What courses will you take?
Our B.S. in Criminal Justice and Criminology curriculum is designed to provide you with a comprehensive knowledge of the criminal justice system as well as the benefits of a well-rounded liberal arts education.
You will take core courses that cover topics such as criminal justice and juvenile justice processes, criminology, technology and crime analysis, law enforcement, corrections, crime prevention, and research and evaluation.
Beyond the general major, you may also elect to enhance your degree by specializing in one of the following areas:
- Corrections
- Crime & Mental Health
- Homeland Security
- Police
Upper-level students can take a three-credit internship or six-credit field studies course to assess their interest and apply their classroom knowledge in an area of criminal justice. These courses are characterized by training for specific job skills rather than education involving conceptual learning. Like other academic fields, our school does not offer courses nor award credit for vocational training courses designed for specific job preparation or advanced job training.
In addition, students majoring in criminal justice will fulfill a professional skills requirement. This consists of completing four courses in information technology and data analysis.
Visit the Academic Catalog for a complete course listing and to learn about the Criminal Justice minor.
Why study criminal justice at UMass Lowell?
Hands-On Learning
Put your learning into practice. Check out some of the fun ways UML students come together.
Research Opportunities
Work with faculty on large-scale, national and international research projects, including:
Expert Faculty
Our faculty are leaders in the field, working collaboratively with communities and agencies around the world to assist with strategic problem solving, crime analysis, evaluation research and policy analysis.
Graduate Programs
Advance your career options in the criminal justice field through our highly rated graduate programs:
Shaila Bornstein '19
Criminal Justice, Political Science
A semester in Washington, D.C., interning with a nonprofit that trains women to run for political office galvanized Shaila Bornstein. As soon as she finishes at UML, she plans to return to Washington to gain political experience so she can run for president.
The opportunities I’ve already gotten here are above and beyond what I could have gotten anywhere else.
Veyli Ortiz Solis ’20, ’21
Criminal Justice
Veyli Ortiz Solis earned a B.S. in criminal justice in just three years – with a perfect 4.0 GPA.
I always love to be challenged. I feel like that’s when I do my best work.
Cameron McKenzie '24
Criminal Justice (History minor)
Honors transfer student Cameron McKenzie squeezed four study abroad trips into her short time at UML.
Do the things you want to do when you can, because you don’t know when there will be limitations.
Lisa Thompson '21
Criminology
Her Ph.D. research at UMass Lowell won Lisa Thompson a rare research assistantship at the National Institute of Justice.
Prof. Harris is so awesome; he literally changed my life.
Matthew Levenson '19
Criminal Justice
Criminal justice major Matt Levenson loves an adventure and a challenge—and he’s bent on seizing every opportunity he can while at UMass Lowell.
Whenever you’ve got an opportunity, you’ve got to take advantage of it.
Daniela Peña '25
Criminal Justice
Daniela Peña fell in love with research after a faculty member offered her a paid research assistantship.
The things I learn in class I apply to the research I’m doing.
Angela King Lines '18
Criminal Justice
Angela King Lines is already on the front lines of fighting crime as a manager at Walmart. She says her degree in criminal justice helped prepare her for her next fight: reducing the backlog of DNA tests in rape and murder cases.
I really appreciate the flexibility of online learning. You can still do your career and get your degree.
Steven DiNoto '94, '97
Criminal Justice
Steven DiNoto's career is a mix of “CSI” and “Criminal Minds” high-tech rip-offs, forensics and criminal psychology. He's held top-level posts through his career and credits his UMass Lowell education for his success.
UMass Lowell was an amazing experience for me. The professors were great ... the best CJ professors in the nation, they were also very accessible to students.
Matt Cherkerzian '18
Criminal Justice
Matt Cherkerzian is an EMT majoring in criminal justice who helps with research into decision-making by first responders.
Doug in the Centers for Learning was a mentor in how to get through college.
Karina Cruz
Public Administration
Karina Cruz appreciates the flexibility, small classes and in-depth administrative skills she’s learning, from how to change public policy to managing a diverse workforce.
It’s as versatile a degree as I need it to be.
Mayara Reis '22
Criminal Justice
Criminal Justice major and community organizer Mayara Reis says the diversity at UMass Lowell let her be who she's supposed to be.
(UML) is so diverse. So many people look like me. It let me start being who I am supposed to me.
Andrew Sciascia '20
Political Science & Criminal Justice
Andrew Sciascia’s studies in political science and homeland security are combining with his student newspaper experience to prepare him for a career as a political analyst.
We all come to this university with a different story, and we are welcomed with open arms.
Matthew Chigas '17, '19
Criminal Justice, Security Studies
Internships in the Middle East and in Nashua, N.H., launched Matthew Chigas on an ambitious career path.
I try to get my hands in everything.
Ryan Shields
Criminology and Justice Studies
Ryan Shields is taking a public health approach to a highly sensitive issue: child sexual abuse. The criminologist says that research suggests much of it can be prevented, and that’s reason for hope.
I believe in the power of prevention to make life better for people.
Jamie Smorczewski '09, '21
History, Security Studies
2021 Student Commencement Speaker Jamie Smorczewski knows what it means to persevere, over injury, health issues, the pandemic and life’s curveballs.
I’m from a blue-collar family and there wasn’t a ton of money for me to attend college, so I found my own way.
Sean Perry '18
Criminal Justice
After earning a master's degree in criminal justice, Sean Perry plans to pursue a Ph.D. in criminology with the ultimate goal of becoming a professor or private sector or government researcher whose studies could help improve police departments or criminal justice systems.
I received a really good education here. I feel like I never got anything less than Ivy Leaguers did.
Deborah Friedl '83
Criminal Justice, Psychology
Deborah Friedl ’83 broke barriers for women at the Lowell Police Department. Now president of the International Association of Women Police, she’s advocating for women to play a role in police reform.
Women bring a lot of value to building trust with communities.
William Cole-French '23
Psychology
Psychology major William Cole-French, a distance runner on UML’s men’s cross country and track and field teams, received an America East Helping Hands Award for his volunteer mentorship of a local elementary school student.
By talking with someone who’s younger through the Big Brothers Big Sisters program, you’re reminded what really matters: relationships, being a good person and being kind.
Dic Donohue '12, '19
Criminal Justice & Criminology
Retired MBTA Transit Police Sgt. Dic Donohue finished his master’s degree in 2012. Less than a year later, he was shot during a police firefight with the Boston Marathon bombers. After earning his Ph.D. in criminology, he’s taking a job with the RAND Corp.
There are a lot of people who will help you, not just police, but community-wide. You’ve just got to open your eyes, realize they’re out there and ask them for help.
Carley Bennet '24
Criminal Justice
Carley Bennet looks to capitalize on her Washington Center internship experience as she pursues a career in homeland security.
As sad as I am to be leaving campus … I'm really excited for the start of my career.
Lisa teDuits '18
Criminal Justice
It took Lisa teDuits 27 years to earn her bachelor’s degree in criminal justice. She pursued the paralegal option for better job opportunities – and to set a good example for her sons.
The online classes gave me the flexibility to juggle working full time, being a mom, not missing any of my sons’ sporting events and helping with elderly parents and their needs.
Elinor Mayo '20
Criminal Justice
Elinor Mayo has lofty dreams, and Air Force ROTC is helping her find her way to the cockpit.
When I was in seventh grade, I decided I wanted to be a fighter pilot because in my head, that was the most amazing job I could ever have. If I push myself hard enough, it might be within reach.
Casey McCauley '25
Criminal Justice
With family ties to the criminal justice field, Casey McCauley looks to forge her path to law school through the School of Criminology and Justice Studies.
I was able to take what I’ve learned from my legal studies classes and apply it to real-world situations.
Sara Khun-Leng '99
Criminal Justice
Sara Khun-Leng ’99 helps immigrants and refugees, veterans and others needing assistance as director of constituent services in the district office of U.S. Rep. Lori Trahan.
I felt like I had to do this, to speak for people who are not always able to help themselves.
Yahayra Michel ’07, ’09
Psychology and Criminal Justice
Asst. Teaching Prof. Yahayra Michel, who was a first-generation college student, found her mentors at UMass Lowell.
UMass Lowell just feels like home.
Qurat Ann '15, '17, '19
Criminal Justice & Criminology
A chance encounter with a professor led to an amazing research opportunity. Now Qurat Ann is researching the pros and cons of sex offender registration laws as she pursues a Ph.D.
A professor put me on his project and gave me a chance – and I’m eternally grateful because it changed my life.
Norm Bazin ’94, ’99
Men's Ice Hockey Coach
As an alum and a coach, Norm Bazin makes the River Hawks proud on and off the ice.
We intend to make the Tsongas a very tough place to get points for opposing teams.
Christina Han '21
Criminal Justice
Christina Han’s work with Multicultural Affairs, her club leadership and her studies in criminal justice converged in her honors capstone: running a “Support Space” for Asian American and Pacific Islander students during a surge in hate crimes.
Just being able to help others and educate others, knowing I was able to make a difference in someone else’s day, that’s a coping mechanism.
Rachel Record '20
Criminal Justice
Honors student Rachel Record won a full scholarship to law school, thanks to the Legal Studies Program and research and practical experiences.
I grew up on this campus. I love it here.
Kyleigh Clark-Moorman '19
Criminology
Kyleigh Clark-Moorman is interested in how best to prepare inmates to rejoin their communities. She’s gotten a broad range of research and teaching experiences in the doctoral program in criminology.
Everyone is so welcoming, and the professors are so invested in student success. They want you to flourish and build your skills.
