The Criminology program at Stonehill, which is ranked No. 4 on College Factual’s list of the best U.S. colleges for a major in criminology, provides knowledge in the theory and practice of the social sciences, research methodology and law.
A deeper understanding of how societies work empowers Stonehill sociology and criminology graduates to pursue a wide array of careers through which they can make a difference.
The Criminology major and minor at Stonehill provides students with a foundation to understand the political, economic and cultural patterns that shape definitions of crime, the practices of law, the criminal justice system, the causes and consequences of crime, and crime control policies.
Criminology students take a critical look at the organization and operation of crime control systems at a local, state, federal and international level, including the development and practice of criminal justice, social justice and restorative justice. In addition, other courses examine the nature of individuals and groups that are in conflict with the law or cause willful social harm, as well as those who are victims of crime.
The Criminology program not only prepares students for typical positions in policing, the courts and corrections, it provides a broader platform on crime and justice, allowing students to enter into an array of positions, including private and non-profit organizations, graduate and law school. Among other things, our graduates work with victims, substance abusers, at-risk and delinquent youth, and adult offenders and as lawyers, researchers, crime analysts, investigators and case managers.
Students are required to complete an internship placement that puts them in direct contact with social service or criminal justice agencies.
Stonehill College’s Criminology program is recognized as one of the best by several college-ranking websites including College Factual and Niche. Stonehill criminology majors pursue various careers, including many in law and public service, and have one of the best average starting salaries in the country.
Ranked fourth on College Factual's list of best U.S. colleges for a major in criminology
Niche ranks Stonehill's Criminology program in the top 20% of Best Colleges for Criminal Justice in America
Stonehill students who graduate with a B.A. in Criminology move into myriad professions, agencies, graduate schools and service opportunities. Continue exploring where our graduates work.
I am in my dream career today because of Stonehill's Criminology program. The dedicated professors always provided me with the link between the classroom and the real world, which made networking, interning and job hunting a complete success.
2019 Student SURE Team Project. Pictured left to right: Molly Parent '20, Keelan Hynes '20, Renee Radavich '20, Jadaiya Stanley '20, Professor Anamika Twyman-Ghoshal and Kayla McKeon, Amherst College '22
The Stonehill Undergraduate Research Experience (SURE) is a valuable opportunity for students who have completed their first year at Stonehill to perform significant, publishable full time research under the guidance of and in collaboration with an experienced faculty researcher.
Sociology students presented their research at the Eastern Sociological Society 2019 Annual Meeting. Pictured left to right: Denis Osvaldo Garcia Reyes '19, Emma Patten '19, Liliah Meehan '20 and Lauren Wallace '19
In addition to SURE, faculty work with students to conduct research in other types of projects. This might include working with faculty on their own research, but also includes the work students do on their own research projects and on their thesis projects.