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

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 
Abby Cooper poses with Chancellor Julie Chen, two students and UMass Lowell mascot Rowdy the River Hawk at Convocation.
Abby Cooper '26
Criminal Justice

Student trustee Abby Cooper is a lifelong advocate.

I always wanted to help people...I was always advocating for change.
Read More About Abby Cooper 
Sara Khun-Leng, seated in her office, speaking with staff members
Sara Khun-Leng '99
Criminal Justice

Sara Khun-Leng ’99 helps immigrants and refugees, veterans and others needing assistance as director of constituent services in the district office of U.S. Rep. Lori Trahan.

I felt like I had to do this, to speak for people who are not always able to help themselves.
Read More About Sara Khun-Leng 
Casey standing infront of the health and sciences building
Casey McCauley '25
Criminal Justice

With family ties to the criminal justice field, Casey McCauley looks to forge her path to law school through the School of Criminology and Justice Studies.

I was able to take what I’ve learned from my legal studies classes and apply it to real-world situations.
Read More About Casey McCauley 

News

More News
  • 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

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