Did you binge watch Homeland and see yourself as the real-life Carrie Mathison or Saul Berenson some day? Maybe you are a fan of CSI or Chicago Fire? Or perhaps you subscribe to true crimes podcasts and play detective as you listen. If this world of intrigue and public service is your passion, then the Henry C. Lee College of Criminal Justice and Forensic Sciences at the University of New Haven may be the right fit for you.
Sitting on 82 hilly acres in West Haven, CT, the University of New Haven’s campus has a suburban feel while located in a small city. It is a mid-size private school with approximately 5 thousand undergraduate students.
The University’s mission, to provide student centered education through experiential, collaborative and discovery-based learning, is delivered through 6 colleges/schools. Of these 6 programs of study, The Henry C. Lee College of Criminal Justice and Forensic Sciences has earned international recognition and top national rankings.
Inside Admissions:
Lee College is one of the most comprehensive programs in the country with an emphasis on both theory and hands-on learning in state-of-the-art labs. The faculty is composed of academics and professors with field experiences from the FBI, CIA, correctional facilities, fire, and police departments. This learning model allows students to get firsthand insights into the day to day realities of their dream job.
The two most popular majors are Criminal Justice and Forensic Sciences. Within the Criminal Justice major, students can combine crime-solving with public safety issues. Six concentrations are offered to supplement the core curriculum.
Correctional Rehabilitation and Supervision
Crime Analysis
Crime Victim Services
Investigative Services
Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention
Police Science
Dr. David Meyers, Chair of the Criminal Justice Department, feels the field of law enforcement will expand to include human services. This would create additional opportunities for specialized positions such as crisis management and intervention services. Lee College is well positioned to prepare students for the changing nature of policing.
The Forensic Sciences program is one of 22 undergraduate degree programs in the United States endorsed by the Forensic Science Education Programs Accreditation Commission (FEPAC). The curriculum is grounded firmly in the sciences and incorporates cutting edge technology with state-of-the-art labs. This combination prepares students to uncover and interpret physical evidence and use crime-solving resources and equipment.
Campus mock crime scene investigations and the Henry C. Lee Institute for Forensic Science provide students with hands-on learning without leaving campus. While the Institute is independent of the University, students study with professionals who are using the Institute’s resources to solve real life cases.
The Institute houses 6 centers of excellence:
Cold Case Center
National Crime Scene Training and Technology Center
The Forensic Science and Learning Center
Forensic Crisis Management and Investigation Center
Advanced Technology Center
Research and Training Center
In addition to the traditional Criminal Justice and Forensic Science majors, Lee College offers additional degrees in unique areas:
Fire Protection Engineering
Fire Science
Paramedicine
Homeland Security and Emergency Management
International Affairs
National Security
If you are looking for small class sizes and hands-on learning in any of the majors offered in Lee College, then the University of New Haven should be added to your college list!
COVID Update:
The admissions office is offering one-on-one campus tours, drive thru campus tours and virtual events.
If applying Early Decision, interviews are required and are being conducted virtually.
The University is test optional for this admissions cycle due to the challenges faced by students to schedule and take the SAT and Act.