Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice

We are proud to be a university that's continuously growing and making positive changes for our students and the community. Our achievements are a testament to our dedicated faculty and staff and the cutting-edge programs they develop; our talented students, who continue to be engaged members of the community; and our alumni, who consistently become leaders in their chosen fields.

In 2026, the University of New Haven was ranked a top-tier university in the North region by U.S. News & World Report in its annual "Best Colleges" rankings. And, for the 10th year in a row, we have been recognized as one of the nation's best institutions for undergraduate education by The Princeton Review. In addition, our Tagliatela College of Engineering is rated among the top third in the country in our category in U.S. News' rankings of the best undergraduate engineering programs.

Our Pompea College of Business is accredited by AACSB International, placing it among the Top 6 Percent Worldwide. We are also a proud member of The New American Colleges and Universities (NAC&U), an exclusive national consortium of selective, small to mid-size (2,000-7,500 students) independent colleges and universities that are dedicated to the purposeful integration of liberal education, professional studies, and civic engagement.

What it is: A community for students preparing for careers in law, public safety, corrections, government, and advocacy who want to explore how justice is pursued in real-world systems.

Community focus: Law, ethics, and social responsibility.

Experiential Learning: Criminal Justice ELC students connect theory to practice through courtroom observations and interactive experiences that explore how the justice system operates in real-world environments.

Adventures: Criminal Justice ELC students visit a historic correctional facility to explore the evolution of punishment, incarceration, and prison reform in the United States. Through guided tours and exhibits, students examine how justice philosophies have changed over time and how past practices shaped today’s correctional system.

Students reflect on ethical questions surrounding incarceration, rehabilitation, and human rights while gaining a deeper understanding of how social, legal, and political forces influence criminal justice policy.

“I cried when I left the U.S. because I was scared,” confessed computer science major Isaura Franco ’26. “And, I cried again when I had to leave Italy because I didn’t want to leave.” It was clear that returning home brought a bit of reverse culture shock. Things were quieter and less connected in comparison to Italy’s lively, social atmosphere. Summing up her experience in three words, she smiled and said, “beautiful, life-changing, and fun."

Spend a semester at the University’s satellite campus in Prato, Italy, or participate in hundreds of opportunities that enable you to learn about and immerse yourself in cultures, customs, and traditions from around the globe.

William Adams, an emeritus professor of computer science, led a program for many years that brought students to our campus in in Tuscany, Italy, in the cradle of the Renaissance.

"I tell parents that their son or daughter will be standing taller when they see them again after their European experience," said Adams. "Upon their return, parents often attest to this fact."

All University of New Haven students have access to the many resources available through the University’s Career Development Center, which has been named one of the best in the nation by The Princeton Review.

From help choosing the right major – or switching to a better fit – to internships and co-ops, résumé building, interview training, and job listings in your field, our goal is to connect you with the services and resources you need to map out the career you envision. The Career Development Center provides the skills and connections to identify a meaningful career and an opportunity to pursue your passion.