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

Qurat Ann writes on a whiteboard with a blue marker
Qurat Ann '15, '17, '19
Criminal Justice & Criminology

A chance encounter with a professor led to an amazing research opportunity. Now Qurat Ann is researching the pros and cons of sex offender registration laws as she pursues a Ph.D.

A professor put me on his project and gave me a chance – and I’m eternally grateful because it changed my life.
Read More About Qurat Ann 
Asst. Prof. Ryan Shields reads a book at Brew'd Awakening in Lowell, Mass.
Ryan Shields
Criminology and Justice Studies

Ryan Shields is taking a public health approach to a highly sensitive issue: child sexual abuse. The criminologist says that research suggests much of it can be prevented, and that’s reason for hope.

I believe in the power of prevention to make life better for people.
Read More About Ryan Shields 
Air Force ROTC student Elinor Mayo leaving a plane in uniform
Elinor Mayo '20
Criminal Justice

Elinor Mayo wants to fly and pursue a career in law enforcement, so she joined the Air Force ROTC program while studying criminal justice.

I have always respected our justice system and have wanted to learn more about it.
Read More About Elinor Mayo 
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 

News

More News
  • 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
  • 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

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