Criminology & Criminal Justice Major

Be at the forefront of a changing system. Help build a better, more just world.

The need for new practices and policies in the criminal justice system has never been greater. And there's no better place to explore your big, bold ideas than in our small but mighty state of Vermont. With a focus on social justice, Champlain's Criminology & Criminal Justice program addresses the changing nature of law enforcement today and prepares you to become an ethical, service-minded community leader.

Why Study Criminology & Criminal Justice at Champlain College?

You'll be on the cutting-edge of new ideas. Our innovative curriculum not only prepares you to succeed in today's criminal justice professions, but the ones of tomorrow as well. Covering everything from social and restorative justice, harm reduction, and anti-racism to recent advancements in cybercrime, criminology, and forensic science, Champlain's Criminology & Criminal Justice program empowers students to affect real and lasting change, wherever possible.

You'll learn by doing, starting in your first semester. We believe that the best way to learn is by getting out there and getting your hands dirty. Thanks to our Upside-Down Curriculum, you'll take a variety of criminal justice courses in your first year that will set you up for greater accomplishments in later internships or field work. As you continue your study, you will be able to gain first-hand professional experience within the local Burlington community-a national leader in forward-thinking criminal justice reform. You can even work with current prison inmates through our Prison Law Initiative, helping them do legal research and writing.

You'll gain a breadth of knowledge that will lead you anywhere you want to go. Bringing together the theoretical and the practical, this is a social sciences program with an interdisciplinary approach. Graduates will come away with a greater understanding of the role the criminal justice system plays throughout all facets of society.

• Learn the fundamental principles needed in 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.

This program was formerly known as Criminal Justice.