The M.A. in Criminology and Justice at St. John's offers a rigorous academic foundation in criminology and the skills to analyze crime-related data and research.
Prepare for an exciting career in crime analysis with the master's program in Criminology and Justice at St. John's University in New York City!
The M.A. in Criminology and Justice at St. John's offers a rigorous academic foundation in criminology and the skills to analyze crime-related data and research. Combining theory and practical applications, the program enhances career advancement in a variety of professional arenas, including criminal justice agencies, legal settings, and non-profit organizations.
You can start the program in either the fall or spring semesters. Full-time students can complete the program within three semesters; part-time students require four to five semesters.
As a master's student in Criminology and Justice at St. John's, you may be eligible for pathways to doctoral study.
Please see a list of our Sociology and Anthropology faculty.
Yue (Angela) Zhuo, Ph.D.
Associate Professor and Graduate Director
St. John Hall, Room 444-C
718-990-1919
[email protected]
Applicants to the M.A. Criminology and Justice program must possess a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution with an overall grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 or higher. For more information about admission requirements, please visit Graduate Admission:
Office of Graduate Admission
718-990-1601
[email protected]
St. John’s University awards a limited number of graduate assistantships each year to qualified students. Please visit Graduate Assistantships and Fellowships for more information.
St. John’s University grants a public scholarship to all members of NYPD who are admitted to the M.A. program. The scholarship provides a 33 percent tuition reduction for uniformed members of the service.
Required Courses (15 credits)
Thesis Option (30 credits)
Non-Thesis Option (33 credits)
Elective courses may include:
Our graduates have pursued careers in a wide variety of areas related to crime and justice.
Recent alumni hold positions at:
| Department of Homeland Security | Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) |
| NYC Department of Education | NYC Department of Investigations |
| NYC Department of Juvenile Justice | NYC Department of Mental Health |
| NYPD | Social Security Administration |
The program also benefits research-oriented students, many of whom have continued their education in law school and in doctoral programs in criminology and related social sciences. As a master's student in Criminology and Justice at St. John's, you may be eligible for pathways to doctoral study.
We strongly encourage you to combine your coursework with experiential learning through internships in the multitude of government and non-profit agencies based in New York City.
M.A. Criminology & Justice students have pursued internship opportunities at:
| Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives | Brooklyn and Queens District Attorneys Offices |
| Legal Aid Society | NYC Department of Investigations |
| Office of Special Narcotics Prosecution | Red Hook Community Justice Center |
| U.S. Secret Service |
In addition to invaluable work experience that may be directly applicable in future employment, you may also earn academic credit for your internship.
Why should I apply to the St. John's program?
What better place to study crime and modern crime control than New York City? What better place to engage in an internship or launch a career than New York City? What better place to study than St. John's University, New York? Our reputation, our published and active faculty, our location, and your potential, all combine here to create unlimited possibilities for you.
What are the admissions requirements?
Applicants much have a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution with an overall grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 or higher. Acceptance requires a minimum of 18 credit hours of undergraduate coursework in the social sciences. Deficiencies must be corrected under departmental direction. International students must submit TOEFL or IELTS scores.
Is the GRE required for admission?
No, but you may need to submit GRE scores for an academic assistantship.
How long will it take to finish the degree?
The program is designed so that students can enroll either full-time (minimum of nine credits per semester) or part-time (minimum of six credits per semester). Full-time students may complete the program in as little as three semesters and part-time students in five semesters.
I work during the day. Can I take classes after work?
Yes. Most classes are offered in the early evening (7 - 9 p.m.). Others are offered in the late afternoon (4:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.).
Is financial assistance available?
Yes. Students can apply for loans or grants through Student Financial Services.
Will I be able to get credit for an internship?
Yes. You may earn up to six credits for internship experience by enrolling in supervised field placement courses.
Can I take classes in the summer?
Yes. Selected classes will be offered during the summer term.
How can I contact an alumnus or a current student?
We will gladly get you in contact with one of our current and/or former students. Contact the department for more information.
Where can I live?
St. John's has brand new residence halls for graduate students that include a modern dining hall, a fitness center, a self-contained computer center, and rooms that are fully wired for personal computers and laptops. Residence Life can also help you find a reasonably-priced apartment off-campus.
Explore opportunities at St. John's with our pathway generator.
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Accelerate your path to law by pursuing a combined B.A./J.D. program.
The dual Bachelor of Science and Juris Doctor program permits you to enter the St. John’s University School of Law before completing your bachelor’s degree and to complete your academic training in six years, earning an undergraduate degree from the College of Professional Studies and a Juris Doctor degree from St. John’s Law.
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A nationally respected faculty, congenial, diverse and talented students and a powerful network of successful alumni.
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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.
St. John’s offers a free online application for all 100+ undergraduate programs, and graduate applications carry a low cost for most programs.