Criminology & Criminal Justice Major

Make communities safer. Build a better and more just system. Be an agent of organizational change.

a police officer speaks to students at a career fair

Program Type: Major

School/Division: School of Social Innovation

Recommended Experiences: Internships; On-Campus Employment Opportunities; Study Abroad

Let us help you find...: Internships; Admissions; Current Students College Catalog

Seeking a more just future, for everyone.

Prepare for a career that lifts up communities and makes them safer. When you study Criminology & Criminal Justice at Champlain College, you’ll explore professional opportunities in highly needed fields including law enforcement, criminology, corrections, or any one of a number of careers in criminal justice policy. You’ll also develop deep ethics and empathy, strong values, and a broad perspective to make a difference in the world.

Champlain’s Criminology & Criminal Justice program’s dynamic curriculum combines foundational and skills-based courses such as criminal law, criminology, and police operations with a focus on social justice that addresses the changing nature of law enforcement and the larger criminal justice system and prepares you to become an ethical, service-minded leader.

What is Criminology & Criminal Justice?

The study of criminology and criminal justice focuses on crime, criminal behavior, and the criminal justice system. It is concerned with the sociological and psychological reasons behind crime and the best ways society should respond to it.

Why Study Criminology & Criminal Justice at Champlain College?

You’ll learn by doing, right away. Thanks to our Upside-Down Curriculum, you’ll take criminal justice courses in your first year that set you up for later internships or field work. As you continue, you’ll gain practical professional experience within the local Burlington community—a national leader in forward-thinking criminal justice reform. You can work with current prison inmates through our Prison Law Initiative, helping them to learn to navigate some of the legal issues they face. You can also intern with local police departments, prosecutors, defense attorneys, or other social service agencies, gaining a wide perspective on the whole criminal justice field. And your training will be up-to-date: select classes are cross-listed with our Computer and Digital Forensics program, making sure you have a modern take on crime and safety.

In this interdisciplinary program that brings together both theory and practice, graduates will come away with a greater understanding of the role the criminal justice system plays throughout all facets of society, and they’ll be ready to get to work to make communities safer and effect lasting change to the system.

students uses a bullhorn; reads from notes

Different by Design

Spread Knowledge, Gain Wisdom

Through our Prison Law Initiative and under the guidance of faculty, you’ll have the opportunity to teach incarcerated individuals about their rights. It’s a unique experience that broadens perspectives and understanding about life inside prisons, while also empowering others.

Be A Change Agent

In the spring semester of senior year, students who wish to be law enforcement officers can complete an intensive 15-week program at the Vermont Police Academy—while at the same time earning 15 credits toward their degree.

A Forward-Thinking Community

You can gain first-hand professional experience within the local Burlington Community—a national leader in forward-thinking criminal justice reform. You might even be taught by a State’s Attorney, a judge, or a police officer.

Facts & Stats

100%

of Criminology & Criminal Justice graduates in the Class of 2023 were either employed or continuing their education just six months after graduation.

THE BEST

Champlain College was listed among the “Best Colleges” by U.S. News & World Report in 2025.

11:1

Our student-to-faculty ratio means you can count on personalized support and guidance from faculty and staff committed to your academic success.

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Sample Courses in the Criminology & Criminal Justice Major

Check out some of the engaging and hands-on courses in our program. Our Upside-Down Curriculum will put you in your major right away.

First Year

CRJ 120 Criminal Law

CRJ 250 Introduction to Criminology

Second Year

FOR 100 Introduction to Cybercrime & Digital Forensics

EHS 210 Social Justice Intensive

Third Year

SWK 305 Social Justice: Oppression and Empowerment

WRT 231 Writing for the Workplace

Fourth Year

CRJ 490 Criminal Justice Field Experience

CCC 410CRJ Criminal Justice Senior Capstone

See the Learning Outcomes for the Criminology & Criminal Justice major

View Full Curriculum

Provides a comprehensive analysis of the fundamentals of substantive criminal law. Students will learn the essential elements of crimes and the rationale underlying criminal law. The nature of jurisdiction, the criminal act, the criminal state of mind and matters affecting responsibility for criminal conduct are included. (Fall only)

Prerequisites
Credits	3

This course is an introduction to the study of the crime from a sociological perspective. Students will examine the ways in which crime is defined and measured, and through application of criminological theory to high-profile crimes, explore its nature, causes, patterns, and trends. Students will examine the role of the criminal justice system within U.S. society and evaluate the ways in which it succeeds and fails in achieving its goals.

Prerequisites
Credits	3

Students in this course will be presented concepts from white collar and cyber crime arena. The topics may include identify theft, fraud, cyber terrorism, hacking, cyber bullying, child pornography and sexual exploitation, testimony, civil and criminal litigation. Students will learn best practices with hands-on experience in identifying and preserving digital evidence.

Prerequisites
Credits	3

Students will meet together in an interdisciplinary, seminar-style setting to build a greater understanding of integrative thinking and learning and to add a focus within a social justice context. Students will participate in an off-campus service learning project and critically examine the experience from the perspectives of social work, criminal justice, the law, environmental policy, education, psychology, and additionally consider their experiences in Core, and LEAD.

Prerequisites	EHS 100 is a prerequisite for EHS 210, except for the following circumstances: 1) Student taking EHS 210 is a non-EHS student. OR 2) Student taking EHS 210 is a transfer student who came in as a sophomore or junior.
Credits	1

Students explore the origins and dynamics of discrimination and prejudice against certain racial, ethnic, age, and sexual orientation groups in American society and how power, influence, economic status and social policy contribute to and reinforce oppression against such groups. Such information will form the basis for understanding one’s own values, attitudes and beliefs about others. The course will also explore our changing population and celebrate the contributions and uniqueness that diversity brings to American social order.

Prerequisites	Complete 45 credits before taking this course.
Credits	3

This course introduces students to the fundamental elements of professional writing (clear, concise, and targeted) that are common among seven forms of workplace?communication: email correspondence, cover letters, resumes, proposals, long formal reports, oral communication, and team projects. Through peer reviews and writing workshops, students develop the ability to write and edit text that precisely targets its audience. This course emphasizes deepening and broadening students’ writing, speaking, and thinking abilities in a non-lecture-based, hands-on discussion-centered classroom.

Prerequisites
Credits	3

Requires twenty-four hours per week of field-work. Students will routinely be required to meet with a supervising faculty member on campus and at their internship site. Students, with the aid of a Criminal Justice faculty member, are allowed to select from any state, local, or federal criminal justice agency participating in this program. Students are expected to provide their own transportation.

Prerequisites	Must complete 90 credits before taking this course.
Credits	6

Students will pursue a self-directed experience in their professional program that intentionally integrates their liberal learning in the Core curriculum with their major. In addition to the substantive professional-based hands-on project in this class, the capstone will include a self-evaluation/self-reflection component.

Prerequisites	Must complete COR-310, COR-320, and two sections of COR-330 All Game majors (EGPR.BS, GDES.BS, GART.BS must also complete EGD-320 with a minimum grade of C.
Credits	3

You might also be interested in these…

Based on your interest in the Criminology & Criminal Justice major, we thought you also might like to check out these other academic programs and opportunities.

Majors
- Social Work Major
  
  Uplift families, empower individuals, and heal communities with Champlain’s Social Work major.
- Integrative Professional Studies Major
  
  Design your own major through Champlain’s Degree Design Lab. You’ll combine courses and real-world learning experiences to personalize your own education.
- Digital Forensics Major
  
  Release your digital investigation skills. Adopt the investigator’s mindset, solve mysteries, and master artifact discovery with Digital Forensics at Champlain College.
- Computer Networking & Cybersecurity Major
  
  For our digital future to be secure, information must be safe. Earn real-world experience in computer networking and cybersecurity at Champlain College, and prepare yourself for a vital role protecting society from cyber threats.
Minors
- Social Justice Minor
  
  See your work through the lens of social justice. Learn how social, economic, and political issues influence each other and affect an individual’s or community’s essential rights.
- Psychology Minor
  
  Develop a fundamental understanding of human behavior, and learn how to apply this knowledge to increase your interpersonal communication skills in your personal life and in the office.
- Conflict Management Minor
  
  Develop a practical way of mediating conflict in your workplace, community, and personal life with Champlain College’s Conflict Management Minor.
- Environmental Studies & Policy Minor
  
  Study environmental issues and the politics surrounding them to discover the action-oriented practicalities of what people and organizations can do to change the world for the better.
Areas of Study
- Law & Society
  
  Want to uphold a system of justice through meaningful public service? Check out these majors that revolve around “doing good.”
- Education, Humanities & the Sciences
  
  The born educator, the team player, the change maker, the advocate. Which of these human-centered majors fits you career goals?
- Individualized Studies & Undeclared
  
  Learn what you love, and love what you learn with one of these professional pathways.

**Tony Perriello**, Assistant Dean and Criminology & Criminal Justice Program Director

Meet Alyssa Ambrosino

Class of 2022

More About Me

Alyssa Ambrosino

Class of 2022

Class	2022
Pronouns	She/Her/Hers
Home State	Rhode Island

Concentration

Social Justice

Internship

Hope Works, Burlington, VT

Post-Grad Plans

Vermont Police Academy

What is it about your major/area of study that appeals to you?

I have always had passion and drive to help people and make a difference in the community. I am planning to become a police officer because I feel like that is where I can do the most good and make a positive impact on the community. For me, being a police officer isn’t all about arresting the “bad guys.” I want to be an advocate for victims of crime, connect people to the resources they need to be successful, and problem solve and de-escalate potentially dangerous situations.Champlain focuses on teaching students to listen to all of the facts, assess a situation, and problem solve. At Champlain, there is a lot of emphasis on communicating with faculty and staff, classmates, and peers. There is also emphasis on being a community. I feel like I am working with my classmates, rather than competing against them.

What projects have you worked on in classes that you’ve found particularly rewarding/useful?

I had to interview a “suspect” as my final exam in Investigative Interviewing. We had to apply what we learned throughout the semester and interview the professor, who played the person suspected of committing a crime. It was a unique experience and also useful because, as a police officer, I will be interviewing multiple people who are suspects, witnesses, victims, and others.

What extracurricular activities are you involved in?

I am the captain of the Women’s Rugby Team with one of my closest friends. As the captain, I have the unique opportunity to be a leader and teach new players about rugby while also expanding my knowledge. We practice twice a week, and I am always excited to go to practice and see everyone. It’s a great way to make new friends and stay active. I have so many lifelong friends because of our shared passion for rugby and our team.

Career Success

Criminology & Criminal Justice graduates are ready to enter the workforce and act as change-makers. 100% of Criminology majors in the Class of 2023 were employed within six months of graduation.

a criminal justice major working on a computer alongside a police officer

Your Career Outlook

Learn more about our career-focused education

By the time you graduate, you will …

Know the fundamental principles needed in Criminology & Criminal Justice professions, from the criminal process to the essential elements of substantive criminal law.
Study complex topics such as the sociological understanding of criminology and the ever-expanding arena of cybercrime and digital forensics.
Examine the manifestations of systemic oppression, engage in anti-racist professional practice, and interrogate the role the criminal justice field plays in advancing social good.
Explore related disciplines through a minor. With over 40 minors to choose from, some of the most popular with Criminology & Criminal Justice include Social Justice, Law, Psychology, Conflict Management, Global Studies, Cybersecurity, and Computers & Digital Forensics.

You’ll Find a Career In…

Public defense law
Cybercrime investigation
Law enforcement
Social work
Corrections
Restorative justice
Public policy
Investigative journalism

Pre-College Summer Program: Cybersecurity & Digital Forensics Academy

The Cybersecurity & Digital Forensics Academy offers students an in-depth learning experience in the field of cybersecurity and digital forensics. Students work together to solve real digital forensics problems faced by law enforcement agencies all over America and gain hands-on learning experience from veterans of the cybersecurity industry in this pre-college summer program.

This program is designed for students entering grades 10–12 and recent high school graduates.
Learn More on the Pre-College Summer Program Website

More Inside Criminology & Criminal Justice Major

Overview

Make communities safer. Build a better and more just system. Be an agent of organizational change.
Curriculum

Our Criminology & Criminal Justice curriculum focuses on restorative and social justice, with flexibility that can take you into a variety of careers.
Faculty

Our Criminology & Criminal Justice faculty go above and beyond to inspire your curiosity, learning, and growth. Small class sizes foster personal connections and mastery.

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