Criminal Justice | Springfield College

Criminal Justice

Major or minor
Bachelor of Science
About This Program
Program Contact
Curriculum and Delivery
Graduate Success and Careers
Paying for Your Education
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Springfield College criminal justice majors conduct a crime scene investigation lab with Professor John Barbieri

Investigate Your Future in Law Enforcement.

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.

What job can I get with a degree in Criminal Justice?

A degree in Criminal Justice from Springfield College opens up a variety of exciting career opportunities in the field of law and public safety.

Springfield College provides a comprehensive curriculum that combines theoretical knowledge with hands-on experience, preparing you to excel in these roles. Begin your journey toward a rewarding career in Criminal Justice with us today!

Data is from the 2024 Occupational Outlook Handbook from the Bureau of Labor Statistics


Police and Detectives
$74,910
Median Salary
4%
Job Projected Growth
28,700+
Job Projected Openings

Police officers protect lives and property. Detectives and criminal investigators, who are sometimes called agents or special agents, gather facts and collect evidence of crimes.

 



Emergency Management Directors
$83,960
Median Salary
4%
Job Projected Growth
500+
Job Projected Openings

Emergency management directors prepare plans and procedures for responding to natural disasters and other emergencies. They also help lead the response during and after emergencies, often in coordination with public safety officials, elected officials, nonprofit organizations, and government agencies.



Forensic Science Technicians
$64,940
Median Salary
14%
Job Projected Growth
2,500+
Job Projected Openings

Forensic science technicians aid criminal investigations by collecting and analyzing evidence. Technicians often specialize in either crime scene or laboratory analysis. Forensic science technicians who collect and store evidence from the scene of a crime are sometimes called crime scene technicians. They photograph and document the scene and search for fingerprints or DNA evidence. They must take care to store evidence in a way that preserves its integrity and are responsible for the evidence chain of custody.


“The Criminal Justice faculty was the selling point for me. They teach through experience and example. They reply to students promptly, are aware of their needs and concerns, and are available both during and outside of office hours for
individual support and mentorship.” Kalia Roberson '24
Kalia Roberson - Springfield College
“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
"I decided to pursue a combined major in Computer Science and Criminal Justice based on the advice of Professor James O'Brien. This decision has allowed me to explore opportunities in both fields, equipping me with the knowledge and skills necessary to address contemporary challenges in law enforcement and technology."
Ali Mohsin Bozdar, Computer Science & Criminal Justice, Class of 2026
Ali Mohsin Bozdar
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.