Academic Resources

St. John's provides a wealth of opportunities for students who are pursuing criminal justice degrees. Organizations like the University's Criminal Justice Association offer guidance concerning career opportunities and job availability, through guest lectures, seminars, on-site visits and opportunities to meet and speak with practitioners in the field.

Hundreds of for-credit internship opportunities are also available for eligible juniors and seniors. These internships offer insight into the inner workings of some of the world's top government agencies, while allowing students to develop skills and gain experience that greatly increase their marketability in today’s competitive job market.

Strengthening internship opportunities for Criminal Justice majors is the aim of the department's Co-Op Education Program. The program provides experience in professional positions with select criminal justice agencies throughout metropolitan New York.

Students majoring in Criminal Justice or Legal Studies at St. John's can apply for the NYPD Cadet Program. Available to students in their second year at St. John's, the program — in partnership with the New York City Police Department — offers extra tuition assistance, special internships in police precincts throughout New York City and other preparation for careers in the nation's premiere police department.

Students gain an academic and professional edge by joining the Criminal Justice Association. One of more than 180 student clubs and organizations at St. John's, the Criminal Justice Association brings students into contact with the structures and procedures of the criminal justice system. The Association acts as an information center concerning career opportunities and job availability. It sponsors guest lectures, seminars, on-site visits and opportunities to meet and speak with practitioners in the field. Membership is open to all students.

The Legal Society is a student organization that enhances students' understanding of and access to the legal profession. The Legal Society offers such student-organized activities as guest speakers, publications and presentations by alumni leaders in the law enforcement field. The Association assists students in preparing for careers in the legal profession throughout the greater New York area.

The College of Professional Studies offers membership in the following honor societies:

  • The College of Professional Studies Honor Society: Recognizing undergraduates who demonstrate academic excellence and involvement in campus, church or community activities. Applicants must have completed a minimum of 60 credits (30 in CPS) with an index of 3.5 for all coursework.
  • Alpha Phi Sigma: The Alpha Epsilon Rho Chapter of this criminal justice honor society, for students with a 3.2 overall index (including transfer credits) and a 3.2 index in the Criminal Justice major.
  • Lambda Epsilon Chi: Applicants to this national Legal Studies honor society must major in Legal Studies (A.S. or B.S. degree) with an overall index of 3.5 after completing two-thirds of all course requirements for the degree.

All St. John's students benefit from the University's other outstanding facilities and resources. Computer laboratories contain sophisticated PC and Mac workstations with a full range of the latest academic software packages and full access to the University's award-winning network. In addition, all new students receive their own wireless laptop computer.

High-tech classrooms and lecture halls feature sophisticated multimedia equipment. Lounges and quiet study areas enhance the research experience in our 1.7 million-volume University Library.

Students take advantage of St. John's location in dynamic New York City. Our faculty and Career Center have strong ties to employers and other professional and educational resources throughout the New York area. Students make New York their classroom through innovative courses like Discover New York.

Students also benefit from St. John's focus on an international academic experience. The University offers extensive study abroad courses during the academic year as well as the winter and summer semesters. Students can live and learn at St. John's Rome, Italy, campus and Paris, France, location.