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

Yahayra Michel in front of a white board with words on it
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.
Read More About Yahayra Michel 
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 
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 
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 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