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

Shaila Bornstein on stage at Durgin Hall as one of the two student panelists for debates among the Democratic primary candidates for Niki Tsongas’ seat in Congress
Shaila Bornstein '19
Criminal Justice, Political Science

A semester in Washington, D.C., interning with a nonprofit that trains women to run for political office galvanized Shaila Bornstein. As soon as she finishes at UML, she plans to return to Washington to gain political experience so she can run for president.

The opportunities I’ve already gotten here are above and beyond what I could have gotten anywhere else.
Read More About Shaila Bornstein 
Cameron McKenzie in the Roman aqueduct in Segovia, Spain through the UMass Lowell Study Abroad program.
Cameron McKenzie '24
Criminal Justice (History minor)

Honors transfer student Cameron McKenzie squeezed four study abroad trips into her short time at UML.

Do the things you want to do when you can, because you don’t know when there will be limitations.
Read More About Cameron McKenzie 
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 
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 
  • 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.
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  • 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.
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