Criminal Justice

Program Information

The criminal justice major prepares students to analyze criminal justice systems and processes, with an emphasis on local, state and federal agencies and their responses to crime control. Emphasis is also placed on the development of communication and critical thinking skills that contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of the fundamental relationship existing between the criminal justice system and diverse community structures. The major will immerse students in the history of, as well as modern applications of local, state and federal responses to crime control. It is often chosen by students interested in careers in law enforcement, the courts, and corrections, providing the academic foundation for students who plan to attend graduate or professional schools. Students taking courses at the traditional campus will be able to take two classes online for the major.

Criminal justice advisors assist students to discover their individual strengths, in making an appropriate selection of courses and internships to complement those strengths, in their pursuit of academic growth and professional development.

5-year Combined Masters in Social Work, B.S. / M.S.W. Program - Qualified students at Springfield College who are majoring in Criminal Justice may be eligible for the 5-year combined B.S./M.S.W. dual degree program. Students, in consultation with their undergraduate advisor, will structure their coursework early in their undergraduate career so that a required 17 semester hours of Social Work foundation coursework may be taken in the senior year.

Are you interested in a law school degree? Pre-law advising is available to any student interested in pursuing a law school degree. Contact Professor Thomas Carty, pre-law advisor, at (413) 748-3254. Click here to learn more.

For students enrolled through our on-line and regional campuses, there is also a Human Services program with a concentration in Criminal Justice. This program is available through blended classroom coursework as well as on-line. For more information on this program, click here: Human Services / Criminal Justice .

To view a major program sequence to assist with course planning, click here.

Degree Information

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

(120 credits hours) Requirements are subject to change.

Contact Information

For more information about the criminal justice major, contact Dr. Francesca Spina, chairperson of the Criminal Justice Department at (413) 748-3358 or the Admissions Office at (800) 343-1257.

Curricular Requirements

I. Core Curriculum (40 credits)

This Core Curriculum is faithful to the Springfield College mission and further strengthens the Humanics philosophy of educating students in spirit, mind, and body. It is a cornerstone of a Springfield College education. Regardless of one’s major, it provides a strong, developmental, and holistic foundation for leaders in service to humanity. Upon completion, all graduates will be prepared to learn, lead, and serve in diverse, multicultural, and global contexts as well as in any career path they may choose. They will have the knowledge, habits of the mind, skills, and abilities to face unexpected situations and challenges, the values and attitudes for self-motivation and a vision of service that stems from hope, optimism and making a difference, as well as the self-determination to maintain a healthy and active lifestyle.

View the Core Curriculum Requirements (40 credits) section for a complete list of the domains and courses therein.