A degree in criminal justice offers a wide range of outstanding professional opportunities and is one of the nation’s fastest-growing academic disciplines. Our undergraduate, graduate and undergraduate/graduate combined degree programs foster the necessary skills for careers in the field including critical thinking skills, ethical decision-making, communication skills, quantitative reasoning, an understanding of diversity and technology, and computing skills.
With over 30 years of experience, Salem State's criminal justice program is well qualified to provide students with the necessary skills for a successful career in this field, advancing the career of current professionals and for entry into graduate school. Our dedicated faculty has a wide range of expertise and some also have experience working in the field. They provide a challenging and intellectually stimulating classroom environment combined with real-world experience in the field through supervised internships and service-learning options.
Our program is Quinn Bill certified and is designed to prepare you to meet the demands of today’s criminal justice system.
A Commitment to Serving the Community
From student to community leader, this Viking is making a difference.
Daneé Allen '18
BS/MS Criminal Justice 4+1 Program
"One of the most exciting professional opportunities I've had since graduating is establishing a juvenile delinquency prevention program in my hometown. This program provides inner-city youth with opportunities and services that meet their personal needs, from the basics to college readiness and academic preparation."
Our criminal justice program offers a broad liberal arts education coupled with a specialization in criminal justice. Our faculty employ innovative teaching styles and techniques to help you analyze substantive issues, develop verbal and writing skills, acquire proficiency in research methods, statistical analysis and computer applications, and enhance critical thinking. Integrating criminal justice theory, research, administration, and policy into our curriculum, our students develop a proficiency in statistical analysis, computer applications and critical thinking-skills required for careers in today’s criminal justice system, or for further education. The various concentrations blend the university’s core curriculum with our own core of criminal justice requirements as well as a wide variety of electives designed to meet students’ specific areas of interest.
The criminal justice department also offers an accelerated 4 +1 program that allows eligible students to earn both a bachelor of science degree and a master of science degree in only five years instead of the traditional six years. The program allows students to count four graduate courses toward their undergraduate degree. This innovative program saves students time and money.
Criminal investigation is an essential part of the functioning of the criminal justice system. All law enforcement agencies -- federal, state, local, and special -- conduct criminal investigation employing different methods. The criminal investigation concentration in criminal justice introduces you to various aspects of criminal investigation, i.e crime scene analysis, search and seizure, interrogation and witness interview, profiling of offenders economic offenses investigation, and use of forensics.
Criminology is the study of crime and its causes as well as its effects and social impacts. Criminologists study crime data to better understand the many causes of crime and to assist criminal justice professionals and officials in implementing the most effective ways to prevent and reduce crime. The field of criminology is interdisciplinary and draws from a number of other fields including psychology, sociology, biology, economics as well as many others.
The minor in criminal justice is open to Salem State undergraduate students who want to focus on criminal justice administration or technology and research.
With the increase in computer-related and internet-based opportunities comes an increase in the capacity to exploit those opportunities and a broadening of the any potential victim base.
The minor in cybercrime provides students with a strong, focused, foundation of the legal, technical, investigative, behavioral, and ethical issues faced by the public and private sector law enforcement and asset protection community.
Computers and the internet provide a new method for committing old crimes and an avenue for the innovative criminal. The curriculum combines key courses in criminal justice, computer science, law, and social science. Students are exposed to the criminological and sociological explanations of cybercrime, types of cybercrimes, ethical dilemmas, identifying and preventing cyber-attacks, networking technologies, and the strengths and limitations of federal and state laws, statutes, and policies.
The criminal justice security management minor provides students with understanding of the criminological theories and practical approaches to Homeland security, national defense, emergency management, cybercrime and cyber security, private security and loss prevention, and related fields and topics. Through criminologal and criminal justice lenses, students will gain insight into the nature and extent of security threats, and how to prevent, detect, and deter them. Highly motivated students will be prepared for entering fields such as in homeland security, intelligence collection and analysis, foreign relations, Department of Defense, Department of State, diplomacy, policy analysis and reform, and more.
The master of science in criminal justice is a fully online (asynchronous) program designed for those who want to advance or pursue careers in criminal justice as well as those who plan to secure a doctoral degree in the field. A robust combination of theory and research, our program is Quinn Bill approved and adheres to the standards of the Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences for graduate programs.
All criminal justice agencies, including the courts, police, and correctional facilities, require managers at various levels. The administration concentration in criminal justice focuses on the organizational structure and functions of such agencies and is an ideal program for students aiming to gain working knowledge of criminal justice agencies.
Criminology is the study of crime and its causes as well as its effects and social impacts. Criminologists study crime data to better understand the many causes of crime and to assist criminal justice professionals and officials in implementing the most effective ways to prevent and reduce crime. The field of criminology is interdisciplinary and draws from a number of other fields including psychology, sociology, biology, economics as well as many others.
"There are so many milestones in the long, storied history of the American criminal justice system. From landmark cases to prolific serial offenders, this field has more than its fair share of excitement. In the future, I want to be a part of the next big piece of pivotal progress."
"The conversations in my classes have always been dynamic, engaging, fruitful, and often challenging. Students have expressed anticipation of taking courses together again a number of times. It is a spirit of diverse perspectives that complement us to one another."
"I definitely learned a lot in the program, which allowed me to pursue a PhD in criminology. For me, deciding to do the thesis option was very helpful because I learned a lot about research methods. Hopefully, it will someday turn into a career in academia."
Salem State's criminal justice program is committed to providing a diverse, intellectually stimulating, student-centered environment that offers a variety of interactive academic and field experiences. The department will foster socially responsible leaders, who are committed to continuing scholarship and to regional and global goals.
Program Goals
Increase students’ knowledge of the crime, and of the criminal justice system and its components.
Expand students’ understanding of criminological theories and research and their relevance to criminal justice policies.
Develop students’ critical thinking, oral and written communication skills, and problem-solving capabilities.
Expand students’ appreciation of social responsibility, ethics, and diversity.
Augment students’ leadership skills through classroom and field experiences.
Criminal Justice Faculty
Hear from Criminal Justice Faculty
"No other discipline really focuses on racial and social issues than does criminal justice, and so there are many opportunities for students to pursue from that concentration."
Whether you want to learn more about our program, or partner with us for a community initiative or event, we encourage you to get in touch with us. If you're looking for a specific criminal justice faculty or staff member, select 'See All Contacts' for our complete directory.
