The School of Criminology and Justice Studies at UMass Lowell focuses on emerging issues confronting the criminal justice system.

Students explore issues including violence and victims, justice-involved mental health populations, police innovations, data-driven practice and national security.

Graduates of our programs understand the facts and concepts of criminal justice, but, more importantly, how to apply this knowledge to related social problems and changing situations.

Learn about our faculty and what students have to say about UMass Lowell on the School of Criminology and Justice Studies YouTube Channel.

Highly Rated Programs

U.S. News & World Report badge for best online graduate criminal justice program, UMass Lowell.

Recognized as #3 Best Online Graduate Criminal Justice Program

U.S. News & World Report badge for best online graduate criminal justice program for veterans, UMass Lowell.

Recognized as #2 Best Online Graduate Criminal Justice Program for Veterans

Academy of Criminal Justice Science Endorsed Program gold seal
Undergraduate and master's programs endorsed by Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences

Meet Our Students, Faculty and Alumni

Matt Cherkerzian looks over the Merrimack River on UMass Lowell's South Campus
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.
Read More About Matt Cherkerzian 
Daniela Peña poses for photo with Professor April F. Pattavina.
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.
Read More About Daniela Peña 
Matthew Chigas at his internship with the Nashua (N.H.) Office of Emergency Management, training other city offices and community organizations in security and emergency response.
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.
Read More About Matthew Chigas 
Sydney Selby delivers a speech at the UMass Lowell commencement ceremony.
Sydney Selby '25, '26
Criminal Justice and Security Studies

From leading her Air Force ROTC detachment to speaking at Commencement, Sydney Selby ’25 has found purpose, confidence and community far from her Colorado home.

“UMass Lowell is magical. … Everything just fell into place for me here.”
Read More About Sydney Selby 
  • A man in a dark blue shirt and gray hat opens a patio umbrella on the concourse of a baseball stadium.

    No Place Like Home for Lowell Spinners Owner

    As principal owner of the revived Lowell Spinners of the Futures Collegiate Baseball League, UMass Lowell alum Marc Deschenes ’97 creates new opportunities for players, students and families.
    Featured Story
  • Students march along a highway bridge in Nairobi, Kenya in 2024

    Professors Study Gen Z Protest Movements Across Countries

    As youth-led “Cockroach Janta Party” protests spread across India this summer, two professors in the School of Criminology and Justice Studies have been awarded a pair of university seed grants to study Gen Z protests in Kenya, India and other countries.
    Featured Story
  • A woman poses for a photo with her arms folded while standing in front of a campus building.

    Criminal Justice Professor Studies Prosecutors’ Decision-Making

    Assistant Professor Rebecca Dunlea of the School of Criminology and Justice Studies partners with prosecutors around the country on research projects. Two recently published studies looked at case outcomes that are alternatives to plea deals.
    Featured Story