About

Create a More Just Society 

At Saint Michael’s College, we have a nuanced view of criminology, one that is steeped in the practice of restorative justice. As a Criminology major, you’ll learn theories of crime as they pertain to why crime rates fluctuate, emerging approaches to addressing crime, and the impacts of race and inequity on crime.  

You will be taught by expert professors that are actively working in the field including police officers and corrections officials. Our small class sizes allow you the chance to work closely with your professors to gain the most benefit from their professional and academic experience. All Criminology majors also engage in research projects that allow them to delve deeper into topics that answer important questions. Some examples of recent student projects include: 

  • Formerly Incarcerated People’s Perspectives on Prison Programs 
  • Understanding Correlations between Gambling Disorder and Crime 
  • Vermont College Students’ Perspectives on Sexual Violence with suggestions for Eliminating Sexual Violence on College Campuses 
  • Improving Polices on Police De-escalation 

Criminology students go on to a range of related fields including policing, social service, restorative justice, law, and corrections. 

Learn more about the Criminology program from our Saint Michael’s professors in the video below:

In Depth

As a Criminology major, you’ll take a multi-disciplinary set of coursework that will teach you to conduct relevant research, communicate effectively about key topics in the field, and apply your knowledge to a range of related careers.

From the beginning, you will be exposed to important debates within the field of criminology and be encouraged to think critically about justice, inequity, and public safety in the U.S. and globally. You’ll also learn about emerging and innovative approaches to addressing crime. Our classes also provide unique opportunities such as participating in police ride-alongs and community justice panels, adding depth to your educational experience.

All Criminology majors participate in key learning opportunities designed to provide the real-world experience you’ll need post-graduation. Students all engage in a research project on a topic of their creation. You are also required to participate in an internship to further apply what you’ll learn in the classroom. Criminology also requires a Senior Capstone project – yet another way for you to build an impressive resume while studying at Saint Michael’s.

Internships

All Criminology majors are required to do an internship. This opportunity provides the chance to apply what you’ve learned and build valuable career experience.

Our students have participated in internships at various community justice centers, District Attorney’s offices, the Department of Homeland Security, Hope Works (supporting survivors of domestic violence), local police departments, and law offices.

Careers

All Criminology students receive one-on-one support to help them transition out of college and into their next step, whether that is a career, law school, or graduate school. Our department has a strong relationship with the Boucher Career Education Center, which is staffed with experts dedicated to helping you land in the perfect job placement. Some students also transition from their internship directly into a full-time role!

Our graduates are working in their chosen careers working in police departments, law firms, Department of Children and Families, the Department of Homeland Security, and other choice employers. Students also attend law school or graduate programs at prestigious universities.

In Depth

As a Criminology major, you’ll take a multi-disciplinary set of coursework that will teach you to conduct relevant research, communicate effectively about key topics in the field, and apply your knowledge to a range of related careers.

From the beginning, you will be exposed to important debates within the field of criminology and be encouraged to think critically about justice, inequity, and public safety in the U.S. and globally. You’ll also learn about emerging and innovative approaches to addressing crime. Our classes also provide unique opportunities such as participating in police ride-alongs and community justice panels, adding depth to your educational experience.

All Criminology majors participate in key learning opportunities designed to provide the real-world experience you’ll need post-graduation. Students all engage in a research project on a topic of their creation. You are also required to participate in an internship to further apply what you’ll learn in the classroom. Criminology also requires a Senior Capstone project – yet another way for you to build an impressive resume while studying at Saint Michael’s.

Internships

All Criminology majors are required to do an internship. This opportunity provides the chance to apply what you’ve learned and build valuable career experience.

Our students have participated in internships at various community justice centers, District Attorney’s offices, the Department of Homeland Security, Hope Works (supporting survivors of domestic violence), local police departments, and law offices.

Careers

All Criminology students receive one-on-one support to help them transition out of college and into their next step, whether that is a career, law school, or graduate school. Our department has a strong relationship with the Boucher Career Education Center, which is staffed with experts dedicated to helping you land in the perfect job placement. Some students also transition from their internship directly into a full-time role!

Our graduates are working in their chosen careers working in police departments, law firms, Department of Children and Families, the Department of Homeland Security, and other choice employers. Students also attend law school or graduate programs at prestigious universities.