Criminal Justice Major Leads to Wide
Array of Job Opportunities
Since
Antoinette Collarini-Schlossberg, Ph.D., Associate Professor of
Criminal Justice and Legal Studies, became Director of the popular
Criminal Justice Program in 2007, the curriculum has expanded
and new degree programs have been added.
“The surge in cyber- and white collar crimes — especially in
finance — and the continuing threat of terrorism have created a
strong demand for skilled criminal justice professionals,” said Dr.
Collarini-Schlossberg. To meet this demand, the program has
introduced courses in forensic science, computer crimes, crime
scene investigation and the psychology of terrorism. In addition,
several new, five-year combined degree programs will begin in Fall
2011.
The new BS/MPS (Master’s in Criminal
Justice Leadership) and B.S./M.B.A. were designed to make the
program’s graduates even more marketable. “I am committed to
preparing our students to become 21st- century leaders who will
make an impact,” said Dr. Collarini-Schlossberg. “By simultaneously
earning a bachelor’s degree from the College of Professional
Studies (CPS) and a Master’s
in Business Administration from The Peter J. Tobin College of
Business, students will be better qualified for high-level
positions.” Two new minors will also become available — forensics
and forensic psychology.
As program director, Dr. Collarini-Schlossberg benefits from her
rich professional background. A licensed psychologist who also
oversaw more than 250 government-funded juvenile delinquency
programs, she has in-depth knowledge of the entire criminal justice
system, including departments of probation, parole, corrections,
mental health and law enforcement.
Because of this experience, Dr. Collarini-Schlossberg has developed
relationships with more than 100 government and non-government
criminal justice-related agencies in the New York area. These
contacts have helped students get outstanding internships at such
agencies as the U.N., CIA, FBI, DEA and D.A. offices in every
borough of the city.
As a junior, Melissa Hernandez ‘11CPS,’12MPS landed a
career-defining internship with the Brooklyn DA. “Every day I went
to the office, I felt like I was consuming a high-energy drink,”
she said. “It was during my internship that I realized I had found
my calling and decided that I would go on to law school and
eventually pursue a career in criminal law,” she added.
“What distinguishes St. John’s Criminal Justice Program,” observed
Dr. Collarini-Schlossberg, “is that our faculty all have practical
experience in the field as well as solid academic credentials.
Students appreciate the fact that their classroom learning contains
pragmatic information giving them a concrete understanding of the
profession.”
Program participants also benefit from a loyal alumni network. “Our
successful graduates are always willing to help students in any way
they can, including introducing them to well-placed criminal
justice professionals,” said Dr. Collarini-Schlossberg.