Criminal Justice and Criminology Major
Salve Regina University's bachelor's degree in criminal justice and criminology provides the skills and real-world knowledge you need to become a leader in the field. We offer a broad education in the criminal justice system, preparing our students for important roles in policing and law enforcement, courts and the law, corrections and supervision, and cybersecurity.
The opportunities in Salve's criminal justice and criminology program are endless. The faculty guided me; the compassion and empathy I received from them is absolutely unparalleled, and I don't think I would have received it anywhere else.
Lindsay Rolfe ’14, awareness and training lead, TikTok
Training the Next Generation of Influential Leaders
Our interdisciplinary curriculum combines liberal studies with practical skills, covering topics such as the legal and ethical principles of policing and law enforcement, courts and the law, corrections and supervision, and cybersecurity.
You'll benefit from small class sizes, access to emerging technologies, expert faculty and personalized advising. You'll also develop a commitment to the values of respect, dignity, fairness and the ethical responsibility of "justice for all."
With a strategic mix of coursework, hands-on experiences and internships, we'll prepare you for leadership roles in the criminal justice system, or for further studies in law school or other graduate programs. And through our popular combined program, qualified students can earn their bachelor's degree and a master's degree in criminal justice and cybersecurity in just five years.
What Sets Salve Apart
We offer a direct-entry option to pursue a combined bachelor's/master's degree in criminal justice.
The Salve Compass program runs through all four years, connecting college to career. With a focus on hands-on, real-world experiences, it ensures every student has the skills and knowledge to succeed in the job market.
Gain Practical Experience Through Internships
Our students gain experience through internships in both the public and private sectors. Placements include local, state and federal law enforcement agencies and various courts and law firms, as well as corrections and supervision, juvenile justice and cybersecurity. Many students are hired right out of the classroom by agencies such as the Department of Homeland Security.
Apply Your Knowledge
In our capstone course, students work with federal and state law enforcement agencies to research topics like terrorism and gang activity, then present their findings to senior leaders at those agencies. Our students have partnered with the FBI's Boston office, Department of Homeland Security, R.I. Department of Corrections and R.I. State Fusion Center. A culmination of four years of learning, the course brings together the critical skills of public speaking, research, writing, teamwork and leadership.
Prepare for Law School
We offer two courses on topics in law, which cover multiple areas that you'll study in your first two years of law school. If you're considering law school, our pre-law advisor will guide you through the application process and help you choose courses, internships and research to strengthen your application. We also host events where you can connect with alumni and learn about their law school experiences.
Alumni Making Waves
Shane Bowes '20, '22 (M)
State trooper, Connecticut State Police
Reflecting on his years at Salve, Shane Bowes said that the University's mission-driven education helped him prepare for his current role with the Connecticut State Police. "Having those humanitarian values instilled throughout my college education has allowed me to be more comfortable in providing empathetic service to victims," he said. "Salve is trying to foster a harmonious, just and merciful perspective on life. It was interesting to see this in the perspective of the law enforcement field, as it shaped the way I see and problem solve now in my everyday job." Read more about Bowes' Salve experience.
Benjamin Cortes '22
Executive officer, U.S. Army
After completing the Army ROTC program at Salve, Benjamin Cortes was commissioned as a second lieutenant, with the goal of attending Ranger and Airborne schools. "I would highly recommend taking your education into your own hands," he said. "There are so many opportunities and it's up to each individual student to take advantage of those opportunities. Be in charge of your education and take an active role in your learning. There will always be adversity along the way, but with maximum effort and determination you can succeed at whatever goal you set." Read more about Cortes' Salve experience.
Lia-Sophie Keller '23, '24 (M)
Special agent in training, Department of Homeland Security
Lia-Sophie Keller's path to federal law enforcement began with an internship at Homeland Security Investigations, the premier agency within the Department of Homeland Security. "My internship not only introduced me to the fundamentals of investigative techniques and exposed me to criminal law and legal processes, but it taught me how to act, speak and write in a law enforcement environment," she said. "Going into my career, I felt very well prepared, and I seemed to be adjusting quicker than some students from different universities. It wasn't just about academics - it was about preparing us for real-world challenges. Salve gave me everything I needed to get to where I am today." Read more about Keller's Salve experience.
Thomas Wagner '18, '19 (M)
Classified cybersecurity senior, Lockheed Martin
With just a few years of experience under his belt, Thomas Wagner landed a top security job at Lockheed Martin and has continued to advance in his career. "If I hadn't jumped into my education at Salve, I wouldn't be in the position that I am," he said. "I can say that the options are limitless. It is not an easy career field, but it is a very beneficial one. What's nice about Salve's program is that it's not just one aspect. It covers everything, which helps you be successful in your career path depending on which direction you go." Read more about Wagner's Salve experience.
Career Paths in Criminal Justice and Criminology
Our program prepares you for careers in policing and law enforcement, courts and the law, corrections and supervision, and cybersecurity at the local, state and federal levels. Our graduates represent all areas of the criminal justice system, including police officers, federal law enforcement agents, prosecutors, paralegals, probation officers, child protective service investigators and cybersecurity analysts.
A look at where our alumni are now:
- Adult probation and parole officer, State of Rhode Island
- Associate attorney, Adler, Pollock & Sheehan
- Classified cybersecurity senior, Lockheed Martin
- Deputy assistant state's attorney, District of New Haven (CT)
- Executive lieutenant, Smithfield Police Department
- Project manager/data analyst, Deloitte
- Regional managing attorney, Hanover Insurance Group
- Senior cybersecurity consultant, Fidelity Investments
- State trooper, Connecticut State Police
- Vice president and financial crimes manager, Wells Fargo
Accelerate Your Career
At Salve, qualified undergraduates can begin our graduate program in criminal justice and cybersecurity in their senior year, saving time and money. Earning your master's degree through our combined program allows you to enter the workforce sooner and pursue jobs with higher starting salaries. Along the way, you'll receive career-focused mentoring from our graduate faculty, helping you to build your professional network.
Degree Options
Bachelor of Arts in criminal justice and criminology
Minor in criminal justice and criminology
Meet Our Criminal Justice and Criminology Faculty
Our faculty are experienced scholars and practitioners who equip students with the knowledge, skills and real-world insights needed to become the next generation of influential leaders in the criminal justice field.
Beyond the Classroom
Our students have opportunities to join campus organizations such as the Criminal Justice and Criminology Club, Pre-Law Club and Psychology Club. They can also take advantage of Salve Regina's 200+ semester, yearlong and short-term study abroad programs in 45 countries.
