College of Professional Studies
Queens Campus, Staten Island Campus
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- Criminal Justice, Bachelor of Science
Overview
In our increasingly complex world, criminals and criminal organizations are more sophisticated than ever. Along with so-called traditional activities — such as drug trafficking, street crime and extortion — they also employ computers and the Internet to threaten our security.
As criminal activity becomes more complex and global in scope, law enforcement agencies seek a new generation of highly trained and educated criminal justice professionals. Job opportunities for police and detectives are expected to rise by 10 percent over the next decade; for criminal investigators, job growth will be as high as 17 percent.
You can prepare for these highly sought-after opportunities through the Bachelor of Science Degree Program in Criminal Justice at St. John's. Offered by the College of Professional Studies, this 120-credit program prepares students for career opportunities in the criminal justice field, including the public sector and all levels of government. Additionally, private sector organizations increasingly seek to hire professionals in the field.
The program draws on the guidance and insight provided by the University's Criminal Justice Advisory Council, composed of distinguished leaders in police service, law, corrections and public safety administration.
A unique feature of the program is the option to specialize in Forensic Psychology. Minor areas of study are also available, including:
- Business
- Computer Science
- Correctional Counseling
- Court Administration
- Criminalistics
Admission
Students may be entitled to receive credit toward the B.S. degree if they have successfully completed training courses at the NYC Police, NYC Corrections, Nassau County, Suffolk County or NYS Police Academies.
For more information about admission to this and other acclaimed undergraduate programs at St. John’s University, please visit Undergraduate Admission online. Or contact us directly at the campus of your choice:
Admission Office - Queens Campus
718-990-2000
[email protected]
Admission Office - Staten Island campus
718-390-4500
[email protected]
Courses
Common Core — 42 Credits
| DNY | 1000C | Discover New York | 3 |
| ENG | 1000C | English Composition | 3 |
| ENG | 1100C | Literature in a Global Context | 3 |
| HIS | 1000C | Emergence of a Global Society | 3 |
| Modern Foreign Language Requirement or ART 1000C or LAC 1000C | 6 | ||
| PHI | 1000C | Philosophy of the Human Person | 3 |
| PHI | 1020 or 2200 series | Philosophy | 3 |
| PHI | 3000C | Metaphysics | 3 |
| SCI | 1000C | Scientific Inquiry | 3 |
| SPE | 1000C | Public Speaking | 3 |
| THE | 1000C | Perspectives on Christianity | 3 |
| THE | 1040 series | Christian Responsibility | 3 |
| THE | Choose any THE elective. | 3 |
Other Liberal Arts Requirements — 18 Credits
| ENG | 1007 to 1073 (not 1040) | English | 3 |
| MTH | Any Math | 6 | |
| PSY | 1001 | General Psychology | 3 |
| SOC | 1001 | General Sociology | 3 |
| Choose three credits from HIS 1017, PSY 1007, PSY 1017, PSY 1019, SOC 1026, SOC 1028 | 3 |
Major Sequence — 36 Credits
| CRJ | 2000 | An Introduction to the Criminal Justice System | 3 |
| CRJ | 2001 | Theories of Crime | 3 |
| CRJ | 2002 | The Police and the Community | 3 |
| CRJ | 2003 | The American Judicial System | 3 |
| CRJ | 2004 | American Correctional System | 3 |
| Choose 21 credits in elective course work: it is recommended that students take CRJ 3006. | 21 | ||
| CRJ | 5000, 5001, 5002, 5003, 5004, 5005, 5006, 5200, 5201, 5202, 5203, 6000, 6001. | Internships/Honor Research |
Computer Science and Business Area – 9 Credits
| CUS | 1102 | Software Applications | 3 |
| Add 6 credits from ACC, BLW, ECO, MGT, MKT | 6 |
Free Electives - 15 Credits
Career Outcomes
The Criminal Justice program at St. John’s gives students a comprehensive understanding of our multifaceted criminal justice system. Along with courses in criminal justice theory and application, the curriculum includes a solid, interdisciplinary liberal arts foundation.
This foundation gives students the knowledge and skills to:
- Develop an understanding of the functions of the criminal justice system: police, courts and corrections
- Become familiar with the theories behind the causes of crime
- Conduct quality research
- Understand how national and international criminal justice agencies are using their mission statements as prescriptions for ethical behavior
- Identify and analyze the results of patterns and practices of differential treatment of suspects and offenders based on class, race, ethnicity and gender
- Recognize how criminal justice agencies utilize technology to increase efficiency and effectiveness
Global Approach to Education
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.
Additional Information
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.
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.