At a Glance

  • Flexibility
    Part Time | Full Time
  • Delivery Options
    Online | On Campus | Hybrid
  • Degree
    BS

As a criminal justice major, you will explore crime-related issues and criminal justice systems and policies, and learn to apply this knowledge to address social problems.

Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice

Interested in research? Learn how this student did it.

Explore how justice is shaped—and how you can help shape it—with the Criminal Justice major from UMass Lowell. 

You’ll learn about law enforcement, the courts, corrections and the root causes of crime. You'll also develop research and data analysis skills vital in today’s justice system. 

Choose from internships with nonprofit organizations, police departments and government agencies. You can also work with faculty on research in areas like cybercrime, mass violence and human trafficking. 

Whether you want to launch a career in criminal justice or pursue graduate school, this program prepares you to think critically, act ethically and make an impact. 

Learn about our online Criminal Justice program

Focus Your Studies

Choose a focus area based on your interests and career goals.

  • General
  • Corrections
  • Crime & Mental Health
  • Homeland Security
  • Police

Career Outlook for Criminal Justice Majors

  • $105.3K

    Median annual salary for bachelor's degree holders in New England
    Source: Lightcast, 2025

  • +8.7%

    Projected job growth in New England (2023–2035)
    Source: Lightcast, 2025

What Can You Do with a Degree in Criminal Justice?

Our graduates are prepared to fill positions in all areas related to criminal justice or continue to graduate studies in the social sciences or law. 


Student Andrew Sciascia participated in a debate held at UMass Lowell

Job Roles

  • CIA officer
  • Computer forensics investigator
  • Corporate security professional
  • Correctional officer
  • Court administrator
  • FBI agent
  • Fish and game warden
  • Intelligence analyst
  • Police officer
  • Probation officer
  • Secret Service agent
  • Victim advocate

Career Placements

  • Centers for Disease Control
  • Federal Bureau of Investigation
  • Local and state police agencies across the U.S.
  • Massachusetts Department of Corrections
  • Middlesex Sheriff’s Office
  • MIT Lincoln Laboratory
  • U.S. Secret Service
  • U.S. Department of Homeland Security

Courses You'll Take as a Criminal Justice Major

Sample course topics include: 

  • Criminal Law
  • Terrorism (international & domestic)
  • Forensic Psychology
  • Criminal Justice Statistics
  • Crime & Media
  • Police Innovations
  • Hate Crime
  • View All Criminal Justice Courses

Year-by-Year Course Plan

Check out our degree pathways, which offer sample plans for completing your degree in four years.

For students who entered fall 2022 and beyond.

Freshman Year

Fall Semester

Course NumberCourse NameCredits
ENGL.1010 /
HONR.1100		College Writing I /
First Year Seminar in Honors: Text in the City (CW)		3
CRIM.1010The Criminal Justice System (DCA)3
CRIM.2210Criminology3
FAHS.1090First Year Experience Seminar11
xxxx.xxxxArts and Humanities Perspective (AH)3
xxxx.xxxxSocial Sciences Perspective (SS)3
Total16

Spring Semester

Course NumberCourse NameCredits
ENGL.1020College Writing II (CW)3
CRIM.1410Introduction to Policing3
CRIM.1510Introduction to Corrections3
MATH.2830Introduction to Statistics (MATH), (QL)3
xxxx.xxxxSciences with Lab Perspective (SCL)3-4
Total15-16

Sophomore Year

Fall Semester

Course NumberCourse NameCredits
CRIM.2010Systemic Issues in Criminal Justice3
CRIM.2340Criminal Law3
xxxx.xxxxSocial Sciences Perspective (SS)3
xxxx.xxxxSciences with Lab Perspective (SCL)3-4
xxxx.xxxxFree Elective23
Total15-16

Spring Semester

Course NumberCourse NameCredits
CRIM.xxxxCriminal Justice Elective33
CRIM.xxxxCriminal Justice Elective33
xxxx.xxxxSocial Sciences Perspective (SS)3
xxxx.xxxxArts and Humanities Perspective (AH)3
xxxx.xxxxFree Elective23
Total15

Junior Year

Fall Semester

Course NumberCourse NameCredits
CRIM.3900Criminal Justice Research Methods (IL), (SRE)3
CRIM.3/4xxxCriminal Justice Elective33
xxxx.xxxxArts and Humanities Perspective (AH)3
xxxx.xxxxScience, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Perspective (STEM)3
xxxx.xxxxCriminal Justice / Social Sciences / Minor Elective3
Total15

Spring Semester

Course NumberCourse NameCredits
CRIM.3950Statistics in Criminal Justice3
CRIM.3970 /
CRIM.4930		Crime Mapping /
Issues in Technology and Security		3
CRIM.3/4xxxCriminal Justice Elective33
xxxx.xxxxCriminal Justice / Social Sciences / Minor Elective3
xxxx.xxxxFree Elective23
Total15

Senior Year

Fall Semester

Course NumberCourse NameCredits
CRIM.3980Criminal Justice Data Analysis3
xxxx.3/4xxxCriminal Justice / Minor Elective3
xxxx.3/4xxxSocial Sciences / Minor Elective3
xxxx.xxxxFree Elective23
xxxx.xxxxFree Elective23
Total15

Spring Semester

Course NumberCourse NameCredits
CRIM.4890Capstone Seminar in Criminology and Criminal Justice (WOC), (CTPS), (AIL)3
CRIM.3/4xxxCriminal Justice Elective33
xxxx.3/4xxxCriminal Justice / Minor Elective3
xxxx.3/4xxxSocial Sciences / Minor Elective3
xxxx.xxxxFree Elective23
Total15

Total Minimum Credits = 120.

1Required for all entering freshmen; not required for those who transfer to UMass Lowell or into the Criminal Justice major.

2Free electives must be from departments other than Criminal Justice.

3Two Criminal Justice electives can be at any level. Three Criminal Justice electives must be at the 3000 level or above (15 credits required).

Notes:

  • Criminal Justice majors must maintain a 2.500 Criminal Justice GPA to remain in the major and an overall GPA of 2.200.
  • Criminal Justice majors need a minimum of 36 credits and cannot exceed 60 credits in Criminal Justice.

No more than two Breadth of Knowledge courses can be taken with the same prefix. The Core Curriculum courses may be taken in any sequence. Refer to the Core Curriculum policy for further details. You should meet with your faculty adviser to determine how you will meet the Core Curriculum requirements.

Current UMass Lowell students should be using their Advisement Report in SIS. If you need assistance, please contact your adviser.

Restriction on off-campus study:

Be advised that any course taken at another institution must be formally approved prior to enrollment. See the catalog policy for details.

Breadth of Knowledge (BOK) Glossary

  • SS - Social Sciences Perspective - 9 credits
  • AH - Arts and Humanities Perspective - 9 credits
  • SCL - Sciences with Lab Perspective - 6 credits
  • STEM - Science, Technology, Engineering and Math Perspective - 3 credits
  • CW - College Writing I and II - 6 credits
  • MATH - Math Perspective - 3 credits

Read more about the Breadth of Knowledge requirements.

Essential Learning Outcomes (ELO) Glossary

  • AIL - Applied and Integrative Learning
  • CTPS - Critical Thinking and Problem Solving
  • DCA - Diversity and Cultural Awareness
  • IL - Information Literacy
  • QL - Quantitative Literacy
  • SRE - Social Responsibility and Ethics
  • WOC - Written and Oral Communication

Read more about the Essential Learning Outcomes.

For students who entered fall 2016 and beyond.

Freshman Year

Fall Semester

Course NumberCourse NameCredits
ENGL.1010 /
HONR.1100		College Writing I /
First Year Seminar in Honors: Text in the City (CW)		3
FAHS.1090First Year Seminar11
CRIM.1010The Criminal Justice System (DCA)3
CRIM.2210Criminology3
xxxx.xxxxArts and Humanities Perspective (AH)3
xxxx.xxxxSocial Sciences Perspective (SS)3
Total16

Spring Semester

Course NumberCourse NameCredits
ENGL.1020College Writing II (CW)3
CRIM.1410Introduction to Policing3
CRIM.1510Introduction to Corrections3
MATH.2830Introduction to Statistics (MATH), (QL)3
xxxx.xxxxSciences with Lab Perspective (SCL)3-4
Total15-16

Sophomore Year

Fall Semester

Course NumberCourse NameCredits
CRIM.2340Criminal Law3
CRIM.xxxxCorrections Elective33
xxxx.xxxxSocial Sciences Perspective (SS)3
xxxx.xxxxScience with Lab Perspective (SCL)3/4
xxxx.xxxxFree Elective23
Total15/16

Spring Semester

Course NumberCourse NameCredits
CRIM.xxxxCorrections Elective33
xxxx.xxxxCriminal Justice / Social Sciences / Minor Elective3
xxxx.xxxxSocial Sciences Perspective (SS)3
xxxx.xxxxArts and Humanities Perspective (AH)3
xxxx.xxxxFree Elective23
Total15

Junior Year

Fall Semester

Course NumberCourse NameCredits
CRIM.3500Institutional Corrections3
CRIM.3900Criminal Justice Research Methods (IL), (SRE)3
xxxx.xxxxArts and Humanities Perspective (AH)3
xxxx.xxxxScience, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Perspective (STEM)3
xxxx.xxxxCriminal Justice / Minor Course3
Total15

Spring Semester

Course NumberCourse NameCredits
CRIM.3510Community-Based Corrections3
CRIM.3950Criminal Justice Statistics3
CRIM.3970 /
CRIM.4930		Crime Mapping /
Issues in Technology and Security		3
CRIM.3/4xxxCorrections Elective33
xxxx.xxxxFree Elective23
Total15

Senior Year

Fall Semester

Course NumberCourse NameCredits
CRIM.3980Criminal Justice Data Analysis3
CRIM.3/4xxxCorrections Elective33
xxxx.3/4xxxCriminal Justice / Minor Elective3
xxxx.3/4xxxSocial Sciences / Minor Course3
xxxx.xxxxFree Elective23
Total15

Spring Semester

Course NumberCourse NameCredits
CRIM.4890Capstone Seminar in Criminology and Criminal Justice (WOC), (CTPS), (AIL)3
xxxx.3/4xxxCriminal Justice / Minor Course3
xxxx.3/4xxxSocial Sciences / Minor Course3
xxxx.xxxxFree Elective23
xxxx.xxxxFree Elective23
Total15

Total Minimum Credits = 120.

1Required for all entering freshmen; not required for those who transfer to UMass Lowell or into the Criminal Justice major.

2Free electives must be from departments other than Criminal Justice.

3Corrections Electives:

  • CRIM.2030 Technology and the Criminal Justice System (cannot be double counted towards computer skills)
  • CRIM.3270 Violence in America
  • CRIM.3800 Selected Topics in Criminal Justice
  • CRIM.3850 Crime and Mental Illness
  • CRIM.3870 Criminal Mind and Behavior
  • CRIM.3880 Forensic Psychopathology
  • CRIM.4010 Substance Abuse and Crime

Notes:

  • Criminal Justice majors must maintain a 2.500 CJ GPA to remain in the major and an overall GPA of 2.200.
  • Criminal Justice majors need a minimum of 36 credits and cannot exceed 60 credits in Criminal Justice.

No more than two Breadth of Knowledge courses can be taken with the same prefix. The Core Curriculum courses may be taken in any sequence. Refer to the Core Curriculum policy for further details. You should meet with your faculty adviser to determine how you will meet the Core Curriculum requirements.

Current UMass Lowell students should be using their Advisement Report in SIS. If you need assistance, please contact your adviser.

Restriction on off-campus study:

Be advised that any course taken at another institution must be formally approved prior to enrollment. See the catalog policy for details.

Breadth of Knowledge (BOK) Glossary

  • SS - Social Sciences Perspective - 9 credits
  • AH - Arts and Humanities Perspective - 9 credits
  • SCL - Sciences with Lab Perspective - 6 credits
  • STEM - Science, Technology, Engineering and Math Perspective - 3 credits
  • CW - College Writing I and II - 6 credits
  • MATH - Math Perspective - 3 credits

Read more about the Breadth of Knowledge requirements.

Essential Learning Outcomes (ELO) Glossary

  • AIL - Applied and Integrative Learning
  • CTPS - Critical Thinking and Problem Solving
  • DCA - Diversity and Cultural Awareness
  • IL - Information Literacy
  • QL - Quantitative Literacy
  • SRE - Social Responsibility and Ethics
  • WOC - Written and Oral Communication

Read more about the Essential Learning Outcomes.

For students who entered fall 2022 and beyond.

Freshman Year

Fall Semester

Course NumberCourse NameCredits
ENGL.1010 /
HONR.1100		College Writing I /
First Year Seminar in Honors: Text in the City (CW)		3
CRIM.1010The Criminal Justice System (DCA)3
CRIM.2210Criminology3
FAHS.1090First Year Experience Seminar11
xxxx.xxxxArts and Humanities Perspective (AH)3
xxxx.xxxxSocial Sciences Perspective (SS)3
Total16

Spring Semester

Course NumberCourse NameCredits
ENGL.1020College Writing II (CW)3
CRIM.1410Introduction to Policing3
CRIM.1510Introduction to Corrections3
MATH.2830Introduction to Statistics (MATH), (QL)3
xxxx.xxxxScience with Lab Perspective (SCL)3-4
Total15-16

Sophomore Year

Fall Semester

Course NumberCourse NameCredits
CRIM.2010Systemic Issues in Criminal Justice3
CRIM.2340Criminal Law3
xxxx.xxxxSocial Sciences Perspective (SS)3
xxxx.xxxxScience with Lab Perspective (SCL)3-4
xxxx.xxxxFree Elective23
Total15-16

Spring Semester

Course NumberCourse NameCredits
CRIM.3430Forensic Psychology3
xxxx.xxxxCriminal Justice/Social Sciences/Minor Elective3
xxxx.xxxxSocial Sciences Perspective (SS)3
xxxx.xxxxArts and Humanities Perspective (AH)3
xxxx.xxxxFree Elective23
Total15

Junior Year

Fall Semester

Course NumberCourse NameCredits
CRIM.3850Crime and Mental Illness3
CRIM.3900Criminal Justice Research Methods (IL), (SRE)3
xxxx.xxxxArts and Humanities Perspective (AH)3
xxxx.xxxxScience, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Perspective (STEM)3
xxxx.xxxxCriminal Justice/Social Sciences/Minor Elective3
Total15

Spring Semester

Course NumberCourse NameCredits
CRIM.3870Criminal Mind and Behavior3
CRIM.3880Forensic Psychopathology3
CRIM.3950Statistics in Criminal Justice3
CRIM.3970 /
CRIM.4930		Crime Mapping /
Issues in Technology and Security		3
xxxx.xxxxFree Elective23
Total15

Senior Year

Fall Semester

Course NumberCourse NameCredits
CRIM.3980Criminal Justice Data Analysis3
CRIM.4010 /
CRIM.4220		Substance Abuse and Crime /
Victimology		3
xxxx.3/4xxxCriminal Justice/Minor Elective3
xxxx.3/4xxxSocial Sciences/Minor Elective3
xxxx.xxxxFree Elective23
Total15

Spring Semester

Course NumberCourse NameCredits
CRIM.4890Capstone Seminar in Criminology and Criminal Justice (WOC), (CTPS), (AIL)3
xxxx.3/4xxxCriminal Justice/Minor Elective3
xxxx.3/4xxxSocial Sciences/Minor Elective3
xxxx.xxxxFree Elective23
xxxx.xxxxFree Elective23
Total15

Total Minimum Credits = 120.

1Required for all entering freshmen; not required for those who transfer to UMass Lowell or into the Criminal Justice (CJ) major.

2Free electives must be from departments other than Criminal Justice.

Notes:

  • Criminal Justice majors must maintain a 2.500 Criminal Justice GPA to remain in the major and an overall GPA of 2.200.
  • Criminal Justice majors need a minimum of 36 credits and cannot exceed 60 credits in Criminal Justice

No more than two Breadth of Knowledge courses can be taken with the same prefix. The Core Curriculum courses may be taken in any sequence. Refer to the Core Curriculum policy for further details. You should meet with your faculty adviser to determine how you will meet the Core Curriculum requirements. Current UMass Lowell students should be using their Advisement Report in SiS. If you need assistance, please contact your adviser.

Restriction on off-campus study:

Be advised that any course taken at another institution must be formally approved prior to enrollment.

See the catalog policy for details.

Breadth of Knowledge (BOK) Glossary

  • SS - Social Sciences Perspective - 9 credits
  • AH - Arts and Humanities Perspective - 9 credits
  • SCL - Sciences with Lab Perspective - 6 credits
  • STEM - Science, Technology, Engineering and Math Perspective - 3 credits
  • CW - College Writing I and II - 6 credits
  • MATH - Math Perspective - 3 credits

Read more about the Breadth of Knowledge requirements.

Essential Learning Outcomes (ELO) Glossary

  • AIL - Applied and Integrative Learning
  • CTPS - Critical Thinking and Problem Solving
  • DCA - Diversity and Cultural Awareness
  • IL - Information Literacy
  • QL - Quantitative Literacy
  • SRE - Social Responsibility and Ethics
  • WOC - Written and Oral Communication

Read more about the Essential Learning Outcomes.

For students who entered fall 2022 and beyond.

Freshman Year

Fall Semester

Course NumberCourse NameCredits
ENGL.1010 /
HONR.1100		College Writing I /
First Year Seminar in Honors: Text in the City (CW)		3
CRIM.1010The Criminal Justice System (DCA)3
CRIM.2210Criminology3
FAHS.1090First Year Experience Seminar11
xxxx.xxxxArts and Humanities Perspective (AH)3
xxxx.xxxxSocial Sciences Perspective (SS)3
Total16

Spring Semester

Course NumberCourse NameCredits
ENGL.1020College Writing II (CW)3
CRIM.1410Introduction to Policing3
CRIM.1510Introduction to Corrections3
MATH.2830Introduction to Statistics (MATH), (QL)3
xxxx.xxxxSciences with Lab Perspective (SCL)3/4
Total15/16

Sophomore Year

Fall Semester

Course NumberCourse NameCredits
CRIM.1150Introduction to Homeland Security3
CRIM.2340Criminal Law3
xxxx.xxxxSocial Sciences Perspective (SS)3
xxxx.xxxxSciences with Lab Perspective (SCL)3/4
xxxx.xxxxFree Elective23
Total15/16

Spring Semester

Course NumberCourse NameCredits
CRIM.2010Systemic Issues in Criminal Justice3
CRIM.2480Terrorism3
xxxx.xxxxSocial Sciences Perspective (SS)3
xxxx.xxxxArts and Humanities Perspective (AH)3
xxxx.xxxxFree Elective23
Total15

Junior Year

Fall Semester

Course NumberCourse NameCredits
CRIM.3120 /
CRIM.4930		Security Management /
Issues in Technology and Security		3
CRIM.3900Criminal Justice Research Methods (IL), (SRE)3
xxxx.xxxxArts and Humanities Perspective (AH)3
xxxx.xxxxScience, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Perspective (STEM)3
xxxx.xxxxCriminal Justice / Social Sciences / Minor Elective3
Total15

Spring Semester

Course NumberCourse NameCredits
CRIM.3950Statistics in Criminal Justice3
CRIM.3970 /
CRIM.4930		Crime Mapping /
Issues in Technology and Security		3
CRIM.3480Advanced Seminar in Weapons of Mass Destruction and Terrorism3
xxxx.xxxxCriminal Justice / Social Sciences / Minor Elective3
xxxx.xxxxFree Elective23
Total15

Senior Year

Fall Semester

Course NumberCourse NameCredits
CRIM.3490Intelligence and National Security3
CRIM.3980Criminal Justice Data Analysis3
xxxx.3/4xxxCriminal Justice / Minor Elective3
xxxx.3/4xxxSocial Sciences / Minor Elective3
xxxx.xxxxFree Elective23
Total15

Spring Semester

Course NumberCourse NameCredits
CRIM.4890Capstone Seminar in Criminology and Criminal Justice (WOC), (CTPS), (AIL)3
xxxx.3/4xxxCriminal Justice / Minor Elective3
xxxx.3/4xxxSocial Sciences / Minor Elective3
xxxx.xxxxFree Elective23
xxxx.xxxxFree Elective23
Total15

Total Minimum Credits = 120.

1Required for all entering freshmen; not required for those who transfer to UMass Lowell or into the Criminal Justice major.

2Free electives must be from departments other than Criminal Justice.

Notes:

  • Criminal Justice majors must maintain a 2.500 Criminal Justice GPA to remain in the major and an overall GPA of 2.200.
  • Criminal Justice majors need a minimum of 36 credits and cannot exceed 60 credits in Criminal Justice.

No more than two Breadth of Knowledge courses can be taken with the same prefix. The Core Curriculum courses may be taken in any sequence. Refer to the Core Curriculum policy for further details. You should meet with your faculty adviser to determine how you will meet the Core Curriculum requirements.

Current UMass Lowell students should be using their Advisement Report in SiS. If you need assistance, please contact your adviser.

Restriction on off-campus study:

Be advised that any course taken at another institution must be formally approved prior to enrollment.

See the catalog policy for details.

Breadth of Knowledge (BOK) Glossary

  • SS - Social Sciences Perspective - 9 credits
  • AH - Arts and Humanities Perspective - 9 credits
  • SCL - Sciences with Lab Perspective - 6 credits
  • STEM - Science, Technology, Engineering and Math Perspective - 3 credits
  • CW - College Writing I and II - 6 credits
  • MATH - Math Perspective - 3 credits

Read more about the Breadth of Knowledge requirements.

Essential Learning Outcomes (ELO) Glossary

  • AIL - Applied and Integrative Learning
  • CTPS - Critical Thinking and Problem Solving
  • DCA - Diversity and Cultural Awareness
  • IL - Information Literacy
  • QL - Quantitative Literacy
  • SRE - Social Responsibility and Ethics
  • WOC - Written and Oral Communication

Read more about the Essential Learning Outcomes.

For students who entered fall 2022 and beyond.

Freshman Year

Fall Semester

Course NumberCourse NameCredits
ENGL.1010 /
HONR.1100		College Writing I /
First Year Seminar in Honors: Text in the City (CW)		3
CRIM.1010The Criminal Justice System (DCA)3
CRIM.2210Criminology3
FAHS.1090First Year Experience Seminar11
xxxx.xxxxArts and Humanities Perspective (AH)3
xxxx.xxxxSocial Sciences Perspective (SS)3
Total16

Spring Semester

Course NumberCourse NameCredits
ENGL.1020College Writing II (CW)3
CRIM.1410Introduction to Policing3
CRIM.1510Introduction to Corrections3
MATH.2830Introduction to Statistics (MATH), (QL)3
xxxx.xxxxSciences with Lab Perspective (SCL)3-4
Total15-16

Sophomore Year

Fall Semester

Course NumberCourse NameCredits
CRIM.2010Systemic Issues in Criminal Justice3
CRIM.2340Criminal Law3
xxxx.xxxxSocial Sciences Perspective (SS)3
xxxx.xxxxSciences with Lab Perspective (SCL)3-4
xxxx.xxxxFree Elective23
Total15-16

Spring Semester

Course NumberCourse NameCredits
CRIM.2800Criminal Justice Ethics3
xxxx.xxxxCriminal Justice / Social Sciences / Minor Elective3
xxxx.xxxxSocial Sciences Perspective (SS)3
xxxx.xxxxArts and Humanities Perspective (AH)3
xxxx.xxxxFree Elective23
Total15

Junior Year

Fall Semester

Course NumberCourse NameCredits
CRIM.3470Police Innovations3
CRIM.3900Criminal Justice Research Methods (IL), (SRE)3
xxxx.xxxxArts and Humanities Perspective (AH)3
xxxx.xxxxScience, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Perspective (STEM)3
xxxx.xxxxCriminal Justice / Social Sciences / Minor Elective3
Total15

Spring Semester

Course NumberCourse NameCredits
CRIM.2330Criminal Procedure3
CRIM.3730Contemporary Issues in Policing3
CRIM.3950Statistics in Criminal Justice3
CRIM.3970 /
CRIM.4930		Crime Mapping /
Issues in Technology and Security		3
xxxx.xxxxFree Elective23
Total15

Senior Year

Fall Semester

Course NumberCourse NameCredits
CRIM.3600Gender, Race, and Crime3
CRIM.3980Criminal Justice Data Analysis3
xxxx.3/4xxxCriminal Justice / Minor Elective3
xxxx.3/4xxxSocial Sciences / Minor Elective3
xxxx.xxxxFree Elective23
Total15

Spring Semester

Course NumberCourse NameCredits
CRIM.4890Capstone Seminar in Criminology and Criminal Justice (WOC), (CTPS), (AIL)3
xxxx.3/4xxxCriminal Justice / Minor Elective3
xxxx.3/4xxxSocial Sciences / Minor Elective3
xxxx.xxxxFree Elective23
xxxx.xxxxFree Elective23
Total15

Total Minimum Credits = 120

1Required for all entering freshmen; not required for those who transfer to UMass Lowell or into the Criminal Justice major.

2Free electives must be from departments other than Criminal Justice.

Notes:

  • Criminal Justice majors must maintain a 2.500 Criminal Justice GPA to remain in the major and an overall GPA of 2.200.
  • Criminal Justice majors need a minimum of 36 credits and cannot exceed 60 credits in Criminal Justice

No more than two Breadth of Knowledge courses can be taken with the same prefix. The Core Curriculum courses may be taken in any sequence. Refer to the Core Curriculum policy for further details. You should meet with your faculty adviser to determine how you will meet the Core Curriculum requirements.

Current UMass Lowell students should be using their Advisement Report in SiS. If you need assistance, please contact your adviser.

Restriction on off-campus study:

Be advised that any course taken at another institution must be formally approved prior to enrollment.

See the catalog policy for details.

Breadth of Knowledge (BOK) Glossary

  • SS - Social Sciences Perspective - 9 credits
  • AH - Arts and Humanities Perspective - 9 credits
  • SCL - Sciences with Lab Perspective - 6 credits
  • STEM - Science, Technology, Engineering and Math Perspective - 3 credits
  • CW - College Writing I and II - 6 credits
  • MATH - Math Perspective - 3 credits

Read more about the Breadth of Knowledge requirements.

Essential Learning Outcomes (ELO) Glossary

  • AIL - Applied and Integrative Learning
  • CTPS - Critical Thinking and Problem Solving
  • DCA - Diversity and Cultural Awareness
  • IL - Information Literacy
  • QL - Quantitative Literacy
  • SRE - Social Responsibility and Ethics
  • WOC - Written and Oral Communication

Read more about the Essential Learning Outcomes.

Meet Our Students

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.
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.
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.

Why study criminal justice at UMass Lowell?

Shot of the exterior of the Health & Social Sciences building on South Campus

Research Opportunities

Work with faculty on large-scale, national and international research projects, including:

A group of students standing with Neil Shortland outside of the Department of Homeland Security’s P2P: Challenging Extremism competition.

Expert Faculty

Our faculty are leaders in the field, working collaboratively with communities and agencies around the world to assist with strategic problem solving, crime analysis, evaluation research and policy analysis.

Criminal Justice student Corey Lanier speaks at the morning Commencement ceremony.

Graduate Programs

Advance your career options in the criminal justice field through our highly rated graduate programs:

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

Bachelor's-to-Master's Program

Earn a Bachelor's and a Master's degree in Criminal Justice in as little as five years with our combined bachelor's-to-master's program. 

  • Advance your knowledge and skills in criminal justice.
  • Prepare for leadership roles in law enforcement, corrections and other justice-related fields. 
  • Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) not required.

Take the Next Step

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Contact Us

For program-specific questions, contact:

Ryan T. Shields, Ph.D.
Undergraduate Program Coordinator
Phone: 978-934-4335
Email: Ryan_Shields@uml.edu