Criminal Justice
Our interdisciplinary Criminal Justice major equips students with the knowledge and skills to analyze crime, law, and justice through sociological, psychological, political, and legal perspectives. Rooted in a strong liberal arts foundation, the program explores the causes and consequences of crime, the functioning of justice systems, and the social inequalities that shape both.
Students begin with core courses in criminal justice, criminology, and research methods, culminating in a senior capstone experience or thesis. Electives span two categories—Fundamentals of Crime, Law, and the Justice System and Advanced Topics in Criminology—allowing students to tailor their studies to interests like policing, corrections, violence, victimology, gender, race, and law. With options to deepen expertise through advanced methods courses, an internship, or an honors thesis, the program prepares graduates for diverse careers or graduate study in law, public policy, advocacy, and justice-related fields.
This interdisciplinary major is offered by the Department of Sociology.
Contact Information: Karyn Sporer, Chair, Fernald Hall, Room 201G, 207-581-2361,
karyn.sporer@maine.edu