Program structure

The Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice program at Springfield College offers a comprehensive curriculum designed to provide students with a deep understanding of the criminal justice system. The program combines core courses, electives, and experiential learning opportunities to prepare graduates for various careers in the field.

Program Structure:

1. Core Curriculum (40 credits):

   • This foundational component emphasizes the Humanics philosophy, focusing on educating students in spirit, mind, and body. It includes courses across various domains to ensure a well-rounded education.

     Springfield Catalog

2. Major Requirements (39 credits):

   • Required Courses (27 credits):
     • Introduction to Criminal Justice (CRIM 101) – 3 credits
     • Corrections (CRIM 205) – 3 credits
     • American Court System (CRIM 210) – 3 credits
     • Gender, Race, and Crime (CRIM 215) – 3 credits
     • Law Enforcement (CRIM 220) – 3 credits
     • Criminal Procedure (CRIM 240) – 3 credits
     • Criminology (CRIM 260) – 3 credits
     • Research Methods in Criminal Justice (CRIM 375) – 3 credits
     • Criminal Justice Senior Seminar (CRIM 494) – 3 credits
   • Criminal Justice Selectives (12 credits):
     • Students choose from a range of electives, such as:
       • Ethics and Law (CRIM 239) – 3 credits
       • Constitutional Law (CRIM 270) – 3 credits
       • Crime Scene Investigation (CRIM 310) – 3 credits
       • Women and Crime (CRIM 315) – 3 credits
       • Juvenile Delinquency (CRIM 325) – 3 credits
       • Criminal Law (CRIM 330) – 3 credits
       • Police Administration and Leadership (CRIM 334) – 3 credits
       • Homeland Security and Terrorism (CRIM 335) – 3 credits
       • Cyber Crime (CRIM 345) – 3 credits
       • The Intersection of the Criminal Justice and Mental Health Systems (CRIM 355) – 3 credits
       • Violence and Victimization (CRIM 370) – 3 credits
       • Special Topics in Criminal Justice (CRIM 388) – 3 credits
       • Supervised Internship in Criminal Justice (CRIM 486) – 3-9 credits
       • Drugs and Society (HLTH 260) – 3 credits
       • Social Problems (SOCI 210) – 3 credits

3. Electives:

   • Additional courses to complete a minimum of 120 credits required for graduation.

This structured approach ensures that students receive both theoretical knowledge and practical experience, equipping them for successful careers in criminal justice.

For detailed information, please refer to the Criminal Justice program catalog.

Fees and Funding

The Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice at Springfield College is an on-campus undergraduate program. Understanding the associated costs and available financial aid options is crucial for prospective students.

Tuition and Fees:

• Tuition: For the 2024-2025 academic year, the flat-rate tuition for full-time undergraduate students is $39,930. This rate covers 12 to 18 credits per semester.

• Required Fees: Students are subject to additional mandatory fees totaling $536.

• Room and Board: For students residing on campus, the annual cost for a double occupancy room is $7,250, and the basic meal plan is $6,070.

Financial Aid and Scholarships:

• Merit Scholarships: Springfield College offers merit-based scholarships to incoming students based on academic performance. These scholarships are awarded during the admissions process and do not require a separate application.

  Springfield College

• Need-Based Financial Aid: To determine eligibility for need-based aid, students should complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Springfield College's Office of Financial Aid uses FAFSA data to assess financial need and award grants, loans, and work-study opportunities.

  Springfield College

• Average Financial Aid Package: The average financial aid package for new students is approximately $30,500, highlighting the college's commitment to making education affordable.

  Springfield College

Application Process for Financial Aid:

1. Complete the FAFSA: Submit the FAFSA to be considered for federal, state, and institutional aid. The priority deadline is March 15 for first-year students.

2. Review Financial Aid Offer: After processing the FAFSA, the Office of Financial Aid will provide an award letter detailing the types and amounts of aid for which you qualify.

3. Accept or Decline Aid: Through the My Financial Aid Portal, students can accept or decline each component of their financial aid package.

Contact Information:

For personalized assistance, contact the Office of Financial Aid:

• Phone: (413) 748-3108

• Email: financialaid@springfield.edu

By exploring these financial aid options and understanding the associated costs, students can effectively plan for their education in the Criminal Justice program at Springfield College.

Scholarship Guidance

Springfield College offers a variety of scholarships to support students enrolled in the Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice program. These scholarships aim to make education more accessible and recognize academic excellence.

Merit-Based Scholarships:

Upon admission, students are automatically considered for merit-based scholarships based on their academic achievements. These scholarships are renewable for up to four years, provided the student maintains satisfactory academic progress.

Springfield College

Need-Based Financial Aid:

To determine eligibility for need-based aid, students should complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Springfield College's Office of Financial Aid uses FAFSA data to assess financial need and award grants, loans, and work-study opportunities.

Specialized Scholarships:

While there are no scholarships exclusively for Criminal Justice majors, students are encouraged to explore external scholarships related to criminal justice studies. Resources like Scholarships.com provide information on various scholarships available to criminal justice students.

Application Process:

1. Complete the FAFSA: Submit the FAFSA to be considered for federal, state, and institutional aid. The priority deadline is March 15 for first-year students.

2. Review Financial Aid Offer: After processing the FAFSA, the Office of Financial Aid will provide an award letter detailing the types and amounts of aid for which you qualify.

3. Accept or Decline Aid: Through the My Financial Aid Portal, students can accept or decline each component of their financial aid package.

   Springfield College

Contact Information:

For personalized assistance, contact the Office of Financial Aid:

• Phone: (413) 748-3108

• Email: financialaid@springfield.edu

By exploring these financial aid options and understanding the associated costs, students can effectively plan for their education in the Criminal Justice program at Springfield College. For more Scholarships and types of aid

Admission Requirements

To apply for the Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice program at Springfield College, prospective students should meet the following admission criteria:

First-Year Applicants:

• Educational Background:

  • Completion of a high school diploma or equivalent.
  • A strong academic record with coursework in English, mathematics, social sciences, and natural sciences.

• Application Materials:

  • Completed application form.
  • Official high school transcripts.
  • Personal essay or statement of purpose.
  • At least one letter of recommendation from a teacher or counselor.

• Standardized Tests:

  • Submission of SAT or ACT scores is optional. Applicants may choose whether to include these scores as part of their application.

Transfer Applicants:

• Educational Background:

  • Completion of at least 15 college credits from an accredited institution.
  • A minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale.

• Application Materials:

  • Completed application form.
  • Official transcripts from all previously attended colleges or universities.
  • Personal essay or statement of purpose.
  • At least one letter of recommendation from a professor or academic advisor.

Additional Considerations:

• Interview: While not mandatory, an interview with an admissions counselor is recommended to discuss the applicant's goals and fit for the program.

• Extracurricular Activities: Participation in community service, leadership roles, or related extracurricular activities is valued and can strengthen the application.

Springfield College employs a holistic review process, considering academic achievements, personal experiences, and potential contributions to the college community.

For detailed information and to apply, please visit the Undergraduate Admissions page.

Application Procedure

To apply for the Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice program at Springfield College, follow these steps:

1. Choose Your Application Type

• First-Year Applicants: For high school seniors or recent graduates.
• Transfer Applicants: For students with college credits from another institution.

2. Complete the Application Form

• Application Options: You can apply through the Common Application or the Springfield College online application.
• Application Fee: Springfield College typically charges a non-refundable application fee, but fee waivers may be available.

3. Submit Required Documents

• Official Transcripts: High school transcript for first-year applicants or college transcripts for transfer students.
• Standardized Test Scores (Optional): Submission of SAT or ACT scores is optional. You may choose whether to include these scores as part of your application.
• Personal Statement/Essay: A personal essay addressing your goals, experiences, or reasons for pursuing a career in criminal justice.
• Letter of Recommendation: At least one letter from a teacher, counselor, or professor is recommended.

4. Additional Steps

• Interview (Optional): An interview with an admissions counselor is encouraged to discuss your goals and interests in criminal justice, though it is not mandatory.
• Extracurricular Activities: Highlighting relevant extracurricular activities, such as community service or leadership roles, can strengthen your application.

5. Submit the FAFSA for Financial Aid

• Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to be considered for need-based financial aid, grants, and scholarships. Springfield College’s FAFSA code is 002211.

6. Track Your Application Status

• Application Portal: After submitting, you can track your application status through the Springfield College admissions portal to ensure all materials are received.

Application Deadlines

• Regular Decision: Typically, first-year and transfer students should apply by early spring for fall enrollment. Specific deadlines may vary, so it’s best to confirm on the admissions page.

Contact Information

• Admissions Office Email: admissions@springfield.edu
• Phone: (413) 748-3136

For more information and to apply, visit the Springfield College Undergraduate Admissions page.