Criminal Justice, B.S.
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Program Title
Criminal Justice, B.S.
Program Code
BS_CRJU_N
Department(s)
College/School
School of Soc & Behavioral Sci
Program Level
Undergraduate
Program Description
The Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice is a comprehensive, interdisciplinary program designed to provide students with a deep understanding of the causes of crime, the impact of law enforcement on society, and the intricacies of the legal and correctional systems. Grounded in the principles of social and behavioral sciences, the curriculum balances theoretical foundations with practical application, fostering the critical thinking, ethical reasoning, and analytical skills necessary for leadership in the field.
Students benefit from the diverse expertise of a faculty composed of attorneys, active and retired law enforcement officers, and forensic specialists who bring real-world experience into the classroom. The program prepares graduates for a wide array of meaningful careers in policing, courts, corrections, social service agencies, private security, and investigations, as well as for advanced study in graduate or law school.
Concentrations and Tracks: To align with specific career goals and academic interests, the Criminal Justice program offers three distinct tracks. Students may choose to pursue the General track or specialize in one of two focused concentrations:
Criminal Justice (General Track): This track offers the most flexibility, providing a broad overview of the justice system. It is ideal for students seeking a holistic understanding of law enforcement, criminology, and the judicial process. Core coursework covers the criminal court process, corrections, and policing, while allowing for a wide range of open electives to tailor the degree to individual professional interests, such as victim advocacy, youth counseling, or probation.
Forensic Investigations Concentration: Designed for students interested in the scientific and investigative side of the justice system, this concentration focuses on the identification, collection, preservation, and analysis of evidence. Specialized coursework includes crime scene investigation, criminalistics, and the law of evidence. Students learn to reconstruct crime scenes, document findings, and understand the role of forensic science in criminal proceedings, preparing them for roles as investigators or evidence technicians.
Homeland Security Concentration: This concentration prepares students for the growing demand for professionals in national security, risk management, and emergency response. The curriculum focuses on domestic and international terrorism, security crisis management, and the National Incident Management System (NIMS). Students develop skills in risk assessment, intelligence gathering, and investigative reporting, equipping them for careers in federal agencies, border protection, and private sector security infrastructure.
Students benefit from the diverse expertise of a faculty composed of attorneys, active and retired law enforcement officers, and forensic specialists who bring real-world experience into the classroom. The program prepares graduates for a wide array of meaningful careers in policing, courts, corrections, social service agencies, private security, and investigations, as well as for advanced study in graduate or law school.
Concentrations and Tracks: To align with specific career goals and academic interests, the Criminal Justice program offers three distinct tracks. Students may choose to pursue the General track or specialize in one of two focused concentrations:
Criminal Justice (General Track): This track offers the most flexibility, providing a broad overview of the justice system. It is ideal for students seeking a holistic understanding of law enforcement, criminology, and the judicial process. Core coursework covers the criminal court process, corrections, and policing, while allowing for a wide range of open electives to tailor the degree to individual professional interests, such as victim advocacy, youth counseling, or probation.
Forensic Investigations Concentration: Designed for students interested in the scientific and investigative side of the justice system, this concentration focuses on the identification, collection, preservation, and analysis of evidence. Specialized coursework includes crime scene investigation, criminalistics, and the law of evidence. Students learn to reconstruct crime scenes, document findings, and understand the role of forensic science in criminal proceedings, preparing them for roles as investigators or evidence technicians.
Homeland Security Concentration: This concentration prepares students for the growing demand for professionals in national security, risk management, and emergency response. The curriculum focuses on domestic and international terrorism, security crisis management, and the National Incident Management System (NIMS). Students develop skills in risk assessment, intelligence gathering, and investigative reporting, equipping them for careers in federal agencies, border protection, and private sector security infrastructure.
Program Information
Jeong Kim, Ph.D., Program Director
914-674-7372
Note(s)
There is an 18-credit residency requirement in the major concentration of criminal justice.
course is a Prerequisite for all PSYN courses numbered 120 and above. course is a Prerequisite for all SOCL courses numbered 120 and above. course and course fulfill part of the General Education requirements. All the courses in this category fulfill Liberal Arts requirements.
Students may also participate in the CASAC-T Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor Standardized 350-Hour Education and Training Program.