Criminology and Criminal Justice Major

You’ll explore lawmaking, lawbreaking and their social consequences, and learn how to reduce crime and improve criminal-justice policies.

What You’ll Learn

In the criminology and criminal justice program, you will:

• Deepen your understanding of the complex relationship between society and its members.
• Focus on the degree to which people’s lives are influenced by sociocultural, political-economic and historical forces.
• Cultivate critical thinking and informed analysis about the legal system, crime and systems of punishment and social control.
• Examine how inequalities of race, class, gender, age and sexuality are intertwined with systems of control and punishment.
• Learn the theoretical perspectives and research methods criminologists use to systematically study the multifaceted aspects of crime.

Hands-on Learning

100% of criminology and criminal justice majors participate in at least one internship.

In our required semester-long internship program, you’ll learn to apply criminological reasoning through supervised fieldwork experiences at agencies like the U.S. Probation Office, Essex County Sheriff’s Office and the Department of Children and Families. Bonus? Not only will you get to test-drive your career options and learn from professionals in the field, you’ll gain a better understanding of your postgraduate education options and build a network for potential full-time employment after graduation.

Career Options

Upon successful completion of the criminology program, you’ll be well-equipped to pursue a career in criminology or a related professional field such as law, criminal justice, conflict resolution or social work. Positions may include:

• Correctional officer
• Criminal profiler
• Crime-victim specialist
• Federal special agent
• Forensic-science technician
• Forensic psychologist
• Fire investigator
• Probation officer
• Security specialist