Department of Criminology and Criminal Justice

School: Winston School of Education and Social Policy

Statement of Philosophy and Purpose

The field of Criminology and Criminal Justice studies crime as a social phenomenon. We study the causation, patterns, and control of crime and criminal behavior in individuals, groups, organizations, cultures and societies. Criminology fosters theoretical debates and ideas about lawmaking, lawbreaking, and the social consequences of both. Criminologists and criminal justice practitioners work toward reducing crime and improving criminal justice policies.

The Criminology and Criminal Justice program at Merrimack College provides students with an understanding of crime that recognizes the complex relationship between society and its members. Courses in Criminology and Criminal Justice at Merrimack College focus on the degree to which people’s lives are influenced by broader socio-cultural, political-economic, and historical forces. The study of Criminology and Criminal Justice cultivates critical thinking and informed analysis about the legal system, crime, and systems of punishment and social control. The Criminology and Criminal Justice program at Merrimack College examines how inequalities of race, class, gender, age, and sexuality are intertwined with systems of control and punishment.

Students learn the theoretical perspectives and research methods criminologists use to systematically study the multifaceted aspects of crime. Through our required internship program, students work in various criminal justice and legal agencies where they apply criminological reasoning to their supervised fieldwork experiences. The internship allows students to experience possible career options, to learn from professionals working in the field, to consider postgraduate education, and to establish valuable contacts for future full-time employment.

With a degree in Criminology and Criminal Justice students are prepared to enter a number of areas of work. The Criminology and Criminal Justice program provides students with the necessary preparation and background to pursue a career in Criminology and Criminal Justice or a related professional field such as law, criminal justice, conflict resolution, or social work.

Undergraduate degree programs offered by the Department:

Major(s)

Criminology and Criminal Justice, B.A.

Minor(s)

Criminology and Criminal Justice

Forensic Science