Discover UMPI’s Criminal Justice Program

In our program, students will study all aspects of crime and societal reactions to crime. You’ll examine the political, economic, and cultural patterns that shape definitions and theories of crime and influence the policy choices about how to respond to certain categories of crime. You’ll also study social and personal forces that lead to criminal conduct, and analyze the organization and operation of crime control systems. Particular emphasis is placed on the interactions among the many agencies which comprise criminal justice systems and on the relationships between these systems and other facets of society. Our students have the opportunity to complete an internship with a criminal justice agency during senior year and are required to participate in service learning experiences in several courses.

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YourPace Criminal Justice

We offer a YourPace Criminal Justice pathway to online degree completion

Criminal Justice, BA

Program Highlights

Front and Center

In our program, you get the unique opportunity to present at professional Criminal Justice conferences.

200 Hours Course

Participate in research experiences, both in the classroom and in the field.

Unique UMPI Benefits

UMPI has special opportunities in the state and beyond.

Service Learning

Our students learn by doing projects that impact our state, such as efforts meant to help women re-enter society after being incarcerated.

Honor Society

There are only two Alpha Phi Sigma chapters in the state of Maine, and we’re proud to be home to one of them.

Criminal Justice Club

Our club tackles service projects and goes on two major trips a year, to spots like Washington, D.C., where students took part in a specialized law enforcement training at the National Holocaust Museum.

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EXPECT generous scholarships

Financial Aid Scholarships & Awards

Front and Center

The University of Maine at Presque Isle (UMPI) offers a vibrant platform for professionals in the field of criminal justice to present their work at its esteemed Criminal Justice Program conferences. These conferences provide unique opportunities for professionals to showcase their research, expertise, and innovative approaches to addressing contemporary challenges in the field. Presenters have the chance to engage with fellow practitioners, scholars, and students, fostering valuable networking connections and collaborative partnerships. Additionally, presenting at Criminal Justice conferences offers visibility and recognition within the academic community, contributing to professional development and enhancing credibility in the field. The inclusive and supportive environment at UMPI encourages diverse perspectives and fosters constructive dialogue, making it an ideal setting for meaningful exchange and knowledge sharing among criminal justice professionals.

200 Hours Course

The Criminal Justice Academy Preservice Course is a 200 hour course that qualifies participants to be a part-time or reserve law enforcement officer in the State of Maine (indefinitely); or a full-time officer for no more than one year. UMPI students can get three credit hours of elective transfer credits for the Preservice course.

For more information about this course, please visit the Maine Criminal Justice Academy website.

EXPECT an education tailored to your needs

Unique UMPI Benefits

Our graduates find opportunities in the expanding field of criminal justice at the local, state, and federal levels, as well as the many private and non-profit organizations which provide services or make policy recommendations to traditional criminal justice agencies. The Criminal Justice B.A. also provides a strong foundation for students pursuing graduate work including law school.

Service Learning

UMPI is dedicated to fostering service learning initiatives that have a tangible impact on communities, particularly in Maine. One such impactful project focuses on assisting women in their journey to reintegrate into society after incarceration. Through this initiative, students engage in hands-on service learning experiences that not only enhance their understanding of the criminal justice system but also contribute positively to the lives of individuals affected by it. Students may participate in various activities such as mentoring, providing educational resources, offering job readiness training, and facilitating access to support services. These efforts not only help women navigate the challenges of re-entry but also empower them to build meaningful and productive lives post-incarceration.

Honor Society

The Alpha Phi Sigma Honor Society within the Criminal Justice Program at UMPI represents a prestigious recognition of academic excellence, leadership, and commitment to the field of criminal justice. As the national honor society for students in the field of criminal justice, Alpha Phi Sigma serves as a beacon of achievement and dedication. Members of this esteemed society are drawn from the ranks of top-performing students who have demonstrated exceptional scholarship, integrity, and service within their academic pursuits and beyond.

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Criminal Justice Club

Committed to promoting learning, collaboration, and community engagement, the club offers a wide range of activities and initiatives tailored to the interests and goals of its members. Through guest lectures, workshops, field trips, and volunteer opportunities, students involved in the Criminal Justice Club gain valuable insights into various aspects of the criminal justice system, from law enforcement and corrections to juvenile justice and victim advocacy. By fostering connections with professionals in the field and participating in hands-on experiences, students not only enhance their understanding of criminal justice but also prepare themselves for future careers or further academic pursuits.

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Learning Outcomes

  1. Students will have a historical base of knowledge of both criminal justice systems as well as criminological theory.
  2. Students will be able to consistently connect criminological theory to criminal justice policy, both real and proposed.
  3. Students will be able to conceptualize and understand the criminal justice system as a loosely coupled set of interconnected elements that is governed by several bureaucratic bodies, and recognize how changes in any of elements of the system influence other parts of the system.
  4. Students will have a breadth and depth of understanding of the connection of crime and social control to wider social problems, specifically structural inequality around issues of race, class and gender.
  5. Students will be able to deconstruct and predict repercussions of changes in the system of social control for other social institutions (and vice versa).
  6. Students will be well-versed in issues of ethics in criminal justice.
  7. Students will be proficient in practical skills required for positions within criminal justice agencies (critical analysis, abstract writing, problem solving). Specifically, students will be required to demonstrate expertise in the area of interpersonal communication (both oral and written).

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes! Although over half of our students are interested in law enforcement, the Criminal Justice program prepares its graduates to work in all facets of criminal justice and social services, including programs for youth at risk, victims of violence, probation, corrections, and the court system.

The Associate’s degree is a two-year program that prepares students for entry level positions in local criminal justice agencies. To be competitive for opportunities in state and federal positions, a Bachelor’s degree is recommended. A Bachelor’s degree is frequently required for promotion to command level positions. Many agencies also offer a pay differential based on years of education completed.

Yes. Almost 85% of our A.A. students continue on to complete their B.A.. In many ways, the Associates is the first half of the Bachelors program.

English, English, English! The coursework in Criminal Justice is very writing-intensive, so a good grounding in English (especially college preparatory or advanced placement) will help. Do not worry if that is not your strongest class, however; we have a Writing Center and peer tutors to help you become a better writer. Any classes about American Government will also prepare you for your Constitutional and Criminal Law courses.

There are various opportunities for students to become Academy trained while completing their degree. The Preservice (100 hours) course is offered on site at UMPI or the Presque Isle Police Department and students can transfer in three general elective credits for that certification. Students may also pursue full academy training in their senior year for up to 12 credits.

While Criminology programs offer a broad theoretical understanding of crime founded in sociology, the Criminal Justice program at UMPI combines that macro base with a more grounded applied curriculum analyzing the day-to-day workings of the criminal justice system.

Our graduates are working in various state and federal law enforcement agencies including: the Secret Service; Customs & Border Protection; Border Patrol; Maine Warden Service; Maine State Police, as well as various local departments across the state and beyond. We also have graduates working in a range of other non-policing agencies including: Domestic Violence Shelters; Department of Health and Human Services; Catholic Charities Maine; Department of Corrections; Probation and Parole.

This Criminal Justice program is unlike any found in Canada because it combines the broad liberal arts base taught by doctoral trained faculty that you would find in Canadian universities, with the practical applications that are usually only offered in Canadian community colleges.

As we are located only 15 miles from the border of New Brunswick, we have several Canadian students and have tailored flexibility into our course work to meet their needs. Along with a Canadian Criminal Justice course, we also have internship opportunities with Canadian Customs and the RCMP.

Alpha Phi Sigma

We are the home of the Alpha Phi Sigma Criminal Justice Honor Society’s Mu Nu Chapter. Chartered in 2011, we are one of 400 Alpha Phi Sigma chapters in the United States.

Founded in 1942 at Washington State University, Alpha Phi Sigma is the only national honor society for criminal justice students. The society recognizes academic excellence of undergraduate and graduate students of criminal justice and is open to those seeking a juris doctorate. A significant benefit extended to Alpha Phi Sigma members is that upon entering federal government service, they receive an honorary pay-grade bump one level higher than their competitors. Academically, Alpha Phi Sigma members represent the top 10 percent of students in their field.

For more information about our Alpha Phi Sigma chapter, contact Dr. Lisa Leduc at 207-768-9436.

Faculty

Photo of Chuck Ainsworth

Edward "Chuck" Ainsworth

Adjunct Faculty, Lecturer I
Email
chuck.ainsworth@maine.edu
Photo of Lorne Gibson

Lorne Gibson

Executive Director of Academic Development & Compliance; Associate Professor of Criminal Justice
Location
202 South Hall
Phone
(207) 768-9598
Email
lorne.gibson@maine.edu
Photo of Lisa Leduc

Lisa Leduc

Professor of Criminal Justice
Location
200 South Hall
Phone
(207) 768-9436
Email
lisa.leduc@maine.edu

EXPECT to Finish in Four

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Criminal Justice Program Offerings

This is a comprehensive and rigorous program designed to prepare students for diverse careers in the criminal justice field. Grounded in a solid foundation of theory, research, and practical skills, the program offers students a thorough understanding of the complexities of the criminal justice system. Through a combination of coursework, experiential learning opportunities, and internships, students engage with topics such as law enforcement, corrections, criminology, juvenile justice, and victim advocacy. The curriculum is taught by experienced faculty members who are experts in their respective fields, providing students with personalized attention and guidance.

As more and more institutions increase their college education requirements, the 100% online Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice degree program equips you with the knowledge and skills you need to deepen your expertise and stand out among the competition. 

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What can you do with an AA in Criminal Justice?


The Criminal Justice Minor at the University of Maine at Presque Isle (UMPI) provides students with a comprehensive understanding of the criminal justice system, its processes, and its impact on society. This program covers key areas such as law enforcement, judicial systems, corrections, and criminology. It is designed to complement a variety of major fields of study, offering students a multidisciplinary perspective on issues related to crime and justice. Through a combination of theoretical knowledge and practical applications, the minor prepares students for careers in criminal justice, law, public service, and related fields. Additionally, it equips students with critical thinking and analytical skills essential for addressing contemporary challenges in the criminal justice arena.

The Pre-law Minor at the University of Maine at Presque Isle (UMPI) offers students a foundation in legal studies to prepare them for success in law school and beyond. This interdisciplinary program integrates coursework from various fields such as criminal justice, political science, philosophy, and business to provide students with a well-rounded understanding of the legal system and its complexities.

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The Sociology Minor at the University of Maine at Presque Isle (UMPI) offers students a comprehensive understanding of human behavior within social contexts. Through a diverse curriculum, students explore various sociological theories, research methods, and analytical frameworks to critically examine societal structures, inequalities, and cultural dynamics. Courses cover a range of topics including but not limited to race, class, gender, family, deviance, and globalization, empowering students to develop a nuanced understanding of the complex issues shaping contemporary societies.

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The Drug Policy and Intervention Certificate is a cross disciplinary program between Criminal Justice, Psychology and Social Work.  The coursework focuses on the challenges of both micro direct intervention with drug abuse as well as macro policy change to address the opioid crisis. This certificate can be easily added to degrees in any of the three majors or be completed as a stand-alone by non-degree seeking students. This certificate is appropriate for students interested in careers in criminal justice, counseling, or human services with a focus on the problems of drugs.

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What can you do with a degree in Criminal Justice?

Next Step: Admissions

We’re so excited that you’re considering the University of Maine at Presque Isle! As a student at UMPI, we want your experience to be anything but ordinary! So what makes UMPI extraordinary? Our Learning Environment, Our Student Engagement and Our Location!

No matter what stage of life you are in, we can help you take the plunge into higher education and put you on YOUR PATH TO SUCCESS!

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