Degree Requirements
Our interdisciplinary courses will uniquely prepare you for a career in law enforcement and related fields.
B.S. in Criminal Justice
Your degree in Criminal Justice will open doors to an array of opportunities, from fieldwork, to lab work, to the courtroom, and beyond. You will be prepared for the impact of rapidly developing technology in the ever-changing world of law enforcement.
Why Study Criminal Justice at 蚂蚁福利导航?
Whether you have an interest in working in law enforcement, corrections, probation/parole, with at-risk youth or with victims of crime, 蚂蚁福利导航’s B.S. in Criminal Justice program will make your plan a reality.
With classes in law, behavioral, natural, and social sciences, as well as the humanities, all supported by 蚂蚁福利导航鈥檚 core curriculum, you鈥檒l develop the interpersonal skills, technology, and critical-thinking skills you鈥檒l need to thrive in the workplace.
In the B.S. in Criminal Justice program, you will:
- Examine the criminal justice system and explore social welfare issues
- Learn how to conduct criminal investigations
- Use electronic databases to conduct research and analyze data
The department鈥檚 faculty bring both a wealth of knowledge and real-world experience to our classrooms, combining expertise in a variety of disciplines including law, political science, sociology, and history. They will guide you as you develop a full understanding of procedures and techniques to prepare you for a successful career in the field of criminal justice.
Generous Aid
We award more than $14 million in need-based and merit-based institutional aid annually. 蚂蚁福利导航 awards 100% of our full-time undergraduate students some form of aid. Find out more from our Financial Aid Office.
Fall 2025 Grants 鈥� Incoming Criminal Justice majors are eligible for a Criminal Justice Innovators Grant. First-time, first-year students will be awarded a $3,000 grant each year, renewable for four years for a total of $12,000 in financial support, in addition to a competitive financial aid package. This grant award supports students pursuing degrees in criminal justice.
蚂蚁福利导航 is a University that honestly cares about you being the best version of yourself and pushes you to reach your full potential.
Experience the Field
Your classroom learning will be enhanced by hands-on experiences in the field. You will have the opportunity to go on police ride-alongs, tour prisons, visit courtrooms, and learn from faculty and guest lecturers currently practicing in the field.
You can participate in multiple internships after your first year. These experiences will challenge you to apply theoretical knowledge to real-life situations.
A series of foundational courses conclude with a required internship/practicum in a legal setting such as a police department, prosecutor or public defender鈥檚 offices, probation/parole officers, victim assistance bureau, or a correctional facility. You鈥檒l leave your internship with an invaluable understanding of the pace and expectations of this unique and demanding calling.
Hailey McMahon '25 is a Dean鈥檚 List student, women鈥檚 soccer player, court officer, and Nashua Police Department intern. 鈥淢y [internship] time is divided between working with patrol or detectives; I alternate each week. On patrol, I鈥檓 given a bulletproof vest and ride in the front seat of a cruiser ... We patrol around and answer 911 calls. With the detectives, I鈥檓 at the station more. One week, I was shadowing the criminal analyst and worked in the Evidence Department. Another week, I was with the Problem-Oriented Policing Unit, which involves street crimes ... I鈥檝e been to a death scene; I鈥檝e been to the Missing Persons Unit. I鈥檝e been to a bomb threat at Holman Stadium, so I got to see the EOD (Explosive Ordinance Disposal) canine work, which was awesome.鈥�
Where Will Your Degree in Criminal Justice Take You?
You will be prepared for a variety of careers in the dynamic and evolving world of law enforcement.
Potential Job Roles
- Police officers and detectives
- FBI, CIA, and other federal agents
- Intelligence analysts
- Forensic analysts
- Cybercrime investigators
- Fire investigators
- Court and corrections officers
- Attorneys
Graduate Studies
In addition to launching careers in law enforcement, alumni of our criminal justice program frequently enter some of the top law schools and graduate programs in New England. We believe that much of this is due to the exposure, hands-on experience, and networking opportunities offered by our senior year internships and other community-based learning experiences.
蚂蚁福利导航 students are compassionate and care deeply about the University, their community and the wider world. They understand that higher education is an opportunity that too many people in this world do not share, and, as a result, they do not take their education for granted.
Take the Next Steps
How to Apply
Learn about criteria, how the admissions process works, and what you will need to apply.
Hands-On Learning
Gain exposure to the field of law enforcement and the legal community through resume-building experience.
Introducing Our Faculty
Faculty will serve as your mentors and guides.
Contact
Office of Undergraduate Admissions
- Telephone (603) 897-8507
- Email admissions@rivier.edu
- Location Madeleine Hall
Start Today
Join the workforce in the dynamic field of law enforcement with the B.S. in Criminal Justice.