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

Lisa Thompson presents her criminology research to two men at a research symposium at UMass Lowell.
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.
Read More About Lisa Thompson 
Shaila Bornstein on stage at Durgin Hall as one of the two student panelists for debates among the Democratic primary candidates for Niki Tsongas’ seat in Congress
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.
Read More About Shaila Bornstein 
Angela King Lines looks down at an open book in front of a black bookcase filled with more books
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.
Read More About Angela King Lines 
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 
  • 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