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

General Education Program (40 - 46 credits)

The General Education program at Springfield College is informed by its century-old Humanics tradition of educating the whole person in spirit, mind, and body, for leadership in service to humanity. These requirements have the goal of developing literate, thoughtful, socially responsible students, and instilling in them a spirit of inquiry into the nature of humankind and the universe. Towards those ends, the requirements emphasize and encourage: the acquisition of knowledge, understanding, and competency essential for the improvement of the human condition in a diverse society; a search for personal and spiritual values; and the development of an understanding and appreciation of physical well-being. 

For specific requirements, see the General Education Program - Traditional Undergraduate Students (40 - 46 credits)  section.

II. Major Requirements

III. Electives (to complete a minimum of 120 credits)