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

Matthew Chigas at his internship with the Nashua (N.H.) Office of Emergency Management, training other city offices and community organizations in security and emergency response.
Matthew Chigas '17, '19
Criminal Justice, Security Studies

Internships in the Middle East and in Nashua, N.H., launched Matthew Chigas on an ambitious career path.

I try to get my hands in everything.
Read More About Matthew Chigas 
Angela King Lines looks down at an open book in front of a black bookcase filled with more books
Angela King Lines '18
Criminal Justice

Angela King Lines is already on the front lines of fighting crime as a manager at Walmart. She says her degree in criminal justice helped prepare her for her next fight: reducing the backlog of DNA tests in rape and murder cases.

I really appreciate the flexibility of online learning. You can still do your career and get your degree.
Read More About Angela King Lines 
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 

News

More News
  • 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
  • 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.
    Featured Story

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