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

Members of the Korean Student Association
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.

I really like the small classes and how you can dive deeper into certain topics.
Read More About Christina Han 
Rachel Record sitting at a table with Asst. Prof. Jill Portnoy and another person at UMass Lowell
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.
Read More About Rachel Record 
Kara Reeves and the U.S. squad at the 2025 International Street and Ball Hockey Federation Women’s Masters Championship.
Kara Reeves '09, '10
Criminal Justice

UMass Lowell criminal justice alumna Kara Reeves ’09, ’10 is a two-time world champion ball hockey player who also serves as chief of treatment and reentry for the Middlesex Sheriff’s Office.

I’ve been to four or five different countries to play ball hockey — places I never would have seen otherwise.
Read More About Kara Reeves 
Mayara Reis, center, with MVBB Voices cofounders Bria Gadsden and Elizabeth Walther-Grant
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.
Read More About Mayara Reis 
  • 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
  • Six people pose for a group photo while standing in front of a window in a room.

    Braven Partnership Expands Career-Prep Opportunities

    UMass Lowell is the first New England university to partner with Braven, a nonprofit whose mission is to accelerate students’ careers and prepare them for strong first postcollege jobs.
    Featured Story
  • A young man in a black hoodie and baseball cap poses for a photo outside of a record store.

    Criminal Justice Alum Takes a ‘Counter Intuitive’ Career Path

    Ten years ago, criminal justice alum Jake Sulzer ’15 took a “shot in the dark” and offered to release a local band’s album on vinyl. Now, he runs a successful independent record label, Counter Intuitive Records, and recently launched a brick-and-mortar store in Brookline, Massachusetts.
    Featured Story
  • The Mock Trial team poses with a UMass Lowell flag - United In Blue.

    UMass Lowell Student Teams Just Keep Winning

    UMass Lowell student teams, including Mock Trial, a cyber security team, Model United Nations (U.N.) and an investment class, are on a winning streak this year.
    Featured Story