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

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 
Andrew Sciascia participated in a debate held at UMass Lowell
Andrew Sciascia '20
Political Science & Criminal Justice

Andrew Sciascia’s studies in political science and homeland security are combining with his student newspaper experience to prepare him for a career as a political analyst.

We all come to this university with a different story, and we are welcomed with open arms.
Read More About Andrew Sciascia 
Steven DiNoto UMass Lowell Criminal Justice Alumnus
Steven DiNoto '94, '97
Criminal Justice

Steven DiNoto's career is a mix of “CSI” and “Criminal Minds” high-tech rip-offs, forensics and criminal psychology. He's held top-level posts through his career and credits his UMass Lowell education for his success.

UMass Lowell was an amazing experience for me. The professors were great ... the best CJ professors in the nation, they were also very accessible to students.
Read More About Steven DiNoto 
William Cole-French
William Cole-French '23
Psychology

Psychology major William Cole-French, a distance runner on UML’s men’s cross country and track and field teams, received an America East Helping Hands Award for his volunteer mentorship of a local elementary school student.

By talking with someone who’s younger through the Big Brothers Big Sisters program, you’re reminded what really matters: relationships, being a good person and being kind.
Read More About William Cole-French 
  • 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