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Criminal Justice, Bachelor of Science

Prepare for a dynamic career in the criminal justice system with the Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice at St. John’s University, featuring specialized courses, and practical internships at leading New York City agencies, equipping graduates for success in both the public and private sectors. 

The Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice at St. John’s University prepares students for diverse careers within the criminal justice system, offering extensive opportunities in both the public and private sectors. The program provides a thorough understanding of the criminal justice system, focusing on key institutions such as the police, courts, and corrections, the development of laws and public policies, and pressing issues facing the criminal justice system, while incorporating an interdisciplinary liberal arts foundation. 

Students benefit from St. John’s exceptional facilities, including advanced computer laboratories, high-tech classrooms, and a 1.7 million-volume library that enhances the research experience. 

Through the Co-Op Education Program, students gain valuable hands-on experience with internships at select criminal justice agencies throughout New York City. Leveraging the university's prime location and strong connections with local employers, graduates are well-prepared for successful careers in the multifaceted criminal justice field.

Apply Plan your Visit
Degree Type
BS
Area of Interest
Law, Policy & Government
Associated Colleges or Schools
Program Location
  • Queens Campus
Required Credit Hours
120

Program Contact

We are here to answer any questions you may have about the Criminal Justice program and admission process.  

James E. McCabe, Ph.D.

Program Coordinator

St. Augustine Hall, 2nd Floor

Courses

CourseNumberTitleCredits
CRJ2000An Introduction to the Criminal Justice System3
CRJ2001Theories of Crime3
CRJ2002The Police and the Community3
CRJ2003The American Judicial System3
CRJ2004American Correctional System3
  Choose 21 credits in elective course work: it is recommended that students take CRJ 3006.21

The Criminal Justice Program offers a wide variety of courses that students can take during the course of their studies at St. John’s.  The table below illustrates the depth and breadth of our program offering. 

CRJ Number 

Course Title 

CRJ Number 

Course Title 

2000 

An Introduction to the Criminal Justice System 

3114 

Criminal Procedure Law 

2001 

Theories of Crime 

3115 

The Criminal Justice Adversary System 

2002 

The Police and the Community 

3116 

Law of Evidence 

2003 

The American Judicial System 

3117 

Cybercrime and the Law 

2004 

American Correctional System 

3118 

Cybercrime Investigations 

2006 

Introduction to Cybercrime 

3120 

Probation and Parole 

2007 

Crime Scene Investigations 

3121 

Corrections Law 

2009 

Crime Mapping 

3122 

Constitutional Law 

2010 

Police Tactical Decision Making (lab) 

3201 

American Law Enforcement Practicum 

2011 

Serial Killers and Their Victims 

3202 

Justice and the D.A's Office 

2012 

Fraud Examination and Investigations 

3204 

Crime Mapping Practicum 

3000 

Professional Ethics in the Criminal Justice System 

3204 

Emergency Preparedness, Response and Planning for Hazardous Materials 

3001 

Public Policy and Criminal Justice 

3206 

Terrorism and Emergency Management 

3002 

Minority Groups and the Criminal Justice System 

3207 

Emergency Management and Homeland Security Law 

3003 

Women and the Criminal Justice System 

3208 

Sociology of a Disaster 

3004 

Victimology 

3209 

Computer Applications in Emergency Management 

3005 

Contemporary Social Problems in the Criminal Justice System 

3210 

Fraud in the Public Sector 

3006 

Research Methods in Criminal Justice 

3211 

Unsolved Murders: Case Study Analysis of Investigative Techniques 

3008 

Hostage Negotiations and Crisis Intervention 

3212 

Domestic Extremism and Hate Crime 

3100 

Police Organizations and Management 

4001 

Contemporary Legal Issues in Private and Public Protection 

3102 

Criminal Investigations 

4102 

Forensic Psychology II 

3102 

Forensic Psychology 

4104 

Criminal Justice Leadership and Services 

3103 

Introduction to Forensic Science 

4105 

Transnational Crime and Criminals 

3104 

Modern Investigation and Protection Technology 

4106 

Comparative Criminal Justice Systems 

3105 

Juveniles and the Criminal Justice System 

4107 

Comparative Police Systems 

3106 

Drug Use and Abuse 

4108 

Criminal Justice Classical Writings 

3107 

Organized Crime 

5000 

Criminal Justice Internships 

3108 

International Terrorism 

5200 

Seminar in Court Administration 

3109 

Forensic Fire Investigation 

5201 

Criminal Justice Counseling 

3110 

Forensic Fire Scene Reconstruction 

5202 

Criminal Justice Practicum 

3112 

Reading and Interpreting Legal Documents 

5203 

Criminalistics 

3113 

Penal Law 

6000 

Criminal Justice Honors Research 

A minor in Forensic Psychology introduces the student to areas of study related to the application of psychology to Law, police work, correction, and other areas of criminal justice system and preparation for graduate study in psychology and subjects related to human behavior.   

Click here to learn more.

University Core Curriculum

Program Objectives

  • Become knowledgeable, competent, and ethical leaders in the criminal justice and legal professions.
  • Develop an understanding of the causes of criminal behavior
  • Develop an understanding of the criminal justice system
  • Study of law and prepare for law school and paralegal professions
  • Studies in criminology, forensic science, homeland security, and cybercrime
  • Prepares students for various roles in law enforcement and forensics
  • Prepares students for roles in rehabilitation and counseling
  • Prepares students to work in law enforcement, courts, adult and juvenile corrections, corporate security, public safety, loss prevention, private protective services or investigations, or community-based programs and services
  • Foster critical thinking skills to analyze and evaluate laws, policies, and practices within the criminal justice field, addressing contemporary issues and innovations.
  • Equip students with practical skills through hands-on experience, internships, and collaborative projects with criminal justice agencies, preparing them for successful careers and leadership roles.

Internships and Career Opportunities

Students can participate in internships during their education at St. Johns.  In the past, students have had the opportunity to intern at hundreds of different private and public organizations in the Criminal Justice System, including the FBI, DEA, County District Attorney’s Offices, and the US Attorney’s Offices, in addition to the dozens of local law enforcement agencies that are located in the NYC region. Students are encouraged to pursue their career interests by performing an internship, and we are here to support them and find the right fit for their academic and career goals. 

Majoring in Criminal Justice at St. Johns is not just for school, but for life.  We offer counseling and preparation for professional careers, and our graduates find employment across various public and private industries.  We boast a 95% success rate for graduates working full-time or pursuing their education.  Our recent graduates are employed in various professions, including federal, state, and local governments, major NYC law firms, media, entertainment, and other private industry companies.

Edward Caban

Success at St. John's

The NYPD is headed by the Police Commissioner, whom the Mayor appoints with the function to carry out the department’s critical mission: ensuring a safe, secure environment and enhancing the quality of life for all New Yorkers and visitors to the Big Apple.

Fast-Track Your Way to a Masters in Homeland Security and Criminal Justice Leadership 

Accelerate your career with our Fast Track program! Earn your master’s degree quicker through our combined degree option. Click here to learn more.  

Labs

Criminal Justice students at St. John's University benefit from cutting-edge learning experiences in two state-of-the-art labs within the College of Professional Studies (CCPS). In our Forensic Science Lab, students gain hands-on experience in crime scene investigation, evidence collection and processing, and various aspects of criminalistics. Additionally, CCPS features a Homeland Security Simulator. This advanced classroom-based simulator immerses students in realistic scenarios involving natural and man-made disasters, as well as critical incidents faced by the criminal justice system.

Events and Seminars

Explore upcoming events and seminars featuring top industry professionals and student networking opportunities. 

Fall 2024

Unlocking Hope
October 4th, 2024
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
St. John’s University
D’Angelo Center Ballroom
Queens, NY, Campus
Click here to learn more and to register!

Department Faculty

Admission

Students may receive credit toward the B.S. degree if they have 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.

Admission Office  Queens Campus
718-990-2000
[email protected]

 

Scholarships

Please click here to learn more about available scholarships.

Interested in Law, Policy & Government, but not sure if Criminal Justice, Bachelor of Science is right for you?