the eighth consecutive year in which the UC Irvine program has placed in the top three.
“Once again, the quality of our program rings true and is well recognized,” said Jon Gould, dean of UC Irvine’s School of Social Ecology, which houses the Criminology, Law and Society Department. “Our faculty and staff deserve congratulations for their dedication to excellence. It is no wonder that students flock to UC Irvine and the M.A.S. Program.”
M.A.S. co-directors and criminology, law and society faculty members Charis E. Kubrin and Amanda Geller said in a joint statement: “We are delighted to see the MAS program nationally recognized and making the top 3 for the eighth year in a row. . We want to congratulate everyone involved – students, staff and faculty – for making this program as successful as it is, year after year.”
Created more than 20 years ago, UCI’s M.A.S. in criminology, law and society was the first online degree offered in the University of California system. The program is designed to meet the goals of students seeking leadership positions in a range of fields, including corrections, law enforcement, social services, probation/parole and forensic psychology, as well as a variety of public administrative roles.
Notable graduates include police chiefs, judges and federal investigators, among others who are making an impact in the criminal justice system across the U.S.
The annual U.S. News list of the best online programs is one of the most influential in the country, with ratings derived from five categories of academic quality: engagement, faculty credentials and training, services and technology, expert opinion, and student excellence.
UC Irvine’s M.A.S. program in criminology, law and society has graduated more than 637 students who have gone on to pursue doctorates, law degrees or careers as police administrators, educators, federal law enforcement agents, forensic psychologists and others.
Eighty-nine students are currently enrolled in the program.
The program was ranked No. 1 by U.S. News & World Report in 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021 and 2020.