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.
- 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.
Courses
| Course | Number | Title | 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 |
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
#30 in Best Online Master's in Criminal Justice Programs (tie)
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.
St. John’s offers support and guidance to students interested in securing internships and job placement upon graduation. Internships and job placements are not guaranteed and some are secured directly by the student without direct guidance from the University. Some positions may have been held prior to enrollment at the University.
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.
New St. John’s Partnership to Create Institute for Border Security and Intelligence Studies
St. John’s University has partnered with the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) New York Field Office to launch the Institute for Border Security and Intelligence Studies, housed within CCPS. This initiative, formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding will create new opportunities for our students and faculty to engage with real-world challenges in homeland security and intelligence.
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!
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.
Department Faculty
- Assistant Professor
- Professor
- Assistant Professor
- Assistant Professor
- Assistant Professor
Interested in Law, Policy & Government, but not sure if Criminal Justice, Bachelor of Science is right for you?
Take the Next Step
Explore Affordability
The Office of Student Financial Services is committed to providing students and their families with the information they need to navigate and understand the financial aid and payment process.
Apply to St. John's
St. John’s offers a free online application for all 100+ undergraduate programs, and graduate applications carry a low cost for most programs.