Criminology and Criminal Justice Major

Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Criminology and Criminal Justice

100% of students participate in a semester-long internship at agencies like the Department of Homeland Security and the Department of Children and Families.

As a criminology and criminal justice major, you’ll gain a deeper knowledge of what causes crimand how to improve criminal justice policies. You’ll be well prepared for a career in law enforcement, corrections, counseling or criminal investigation.

Criminology and Criminal Justice Degree at a Glance

Program Type

Major

Mode of Study

On Campus

Internship

Guaranteed

Est. Time

4 Years

Start Terms

Fall, Spring

Accreditation

NECHE

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The Criminology and Criminal Justice Major

As a criminology and criminal justice major, you’ll explore lawmaking, lawbreaking and the social consequences of both. Bonus? Your courses will give you an inside look at the broader sociocultural, political-economic and historical forces that impact people’s lives.

What You'll Study

At Merrimack, our criminology and criminal justice students will study a variety of subjects to prepare for future careers. Key areas include:

The Criminal Justice System
Society and Law
Corporate and White-Collar Crime
Cybercrime
Rural Crime
Global Justice

Skills You'll Learn

Level up your skills in the classroom, so you’re the most prepared for your future career!

Critical Thinking
Methods of Research
Crime Scene and Evidence Processing

Criminology and Criminal Justice Courses You'll Take

The Criminal justice system

CRM 1100

This course provides an overview of the US Criminal justice system, with a focus on this case processing of adults. Students will gain a thorough understanding of the historical development of the criminal justice system, how police, courts and the correctional system operate.

Society and law

CRM 3000

The larger goal of this course is to gain an understanding of the significant relationship which law plays in our everyday lives and its role in society. Throughout the course, we will address several questions: How, when, and why do laws arise? How do legal systems reflect the values of the society?

forensic criminal investigation

CRM 3700

Students examine the methods, strategies, objectives, and processes employed by criminal justice practitioners through mock investigations and trials. Students will also consider the ethical obligations that those who are vested with the public trust undertake as criminal investigators.

See All Courses & Options Available to Criminology and Criminal Justice Majors

Criminology and Criminal Justice Major Requirements

General Education Requirements

In addition to the major requirements below, you will also need to complete Merrimack’s general education requirements. To see more details about the major, please visit catalog.merrimack.edu.

Criminology and Criminal Justice, B.A.

Minimum number of credits required to graduate:  124

Minimum cumulative GPA required to graduate:  2.0

Minimum number of credits to complete the major:  44

 

School: School of Education and Social Policy

Department: Criminology and Criminal Justice

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Major Requirements

The major requires completing a minimum of eleven courses. The first courses for all students in the major are 

 and . These prerequisite courses give students baseline knowledge for all courses taught in the major.

Required Courses

The following six courses are required:

Required Electives

Choose five elective courses from the following:

Additional Elective Course Options

A maximum of two elective courses can be chosen from the following list of courses related to the field of criminology and criminal justice:

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Sample Four-Year Schedule - Curriculum Guide

Wondering when you’ll take certain courses? Use the Curriculum Guide—a sample four-year schedule—to get a sense of what your path to graduation looks like.

Criminology and Criminal Justice Students In the Classroom & Beyond

When it comes to career readiness, we believe getting outside of the classroom is key. At Merrimack, you’ll complement your coursework with experiences like guaranteed internships, co-ops, service learning or faculty-led research projects.

Career Outlook: Where Can a Criminology and Criminal Justice Degree Take You?

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Career Outcomes Rate

96% of the undergraduate class of 2023 in the School of Education and Social Policy were either employed, participating in voluntary service or continuing their education within nine months of graduation.

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Experiential Learning

100% of Education majors participate in at least one practicum. You’ll gain invaluable classroom experience during your pre-practicum and practicum student teaching.

Graduate School

Northeastern University, Ottawa University, Vanderbilt University and Merrimack are just some of the graduate programs SESP graduates are attending.

Jobs with a Criminology and Criminal Justice Degree

Upon completing our program, you’ll be well-equipped to pursue graduate study or a career in criminal justice and related disciplines. Positions may include:

  • Correctional officer
  • Crime-victim specialist
  • Federal special agent
  • Forensic-science technician
  • Forensic psychologist
  • Security specialist

Where Merrimack Criminology and Criminal Justice & Graduates Work Intern

Essex County Sheriff

Forensic Psychologist

U.S. Department of Homeland Security

Internship

Massachusetts House of Representatives

Legislative Aide

National Law Enforcement Officers Museum

Internship

York, ME Police Department

Probation Officer

St. Ann's Home - Methuen

Internship - Disabilities

Windrush Farm - Boxford

Internship - Equine Therapy

Crest Collab. - Andover

Internship - Inclusive Ed.

Beyond the Classroom

See for Yourself

Programs Related to the Criminology and Criminal Justice Major

Explore other areas and where they can take you.

Take the Next Step (We're Here to Help)

At Merrimack, we are ready to meet you where you are and get you where you want to go. And, we make the process simple along the way!

Upcoming Events

four students sitting in a cafe around a laptop

Info Session & Campus Tour

Monday-Friday & Most Saturdays

Attend a 20-minute info session led by an admission counselor and then take a student-led campus tour. Registration is required.

Merrimack College Awards & Recognition

U.S. News & World Report | Best Regional Universities North (2024)

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