Program Description

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 regional and online campuses, there is also a Criminal Justice/Human Services, B.S.   program that is available through blended classroom coursework as well as online.

Undergraduate Curriculum Overview

The Academic Advising Center provides the following repositories of sequencing and curriculum guides for all undergraduate majors and minors to assist with course planning:  

• Sequencing Guides - Majors (Traditional Population)  
• Sequencing Guides - Minors (Traditional Population) 
• Curriculum Guides (Regional and Online Population)

Additional Notes:

• There may be circumstances where credit totals do not reflect coursework that is eligible to count towards Core Curriculum and Major Requirement sections of a major simultaneously.
• Degree requirements are subject to change. 

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.

II. Major Requirements (39 credits)

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