New England, with its historical richness and academic centers, is home to some of the best universities and colleges with criminal justice programs. Students in this region have multiple opportunities to gain professional experience and learn from experienced practitioners in the field.
When searching for what colleges are best for criminal justice degrees, students must consider those schools with comprehensive academic programs and provide practical hands-on experiences along with expert teachers.
Why Choose Colleges in New England for Criminal Justice Studies?
America’s oldest and most renowned universities are situated in New England. The combination of urban and rural settings enables a wide range of learning opportunities. There are many universities with active partnerships in the criminal justice field, such as the Fall River Police Department, New Haven Police Department, and Connecticut State Police. They help students secure internships with local police, court systems, or community-based organizations.
Additionally, the region has several restorative justice and legal studies universities that are great for students and graduates who want to study criminal justice. In addition, New England colleges for criminal justice are known for their academic values and developing leadership qualities in students for future careers in criminal justice.
10 Accredited Criminal Justice Colleges in New England
1. Boston University (BU)
One of BU’s renowned degrees is the study of criminal justice, which is offered at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels. It is especially strong at the graduate level as the Metropolitan College at Boston University offers a Master of Science in Criminal Justice. They train students with specializations in criminal law, criminology, and policy analysis. All expert teachers at BU offer their professional experience to the students. The program’s focus is to equip students with appropriate skills for upper management roles in the criminal justice industry.
Boston University is considered highly selective, with an acceptance rate of 71%. It is home to many legal and law enforcement offices, thus opening a world of possibilities when it comes to internships and networking.
2. University of Massachusetts Amherst (UMass Amherst)
The college offers an extensive Program in Criminal Justice via the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences. This program gives students a good grounding in criminology alongside criminal law and justice policy. They also have opportunities for internships, work placements, and fieldwork, which further enhances their learning. UMass Amherst has an acceptance rate of approximately 58%. It is particularly famous because of the impact that social sciences have had in the region, and it helps almost all graduates find jobs in law enforcement, corrections, or legal studies.
3. Bridgewater State University
This university offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in criminal justice. Its Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice provides an in-depth understanding of criminology, criminal law, and the socio-cultural dimensions of crime. Bridgewater State University provides ethical education and hands-on learning through numerous internships and fieldwork placements. This university also has an impressive 89% acceptance rate, ensuring students of all capabilities can access a quality education.
4. Westfield State University
Westfield State University offers a Master of Science in Criminal Justice. The program covers ethics, criminal legislation, and criminal law enforcement. Westfield State also encourages students to partake in community service and other internships to gain further practical exposure. With a strong focus on law enforcement, corrections, and criminal justice administration, Westfield State’s program aims to arm students with the skills necessary to thrive in these fields. The university has an acceptance rate of 81%, making it one of the more affordable options.
5. Northeastern University
Northeastern University’s School of Criminology and Criminal Justice is located in Boston and offers both undergraduate and graduate programs in criminal justice. They offer a BS in Criminal Justice to make students understand, predict, and explain crime within communities. Additionally, they are mainly focusing on equipping the students with a comprehensive knowledge of criminology, justice systems, and crime prevention. An adaptive learning program allows students to learn at their own pace. Combined, the two campuses serve about 5,700 students. This university is known for its high-quality education in a friendly and welcoming setting.
6. Anna Maria College
Anna Maria College offers an MS in Criminal Justice to allow students to learn about crime and justice and prepare them to serve their roles in the criminal justice field. This college provides a student-centered environment, offering personalized attention and faculty who are experienced in the criminal justice field. The college has an acceptance rate of about 70%, which makes it a more accessible option for students interested in pursuing a career in criminal justice.
8. Lasell University
Located in Newton, Massachusetts, Lasell University offers an Online Master of Science in Criminal Justice. The program targets mid-to-upper-level leadership positions and concentrates on restorative justice and ethical leadership. Lasell’s high student-to-faculty ratio guarantees adequate mentorship for every student during their academic journey. With an acceptance rate of 65%.
9. Western New England University
Western New England University, located in Springfield, Massachusetts, offers a Degree in Criminal Justice. The program includes fundamental instruction in criminology, criminal law, and the functioning of the justice system, alongside internships and practical work. The university is relatively accessible, with an acceptance rate of 73%.
10. New England College
New England College is located in Henniker, New Hampshire, and offers an Online Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice. The program focuses on community-based justice practices and restorative approaches to justice.
The college integrates various functional and supportive aids for practical learning, such as guiding students through the process of securing relevant internships. New England College is one of the best choices for students looking for an extensive yet reasonably priced education in criminal justice. It has a 94% acceptance rate.
Which One Is the Right One for You?
As is the case with other criminal justice programs, there are multiple areas students need to think through deeply. The reputation of the institution, program emphasis, faculty specialization, as well as placement prospects within the region are factors that need to be considered. In addition to these, consider the overall cost, scholarship funding, and acceptance rate. Moreover, those keen on law enforcement or corrections may prefer Northeastern or the University because of their focus on internships and fieldwork.
For those more inclined to restorative justice or social work, Anna Maria College and Lasell University may provide the best options. Preferences on campus culture also come into play. UMass Amherst provides a large and diverse student body and smaller schools like Anna Maria offer a more interactive academic setting.
Conclusion:
New England has many schools and colleges for students working towards earning a criminal justice degree. The region’s strong academic institutions and ample practical work opportunities make this the best place for students with an interest in criminal justice. It has great local law enforcement and legal communities that provide a solid foundation for a career in criminal justice. Pay attention to the details that are most important to you, be it the level of a program’s specialization, the geographical region, or expenses. Moreover, students should be able to identify the best institute considering their professional goals and educational pursuits.
