Criminal Justice | Springfield College

Criminal Justice

Major or minor
Bachelor of Science
About This Program
Program Contact
Curriculum and Delivery
  • Our Experiential Major Map helps you visualize and design your journey
  • Program delivery options
    • On Campus (Weekdays) in Springfield, Mass. 
    • 100% online asynchronous - Participate in the learning process on your own time when and wherever you can connect to the internet. This is ideal for those who need the flexibility to work at their own pace and/or can't commit to specific class meeting times.
  • Develop valuable critical thinking and communication skills
  • Learn from highly qualified and dedicated faculty 
  • Have a variety of career options and be able to give back to your community
  • Major sample schedule
  • Minor sample schedule

Top professional fields where alumni work:

  • U.S. Supreme Court
  • U.S. Federal Probation
  • Drug Enforcement Administration
  • U.S. Marshals Office
  • Hampden County Sheriff’s Office
  • Hampden County Office of Probation
  • Victim Witness Advocate Office
  • Massachusetts State Police
  • Connecticut State Police
  • Springfield Police Department
  • District Attorney’s Office, Springfield
  • Enfield, Conn., Police Department
  • Springfield College Public Safety
  • Massachusetts Department of Youth Services
  • New York State Police
  • New York City Police Department
Paying for Your Education
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Upcoming Events

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Springfield College criminal justice majors conduct a crime scene investigation lab with Professor John Barbieri

Be an Agent of Change.

Take an interdisciplinary approach to studying the social and political legal systems in the United States and around the world through the Criminal Justice major at Springfield College. You’ll examine critical questions about the legal process, review the psychology behind why individuals commit crimes, and discuss how governments should balance individual rights and public safety. You’ll also experience your area of interest in the field firsthand through internship experiences. 

Our graduates are prepared for graduate school or careers in national, state, and local government, law enforcement, corrections, and community mediation.

“Springfield College’s mission of providing leadership in service to others helped guide me toward the career path I have chosen in criminal justice. My courses provided me with a strong knowledge-base in criminal justice and helped me develop interpersonal skills that were invaluable at my internship at Palmer District Court in the Probation Department. The education I received, the relationships I built, and the social skills I developed as a member of the Springfield College Criminal Justice Program have set me up for success in the professional world.” Zachary Wright ’19
Springfield College provided me with a quality education and the support that helped shape who I am today. The professors and advisors were always there to provide me with advice, support, and guidance as I earned my degree and worked through internships and jobs. Without Springfield College, I certainly would not be in the position I am today. Jon D'Angelo '14, Staff Assistant for U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren
Springfield College
Assistant Professor of Criminal Justice Gary Berte speaks at the podium after being appointed to the Springfield Community Police Hearing Board.
Educated by Experts

Our criminal justice majors are educated by current experts in the field, like Assistant Professor of Criminal Justice Gary Berte who is appointed to the Community Police Hearing Board (CPHB) by Springfield Mayor Domenic J. Sarno. Berte brings extensive first-hand experience and knowledge of criminal justice and community relations to the CPHB.

Develop Academically and Morally

Criminal Justice major Nicholas Bainter talks about his professors' passion to see students succeed and develop not just academically, but morally. 

Forbes Advisor ranked us among the Best Massachusetts Online Colleges

Springfield College has been recognized as one of the best online colleges in Massachusetts for 2024 by Forbes Advisor. Forbes Advisor scored schools based on the categories of credibility, affordability, student outcomes, student experience, and application process. 

In selecting Springfield College, Forbes advisor noted that the College “offers online bachelor’s degrees with majors that prepare students for careers in human services and the nonprofit sector. The school developed its online programs guided by the Humanics philosophy, emphasizing leadership in service to others. Admission requirements include a high school diploma or GED certificate and at least 15 college credits. Springfield College has a prior learning assessment program that lets students apply credit toward their degree for personal or professional experiences outside the classroom.”

Department of Criminal Justice Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Statement

The Department of Criminal Justice supports an inclusive learning environment where diversity and differences are appreciated and recognized as a source of strength. Students, faculty, and staff in the department embrace differences and are committed to understanding how other peoples' perspectives and views may differ.

Each voice is meaningful to classroom discussions. We strive to create a safe educational environment where people of all ages, backgrounds, disability statuses, ethnicities, genders, nationalities, political views, races, religions, sexual orientations, socioeconomic statuses, and other identity-based attributes are supported in sharing their perspectives and experiences.