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

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 
UMass Lowell student Carley Bennet stands between two flags inside a government buidling.
Carley Bennet '24
Criminal Justice

Carley Bennet looks to capitalize on her Washington Center internship experience as she pursues a career in homeland security.

I knew it would be a really great opportunity for me to advance my career.
Read More About Carley Bennet 
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 
Members of the Korean Student Association
Christina Han '21
Criminal Justice

Christina Han’s work with Multicultural Affairs, her club leadership and her studies in criminal justice converged in her honors capstone: running a “Support Space” for Asian American and Pacific Islander students during a surge in hate crimes.

I really like the small classes and how you can dive deeper into certain topics.
Read More About Christina Han 
  • 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
  • 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