College of Professional Studies
Queens Campus, Staten Island Campus, Online
- Home
- Academics
- Find a Program
- Homeland Security and Criminal Justice Leadership, Master of Professional Studies
Overview
New Approaches to Combat the Changing Nature of Crime and Terrorism
Terrorism, new technologies, and increasingly sophisticated international crime organizations have led to dramatic changes in Homeland Security and Criminal Justice Leadership. Some of these changes include:
- The formation of the multi-agency U.S. Department of Homeland Security
- The creation of new partnerships between public and private organizations
- The need to create and implement innovative strategies and tactics to deal with new and traditional criminal enterprises, including intelligence-driven policing models
These realities demand a new generation of highly educated leaders in criminal justice, homeland security, corporate security and other public sector entities. You can gain the knowledge, skills, and credentials to join this elite company through the Master of Professional Studies Program in Homeland Security and Criminal Justice Leadership (MPS) at St. John’s University.
Watch a video about St. John's Homeland Security and Criminal Justice Leadership program.
Offered through St. John’s College of Professional Studies, this innovative 36-credit program is designed to prepare students to meet the emerging leadership challenges in Homeland Security and Criminal Justice Administration.
The thematic core of the graduate program addresses the study of leadership in all the components of Homeland Security and Criminal Justice, including the Police Service, Courts and Corrections. Courses address the multifaceted challenges leaders face in these agencies. The study of ethical leadership principles pervades the entire curriculum and is the thematic link that provides the graduate program with its unique analytical approach to organizational decision-making.
The degree conforms to St. John’s University’s long-established excellence in education by linking theory with professional practice. This integrative approach gives practitioners the knowledge and skills needed for leadership positions in Homeland Security and Criminal Justice Leadership.
The program is offered on both the Queens and Staten Island campuses and at our Long Island Graduate Center. Additionally, the University is exploring several off-campus sites, including various law enforcement academies.
Program Benefits
- Students employed in Homeland Security and Criminal Justice Agencies are granted a 33% Public Service Scholarship
- Enroll in courses that are conveniently scheduled to accommodate working professionals
- Take courses in three delivery modes: Conventional Classroom; Online; and Hybrid Classes
- Participate in classes taught by outstanding faculty, all of whom have been practitioners and leaders in their respective fields
- Attend classes with other professionals with similar interests and goals
- Join a diverse student body
- Attend full-or part-time
- Receive one-on-one academic advisement
- Participate in internships
- Obtain assistance in career planning at the University Career Center
- Network with alumni for career development and job opportunities
Department Faculty
Please see a list of our Criminal Justice, Legal Studies, and Homeland Security faculty.
Contact
Christopher Cleary
Director, Graduate Program in Homeland Security and Criminal Justice Leadership
718-990-3719
[email protected]
Geraldine M Castelli
Assistant Dean Graduate Studies
College of Professional Studies
St.Augustine Hall, Room 2-136
718-990-7628
[email protected]
Apply Request Info Plan your Visit
Admission
Applicants must submit an online application with the following materials:
- Evidence of a Bachelor’s Degree from a regionally accredited college or university
- A record of scholarly achievement which is evidenced by a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0/4.0
- Two letters of recommendation attesting to the applicant’s ability to achieve academic success at the graduate level of study
- A thoughtful, well-written essay of approximately 300 words describing the applicant’s reasons for seeking this graduate degree
Scholarships and Grants
Students currently working in Criminal Justice, Homeland Security, and related agencies are eligible for a 33% tuition grant.
A limited number of Graduate Assistantships from the University are available for highly qualified candidates pursuing graduate study.
Contact
For more information about admission to this graduate program, please contact us directly at the campus of your choice:
Office of Graduate Admission - Queens Campus
718-990-1601
[email protected]
Courses
Core Courses: 18 Credits
| HCL 101 | Police and Homeland Security Leadership | 3 |
| HCL 102 | Critical Issues in Correctional Administration | 3 |
| HCL 103 | U.S. Constitution and Homeland Protection | 3 |
| HCL 201 | Criminal Justice Policy Formation and Analysis | 3 |
| HCL 202 | Leadership in Public Administration | 3 |
| HCL 203 | Ethical Leadership: Principles and Practices | 3 |
Research Courses: 6 Credits
| HCL 401 | Methods of Research in Criminal Justice | 3 |
| HCL 501 | Applied Research Project: The Capstone | 3 |
Selected Topics: Elective Courses: 12 Credits
| HCL 301 | Selected Topics: Criminal Justice | 3 |
| HCL 301.0 | Leadership Issues in Critical Incident Management | 3 |
| HCL 301.1 | Criminological Theory | 3 |
| HCL 301.2 | Leadership Topics I | 3 |
| HCL 301.3 | Leadership Topics II | 3 |
| HCL 301.4 | Seminar in Stress Management | 3 |
| HCL 301.5 | Seminar in Global Terrorism | 3 |
| HCL 301.7 | Leadership in Media Relations | 3 |
| HCL 301.8 | Issues in Global Security | 3 |
| HCL 302 | Selected Topics I | 3 |
| HCL 302.4 | Organizational Dysfunction | 3 |
| HCL 302.5 | Court Administration and Leadership | 3 |
| HCL 302.6 | Contemporary Legal Problems in Criminal Justice | 3 |
| HCL 303 | Selected Topics II | 3 |
| HCL 304 | Police Leadership: A Global Perspective | 3 |
| HCL 310 | Leadership Thesis | 3 |
| HCL 500 | Applied Seminar in Leadership Practicum | 3 |
| MGT 232 | Organizational Behavior | 3 |
| MGT 280 | Organizational Development | 3 |
Career Outcomes
There are numerous and challenging career-track opportunities in the Homeland Security and Criminal Justice fields. If your goal is to work in these professions, this program will provide the skills and academic background necessary for you to take advantage of the many career opportunities available.
Agencies and Organizations: Potential Employers
- Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)
- Central Intelligence Agency (CIA)
- U.S. Department of State
- U.S. Department of Defense
- U.S. Department of Homeland Security
- Police Agencies: Local and State
- New York Police Department (NYPD)
- U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA)
- U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)
- U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (ATF)
- Office of Inspector General (OIG)
- Correctional Agencies
- Probation Departments
- Parole Agencies
- Victim Services Agencies
- District Attorneys’ Offices
- Juvenile Justice Agencies
- Court Systems: Federal, State and Local
- Sheriffs’ Departments
- Counterterrorism Agencies
- Corporate Security Departments
- Non-Profit Ex-Offender Organizations
Additional Information
Background Information
On September 11, 2001, first-responders and those who work in the American Criminal Justice System recognized instantly that their professions had changed dramatically. From that fateful and horrific day forward, it was apparent that America’s public safety system and network had to be reconceptualized and expanded; it had to be reengineered at the local, state, and federal levels of government to address new and emerging terrorist threats. This, of course, was a complex task that involved extensive planning and the coordination of numerous emergency management agencies, law enforcement departments, and private sector organizations. It also involved our government having to make several legislative and policy decisions to balance the frequently conflicting demands of freedom versus order.
An entirely new and equally pressing demand was placed on the St. John’s University Criminal Justice faculty to reengineer its existing Criminal Justice Leadership Program to reflect and respond to the rapid changes that were taking place in homeland security, the police service, the courts and the correctional service.
The result of all this fine-tuning and curriculum reengineering is the new and creative Graduate Program in Homeland Security and Criminal Justice Leadership.
Online Learning
Earn Your Degree Online
Pursue your St. John’s degree entirely on your computer. Our fully accredited Online Learning programs allow you to take courses electronically. Log in at your convenience to enter our virtual classrooms, learn from our accomplished faculty, and engage with classmates.
Our online courses offer the same high academic quality that students experience on campus. Professors deliver lectures and post assignments via Blackboard, our electronic course management system. Students use it to attend virtual classes, share documents, take exams, and exchange ideas with faculty and classmates.
A Fully Academic Experience
You also enjoy the outstanding services available to all St. John’s students, for example:
- Eligibility for scholarships and financial aid
- Tuition and fees identical to those for on-campus courses
- Access to library collections, career services, mentoring, and other academic resources.
Contact us for more information about online learning at St. John’s.