Why Study Criminology?
Criminology focuses on all aspects of crime, including the causes of crime as well as its consequences. It also seeks to measure the effectiveness of society's responses to crime and propose ways to prevent and address criminal behavior. Criminologists help develop policies and procedures for communities and police departments, leading to improvements across the criminal justice system.
Why Study Criminology at Eastern?
The Criminology major examines the nature of criminal law, the causes of criminal behavior, and societal responses to crime and offenders. The program approaches the study of crime and crime problems primarily from a sociological perspective, with an emphasis on social inequality and diversity. Students who earn the degree enter the field with greater understanding of social and cultural differences, and how these impact experiences and attitudes about crime, offenders and the criminal justice system. The Criminology minor is also available to other majors.
Salary Potential
Median Salary, Probation Officer
* U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Hands-on Learning
Internships in Connecticut include: Willimantic Juvenile Probation, Danielson Adult Probation, York Correctional Institute, Vernon Police Department, Eastern Campus Police Department, and Our Piece of the Pie.
Faculty Spotlight
Marin Kurti
Associate Professor - Criminology and Sociology
“My main advice to students is to embrace lifelong learning. Every year, they should be challenging themselves to learn a new skill that’s either related or unrelated to their career.”
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Racheal E. Pesta
Associate Professor - Criminology and Sociology
“Receiving an email from a student who just landed their dream job or who got accepted into their top choice graduate program ranks among the most memorable and rewarding experiences I’ve had here at Eastern.”
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Career Options
- Community Corrections Case Manager
- Correctional Counselor
- Drug Rehab Counselor
- Investigator
- Juvenile Intake Officer
- Parole Officer
- Police Officer
- Police Dispatcher
- Probation Officer
- U.S. Marshall
- Victim Advocate
Successful Alumni
Recent Eastern students who earned a bachelor’s degree or a minor in Criminology are at the following companies and graduate schools:
- Trumbull Police Department
- Community Partners in Action
- Community Solutions, Inc.
- Charleston (SC) School of Law
- Perceptions
- Horizons
- NAFI Connecticut
In the News
Detective discusses cold cases with criminology students
November 15, 2024
Recently, a detective from West Hartford spoke to a class of criminology students as a part of Professor Racheal Pesta’s “True Crime” course at Eastern Connecticut State University. Detective Andrew Jacobson, who previously worked with Hartford Police on a myriad of cold cases, gave students a glimpse into the analytical processes behind criminal investigation.
Internships lend real-world experience in spring 2023
May 01, 2023
Nearly 100 Eastern Connecticut State University students completed internships in the spring 2023 semester. Students explored a variety of opportunities on and off campus that related to their fields of study and allowed them to explore future career options.
Alumni Testimonials
University of Bristol in England
Liselotte Hammer ’18
Sociology and Criminology double-major Liselotte Hammer is pursuing a master’s degree in sociology at the University of Bristol in England. “I had the best experience at Eastern. The classes were outstanding, my fellow students provided such a strong support system, but the best part was the professors. Every single one of them went out of their way to make sure their students understand the material.”
University of Bristol
Liselotte Hammer ’18
Liselotte Hammer is pursuing a master’s degree in sociology and criminology at the University of Bristol in England. “I had the best experience at Eastern. The classes were outstanding, my fellow students provided such a strong support system, but the best part was the professors. Every single one of them went out of their way to make sure their students understand the material.”
Police Dispatcher
Paige Russo ’16
Sociology major and Criminology minor Paige Russo is a police dispatcher at Manchester Police Department. “My criminology education gave me the knowledge to work with and understand different types of people. My two internships — one in bail commission and another in adult probation — piqued my interest in working as a police dispatcher.”
Social Work Trainee
Alexis Lyonnais ’17
Psychology major and Criminology minor Alexis Lyonnais is a full-time social work trainee with the Department of Children and Families (DCF). “Minoring in criminology has allowed me to explore the juvenile justice system and understand how kids may end up in ‘the system,’ whether through acts of delinquency or socioeconomic status.”
University of New Haven
Brandon Knieriem ’13
Sociology major and Criminology minor Brandon Knieriem earned a computer science master’s degree from the University of New Haven to compliment his interests in digital investigation, forensics and security. “Criminology — and sociology at large — permanently changed the way I consider human behavior. It’s never as simple as black and white; it’s all about perspectives.”
Criminology
Tyler Hood '23
Tyler completed an internship at the Second Chance Re-Entry Initiative Program in Hartford. The program focuses on the successful re-entry into society of formerly incarcerated and marginalized individuals with trauma. “I pursued this internship because I have a passion for assisting others in becoming successful. I look forward to utilizing the skills and knowledge I have gained from this experience in my future endeavors.”
Sociology
Martha Quiroz ’24
Martha served her internship as a member of the board of Perception Programs, Inc., which provides therapeutic options for local residents. “Nonprofits have a special place in my heart being that I was supported by them from fourth grade up to my senior year in high school. They are essentially how I was able to pursue higher education.”
