How are laws made and why do some break those laws? How does society respond when laws are broken?
The criminology major is anchored in the discipline of sociology. Consequently, it provides you with a theoretically sophisticated understanding of crime as a social phenomenon, both regarding its causes and its consequences for society.
Major in criminology at Assumption and you’ll gain a broad and deep understanding of why some acts are against the law and others are not, why people commit crime, how crime impacts victims and society, and how the criminal justice system operates —from the time of arrest by the police, through formal processing by the courts, and extending to sanctioning (incarceration and supervision) and reentry.
The criminology degree at Assumption emphasizes personal, hands-on experience and independent research. A two-semester Internship Seminar sequence provides opportunities for experiential learning in agencies and organizations within the criminal justice system or closely allied professions like victim services agencies, substance abuse treatment programs, and programs for at risk youth.
In addition, criminology majors are prepared for graduate study in criminology, criminal justice, related social sciences, and the law. They are also ready for careers in law enforcement, institutional corrections, probation, and parole, in social and human service agencies that deal with crime victims, or in a number of diversion and treatment programs that are designed to provide alternatives to incarceration, especially for juvenile offenders.
Learning Goals for Criminology Majors
- Develop an understanding of and appreciation for how the criminal justice system operates.
- Understand how the risks of criminal offending and victimization are based upon divisions in class, race, ethnicity, gender, age, and sexual orientation.
- Develop an understanding of sociological and criminological approaches to analyzing and addressing the complex interactions between individuals and societal, historical, and cultural forces in defining law violating behaviors and our responses to them.
- To gain specific competencies in social research as related to the fields of criminology and sociology.
- To acquire the essential skills necessary for successful careers and post-graduate education.
Students who complete the course, HRS/SOC/CRM 301 Victim Advocacy: Working with Survivors of Violence will be eligible, at minimum, for the NACP Provisional Credential, but potentially at a higher level of Credentialing based upon their verifiable field experience. For more information, please visit https://www.thenacp.org/.
Angela Kaufman-Parks, Ph.D.
An Ideal Place To Learn
Faculty
Experiential Learning
Assumption's Rome Campus
At Assumption's campus in Rome, Italy, the city and the country become your classroom through daily and weekend-long excursions throughout "the eternal city" and the Italian countryside. This unique study abroad experience will enrich your academic and cultural pursuits as you walk in the footsteps of emperors and gladiators then enjoy delectable Italian cuisine or perhaps a cappuccino after class in a local cafe. (Did you know that your financial aid follows you to Rome?)
Explore the Rome CampusLearn the Skills Employers Seek
Faculty/Student Research
The Assumption curriculum encourages scholarly and real-world experience. With hands-on research conducted alongside faculty mentors, students gain a depth of knowledge and skills that lead to professional success and personal fulfillment.Study Abroad
At Assumption University, the world is your classroom. Students can study and explore abroad in over 50 places from Vienna to England, South Africa, and even our own campus in historic, yet modern, Rome, Italy. Assumption’s study abroad program offers culture, history, and a living classroom for all.Internships
Assumption starts planning for your future the day you arrive on campus. Our Career Development and Internship Center helps students secure exciting and fulfilling internships where you’ll apply knowledge obtained in the classroom in a professional setting, preparing for a future career or additional study. Assumption connects students to internship opportunities in corporations, government agencies, research hospitals, non-profit organizations, and more.Pathways to Success
City of Providence Police Department
City of Worcester Police Department
Connecticut State Police
DraftKings
Framingham Public Schools
Fuze
HWC, Inc. (Washington, DC)
Lionbridge
Massachusetts Department of Children and Families
Nashoba Valley Medical Center
New Hope, Inc.
The New England Center for Children
Raytheon
The Royal Law Firm
Town of Northborough Police Department
UMASS Boston Public Safety
U.S. Department of Defense
U.S. Marine Corps
Voices Against Violence
Warwick Police Department
Worcester County Jail and House of Corrections
Ryan Dalli
Criminology 2018
Intern, Worcester County Sheriff’s Office
“I'd tell incoming students that the amount of knowledge flowing in these classrooms is exponential. My Assumption experience played a critical role in my internship because, throughout my four years, I have learned who I am as a person and have grown stronger every day. All of the professors in the Sociology and Criminology department have contributed to my success.”
Joseph Bretta
Criminology 2018
Intern, The Commonwealth of Massachusetts
“The professors have been extremely influential as I prepare for the next part of my life. Assumption has taught me to be professional and patient. I can't believe how fast these four years have gone, but I am really looking forward to completing my internship with the Narragansett Police Department.”
Korey Kajko
Criminology 2017
Intern, Superior Court at Office of the Middlesex District Attorney
“The classes that I have taken have enabled me to tackle real-life issues and circumstances. My internship provided me the opportunity to be immersed in the DA’s office and see, first-hand, cases prosecuted that are both severe in nature and crucial to the safety of our communities as well as cases that are minor offenses.”
Christina Caira
Sociology 2016
Staff Intern, Worcester Public Counsel, Youth Advocacy Division
“Since beginning my internship, I've grown increasingly interested in the school to prison pipeline. I have learned that certain policies within the education system dictate whether a child will stay in school and receive an education, or become expelled and be pushed into a life with an increased likelihood for unemployment, dependence on social-welfare, and imprisonment.”
Sarah Crafford
Sociology 2016
Teacher's Aide at Union Hill Elementary School
“Assumption has opened my eyes to the levels of diversity and inequality in our society. Working at an elementary school in an urban neighborhood has allowed me to witness first-hand how the sociological concepts of race and social class play a role in our educational system. I am inspired to make a difference. ”
Korlu Jallah
Sociology 2018
The Real Time Crime Center, Worcester Police Station, Worcester, MA
“I would tell all students coming to Assumption to consider taking a sociology course! I've learned so much from my internship. It offered me a better understanding of police departments and I was able to learn about important technological tools that help aid police officers. ”
Sadie Landon
Criminology 2016
Intern at the Worcester Service Court Center
“Through my internship, I learned the legal process for multiple types of cases. My internship inspired me to conduct my own research project on how providers of free legal services view the help and information they provide to low-income litigants. ”
Lauren McCarthy
Criminology 2016
Administrative Clerk, Litigation Attorney's Office (Margaret Melican)
“My internship was the turning point in my academic career. By working with a poverty-stricken population, I was able to apply my criminology background to understand more about this population's past. I quickly realized the interest I had in reducing and preventing youth that fall into crime. ”
Thomas Paine
Sociology 2016
Intern, Worcester Police Department
“I learned how the Worcester Police Department tries to keep the city safe. While interning for the Worcester Police Department, I worked primarily in the Real Time Crime Center with the camera surveillance network. This system helps police solve and prevent crime. ”
Nichole Rebelo
Sociology 2016
Intern, Worcester County District Attorney's Office, Child Advocacy Center
“My experience has helped me to learn about myself, and prepare me for my future. From my internship, I learned how to work in an office environment, be a part of a professional team, and learned how the criminal justice system works to help children. ”
Cecilia Sarkodee
Sociology 2016
Volunteer Rape Crisis Counselor with Pathways for Change, Inc.
“Interning at Pathways for Change has taught me many valuable skills and was a great experience. I've learned how to properly complete paperwork, plan events, manage my time appropriately, and how to be a leader. I've also learned how to provide services to clients.”
Alana Caraballo
Criminology 2019
Intern, Homeland Security Investigations
“Because of Assumption, I feel very confident in my communication and presentation skills. In addition, the College has been a great help to me professionally. I acquired my first internship because of the CDIC's Career Networking Night which is where I met my future internship supervisor. We talked about conducting an internship and within the week, I started!”
Robert Vozella
Criminology 2019
Security, Raytheon Security
“Thanks to Assumption, I have a greater work ethic and have become much more personable. I've also learned how to interact with different types of personalities - an important skill for my career. There are so many opportunities here, including CDIC's Career Networking Night which opened many doors for me. Take advantage of everything Assumption offers!”
Timothy Tierney
Criminology 2020
Researched how police interactions are perceived by different groups of people and the correlating relationships with law enforcement / Intern, Worcester Police Department
“Assumption has laid the foundation for me to be successful in the next part of my life. At my internship, I learned the everyday tasks of an officer and federal agent. I experienced how investigations take place and the different methods of surveillance utilized in law enforcement. I feel very prepared for the various aspects of the field I want to pursue.”
Marc Torres
Sociology 2021
Researched the topic of suicide and homelessness among veterans
“Assumption’s ROTC affiliation program inspired me to learn about social issues that exist. After graduation, I will commission as a 2nd Lieutenant in the US Army. As a result, the research I did is important to me because it has given me tools for success by teaching me how to not succumb to the difficulties many veterans face.”
Colleen Rauser
Sociology 2020
Researched how mass shooters are predominately white males and how masculinity and race has an impact / Intern, Worcester District Attorney’s Office
“I’ve learned what’s expected from lawyers and have experienced what it takes to be a lawyer. The research I’ve done has taught me how to present what I’ve learned from various studies. This will be particularly influential for me when trying cases in the future because I will already have knowledge of the different databases that are used to find research.”
Colleen Kurtz
Sociology 2020
Researched the topic of accessing dental care and which conditions allow for various types of coverage / Emergency Shelter Intern, Abby’s House: Shelter, Housing, and Advocacy for Women
“The sense of community and family at Assumption makes succeeding inevitable. The CDIC helped me immensely while I developed my resume, providing suggestions on how to make it better and more appealing to employers, and Assumption’s professors have given me the knowledge and the confidence to take on the “real world” after graduation.”
John Anthony Fine-Lease
Sociology 2020
Researched the topic of homelessness and the contributing social and personal factors / Intern, Worcester County District Attorney’s Office
“Assumption College is an investment which will benefit students for the rest of their lives. The professors go out of their way to make sure students reach their full potential. Through my Senior Seminar, I’ve learned to conduct qualitative research in a real-world setting which has given me the tools to succeed as I pursue becoming a prosecuting attorney.”
Alex Richardson
Criminology 2019
: Manager of Ballpark, Community, and Player Relations with the Worcester Red Sox
“Assumption taught me the value of compassion and willingness to serve others in need. This role allows me to utilize the sport of baseball as a vehicle to bring people together, and have a strong impact in the philanthropic community, which has always been a lifelong goal of mine. ”
First-rate Academics in a Catholic University Setting
Assumption University awakens in students a sense of wonder, discovery, and purpose, forming graduates known for their intellectual seriousness, thoughtful citizenship, and devotion to the common good. Students are provided an education that shapes their souls, forms them intellectually, and prepares them for meaningful careers. Enlivened by the harmony of faith and reason, here, students’ minds and hearts are transformed.
Assumption is dedicated to providing a clear understanding of what your education will cost
We’ll help cut through the complexity of financing your education, ensuring you understand what you need, how to apply for aid, and what’s expected of you. You will be assigned a personal financial aid advisor who will guide you through the process and answer all of your financial aid-related questions.