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.

Criminal Justice Programs and Research

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

Sabine Laurent poses with two other people.
Sabine Laurent '26
Political Science and Criminal Justice

Transfer student Sabine Laurent is double-majoring and serving as senior class president.

When I came here, I found ways to develop myself as a person that I don’t think I could have done anywhere else.
Read More About Sabine Laurent 
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 
Normand M. Bazin is the current head coach of the University of Massachusetts Lowell River Hawks men's ice hockey team. In 2013 he led the team to their first Hockey East Championship and their first appearance in the Frozen Four. Contents.
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.
Read More About Norm Bazin 
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 

News

More News
  • 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
  • A hand holds up a first-place award for the Bryant College Mock Trial tournament

    Students Develop Real Skills on Mock Trial Team

    The university’s Mock Trial team is off to a great start this year, with a win at a Bryant University tournament and strong showings at two more as they head into regionals in early 2025. Students say it’s fun – and that the skills they learn are great preparation for law school or life.
    Featured Story
  • Philosophy Chair Nicholas Evans and Criminology Assoc. Prof. Neil Shortland sit side by side

    Professors Study Future of AI in Warfare and Policy

    Philosophy Chair Nicholas Evans and Criminology Assoc. Prof. Neil Shortland are researching the future of artificial intelligence in warfare and policy under a pair of Department of Defense Minerva Grants worth $4.2 million, leading teams that include paid student researchers and other UML and outside faculty.
    Featured Story

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