Bachelor of Science in Justice Studies New England campus experience
Program Overview Why get a justice studies degree on campus?
In the Bachelor of Science (BS) in Justice Studies at Southern New Hampshire University, you'll get more than a general study of the field. You'll explore the mechanics of our country's legal traditions, analyze the role of the courts and examine the current state of the U.S. correctional system. If you're fascinated by forensics, interested in law enforcement or driven by social justice, you're in the right place.
Skills you'll learn:
- Operational and public policy analysis and critique
- Application of legal and justice research strategies
- Moral and ethical reasoning in the American legal system
- Best practices in justice-related fields
Courses & Curriculum Investigate the justice system with on-campus justice studies courses
The justice studies program at SNHU provides a solid foundation in core competencies and in-depth, targeted areas of study in specialty fields. You'll study the justice system, criminal law, corrections systems, legal and social science research, international criminal justice and more. Then, you'll tailor the program to your career goals by complementing traditional justice studies courses with undergraduate classes in such aligned areas as business, psychology, sociology, political science and philosophy.
Interested in earning your degree in an online environment? SNHU also offers an online criminal justice degree.
Campus justice studies degree concentrations
Looking to specialize your degree? SNHU offers 4 concentrations for the justice studies degree.
A crime and criminology concentration will have you diving deeper into the what, how and why of criminal acts, including the social, psychological and systemic issues at play.
Courses may include:
- Introduction to Social Justice
- The Victim and the Justice System
- White Collar Crime
- Restorative Justice
Take an in-depth look at today's American criminal justice system with a concentration in law and legal process. This concentration is great if you're looking to prepare for a career in public service, public administration, court administration or law.
Courses may include:
- Juvenile Justice System
- Criminal Procedure
- The Death Penalty
- Research Seminar: Law and Legal Process
Learn all about crime investigation, protecting the community and maintaining public order in the policing and law enforcement concentration.
Courses may include:
- Criminal Investigation
- Problems in Policing
- Research Seminar: Policing and Law Enforcement
- Police Organization and Management
Identify, analyze, combat and prevent acts of terrorism in the terrorism and homeland security concentration.
Courses may include:
- Terrorist Methods, Networks, and Financing
- Research Seminar: Terrorism and Homeland Security
- Critical Infrastructure Protection, Border Security, and Cyber Protection
- Intelligence and National Security
Learn from instructors with industry experience
Our faculty members bring with them decades of knowledge and experience, which informs the development of SNHU’s courses and curriculum. They look forward to supporting your journey both in the classroom and as you work toward a career in your field.
Lisa Speropolous 
Position
Associate Professor and Department Chair, Justice Studies
Joined SNHU
2017
Education
- PhD in Sociology and BA in Psychology from the University of New Hampshire
- MS in Criminal Justice from Northeastern University
Prior to teaching on campus at SNHU, Dr. Speropolous taught at the University of New Hampshire and North Shore Community College, as well as for SNHU online since 2014. Speropolous is a passionate educator who was nominated for the Excellence in Teaching Award in 2018, 2019 and 2020. During her time as a graduate student, Speropolous also earned a Cognate in College Teaching and dedicated much of her time to the scholarship of teaching and learning. Her research interests primarily focus on childhood victimization, delinquency and evidence-based crime reduction initiatives.
Michael Raymond 
Position
Assistant Professor, Justice Studies - Police & Law Enforcement
Joined SNHU
2015
Education
- JD from New England School of Law
- BS in Human Services Administration from Springfield College
Michael F. Raymond is an assistant professor of justice studies at Southern New Hampshire University, where they previously served as an adjunct instructor. They have served as the criminal justice department chair at NHTI - Concord's Community College and are an adjunct instructor of criminal justice at New England College. They serve on the board of directors for the Rockingham County (NH) Law Enforcement Officers Association and also serve as a board member on the New Hampshire Congressional Law Enforcement Officers Association.
To learn more about SNHU faculty, visit our campus faculty page.
Campus major courses
You’ll take major courses that provide you with a solid foundation in your area of study – in some cases featuring experiential or project-based learning opportunities, labs, simulations and internships. These courses will allow you to learn a wide variety of topics and help prepare you for a role in your desired field.
Courses may include:
Visit the course catalog to view the full BS in Justice Studies curriculum.
Campus general education courses
All undergraduate students are required to take general education courses, which are part of SNHU's newly redesigned program, The Commons. The goal of The Commons' curriculum is to empower you with some of the most in-demand skills, so you can succeed not only in your academic career, but in your personal and professional life too.
Courses may include:
Can’t wait? You don’t have to!
Apply now if you’re ready, and have your decision within 30 days. Or, schedule a visit and come see us in person!
Career Outlook What can I do with a justice studies degree?
Whether you're interested in law, social justice, policing, victim services or criminology, criminal justice is a vital, growing field offering multiple career paths. With a criminal justice degree, you could pursue law enforcement, protecting and serving the people in your community. Or you could work in intelligence and national security, preventing terrorism and high-tech cyberattacks. Or you could find yourself in areas like advocacy and law, identifying meaningful and actionable solutions for public safety.
Career paths include:
- Probation officer
- Paralegal
- Domestic violence advocate
- Law enforcement
- Corrections
Yearly average police and detective role openings through 2033, projected by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).1
Median annual pay for police and detectives as of May 2023, according to the BLS.1
Understanding the numbers
When reviewing job growth and salary information, it’s important to remember that actual numbers can vary due to many different factors—like years of experience in the role, industry of employment, geographic location, worker skill and economic conditions. Cited projections do not guarantee actual salary or job growth.
Campus Student Experience So, what's it like taking classes on campus?
Justice studies is one of the most popular areas of study at SNHU. With specific concentrations and instructors with industry-relevant experience and connections, you’ll be able to tailor the program to your unique career goals. From attending events with police K9s and interning with Homeland Security to presenting your research at Undergraduate Research Day and working alongside law enforcement and public safety, SNHU emphasizes the value of hands-on learning – because we know that some of the best lessons happen outside of the classroom walls.
Student support
At SNHU, you don’t have to do this college thing alone. You’ll have help from your advisor, access to tutoring and office hours, career coaching, and mental health services so you can do your best and feel your best.
Additionally, our Office of Diversity and Campus Accessibility Center make campus a safe place for everyone. Visit our Student Services page to learn more about our support offerings.
Small class sizes
With an average class size of 15-25 (depending on your major) you’ll learn in an environment where professors with real world experience know you by name.
Here, you’re not getting lost in giant lecture halls, but instead, actively participating in thoughtful dialogue where you’re always encouraged to collaborate with your peers and ask questions when they arise.
State-of-the-art facilities
Our 300-acre campus has everything you need. From technology-advanced classroom settings to your dorms complete with fitness centers and hangout spots, our goal is to give you the best college experience possible.
Whether you’re learning in a classroom, in a lab, on the field, or in your field, you’ll have what you need to be successful from the moment you wake up to the moment you close your textbooks.
School of Arts, Sciences and Education Learn about the School of Arts, Sciences and Education
From understanding why people behave the way they do, to studying and tackling today's environmental issues, the School of Arts, Sciences and Education serves as an academic hub for creativity, collaboration and learning. Here, you'll have the chance to gain real-world experience through internships, student teaching, lab work and community-based projects. From studying cells under a microscope or analyzing crime scenes to leading a student-teaching session in an elementary classroom, you’ll learn how the world works so you can help make it a better place.
Student teaching opportunities
Inkwell game design studio
State-of-the-art labs
How SNHU makes college affordable
At Southern New Hampshire University, we're on a mission to make high-quality education more accessible with more affordable tuition. With 70+ career-focused majors, state-of-the-art facilities, D2 sports and over 70 student clubs and organizations, you can get the campus experience you've always dreamed of at a more affordable price.
Fill out the FAFSA to see if you’re eligible for grants or work-study. (You could also be offered loans, though you’ll have to pay those back later.)
Transfer up to 90 credits toward your bachelor's degree program at SNHU. If you’ve taken one course or many, we’ll evaluate them for you.
Getting free money for college – from SNHU or an outside organization – could help you save hundreds or even thousands of dollars.
Our collaborative partnerships with high schools enhance academic opportunities and college accessibility for some high school students.
Hear from us
Lisa Speropolous, Associate Professor and Department Chair, Justice Studies
Accreditations
SNHU is accredited by the regional accreditor the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE). The university also carries specialized accreditations for some programs.
Sources & Citations
1Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, on the internet, at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/protective-service/police-and-detectives.htm (viewed Oct. 9, 2024). Cited projections may not reflect local and/or short-term economic or job conditions and do not guarantee actual job growth.
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