Degree: Bachelor of Science (B.S.) with a major in Criminal Justice

(120 credits hours) Requirements are subject to change.

The criminal justice major at Springfield College prepares students to carefully analyze criminal justice processes, with an emphasis on community-based, state, and federal responses to social control. Students learn not only how criminal justice agencies work, but why and with what consequences. The major emphasizes the development of communication and reasoning skills and fosters an understanding of the relationship between criminal justice and race, class, and gender, and social institutions (i.e., family, schools, political, and economic systems).

Criminal justice advisors assist students to discover their individual strengths, in making an appropriate selection of courses and internships to complement those strengths, and to develop a wider understanding of social processes.

The criminal justice major prepares students to make civic contributions as thoughtful, informed citizens and to engage in life-long learning. The major also prepares students for a variety of entry-level employment opportunities in law enforcement, court personnel, corrections, community mediation, and social justice organizing efforts. This combination leads to exciting and interesting career opportunities in criminal justice and related fields.

B.S. / M.S.W. Program - Students majoring in Criminal Justice may have the option of pursuing a Masters in Social Work degree through an accelerated program offered by the Springfield College School of Social Work.

For more information about the criminal justice major, contact Dr. Gordon Robinson of the Social Science Department at (413) 748-3256 or the Admissions Office at (800) 343-1257.

Download a Criminal Justice Program Checksheet