Our department offers an extensive range of courses and opportunities designed to prepare students for successful careers related to the field of criminal justice. At the undergraduate level, we offer a B.A. in Criminology. For those interested in an advanced degree, we have both an M.S. in Criminal Justice and an M.A. in Criminal Justice Administration. For students looking accelerate their educational goals and professional marketability, we offer a B.A to M.S. program that can be completed in five years total. Non-majors can pursue a minor in Criminal Justice (18 credits).
Our 14 full-time faculty members are cross-discipline experts with a variety of specializations related to criminology and criminal justice. We pride ourselves on fostering diversity, encouraging creativity, and emphasizing critical thinking in all our programs.
Students complete 39 credits within the department, including introductory courses that provide a foundational knowledge and upper-level electives that allow students to explore more advanced topics related to their interests. All students participate in an experiential learning opportunity as part of our Field Studies (Internship) course, gaining real-world experience and agency networking contacts prior to graduation. Graduates often find employment in law enforcement, courts, corrections, and non-profit organizations within and beyond Connecticut. Many also choose to continue their education with the skills needed to pursue advanced degrees.
Our accelerated BA to MS program combines our most popular undergraduate and graduate programs, allowing students to complete both degrees in 5 years. Students apply to this program in their junior year and begin taking graduate coursework the following year, allowing them to accelerate their career and educational goals! Students in this program showcase their ability to apply research and theory to real-world problems through presentation of original research, often alongside justice agencies.
Our MS in Criminal Justice is intended for those looking to enhance their knowledge of criminal justice topics necessary for effective intervention and policy implementation. Applying criminological theory and research methodology, students learn executive decision-making, policy development and analysis, and offender treatment skills. This 30-credit program includes the opportunity to showcase original research. Full-time students can complete the program in as little as 18 months. Our diverse student body includes recent graduates and professionals with extensive field experience.
The MA in Criminal Justice Administration launched in 2024: This online and hy-flex program is tailored for experienced professionals aiming for leadership roles. Enrolled students are practitioners representing a variety of agencies throughout the justice system, including detectives, police command staff, clinicians, victim advocates, and correctional staff. In this program, students earn stackable professional certificates while practicing the skills needed to make informed decisions based on empirical research and evidence-based practice. Within this 30-credit program, students also gain professional networking opportunities as they learn alongside and collaborate with other experienced professionals and share their professional knowledge.
We also host Connecticut’s detective certification programs, in collaboration with the state Detective Methodology Program Advisory Board, which can be applied for credit toward our undergraduate or graduate programs.