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Lead with Purpose and Defend Tomorrow

Learn how to safeguard the future with a Master of Professional Studies degree in Homeland Security and Criminal Justice Leadership from St. John’s University.

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A Unique Program for a Unique Perspective

Embark on a transformative academic journey at St. John’s University, which offers a distinctive curriculum that blends Homeland Security and Criminal Justice Leadership. Distinguished by our comprehensive and distinctive curriculum, you graduate with the skills and academic background essential for career success at government agencies, private sector organizations, and emergency management agencies.

Distinguished Academic Leadership

Engage with award-winning faculty members recognized for their outstanding contributions to the field. Immerse yourself in a curriculum crafted with precision and high academic standards, ensuring you receive a top-tier education that goes beyond conventional boundaries. Join a community of scholars dedicated to your success, and seize the unique opportunities offered by a program that ranks among the best in the nation.

#30

Best Online Master's in Criminal Justice Programs

St. John’s renowned faculty and exceptional leadership converge to create an unparalleled learning experience. 

92.5%

Placement Rate

Secure your future with a program that boasts a high placement rate after graduation.*

96%

would recommend St. John’s to their family or friends.*

*The data here is representative of the three graduating classes (September 2022, January 2023, and May 2023 from the three main campuses (Queens, Staten Island, and Manhattan). The data provided here pertains to the 61% of graduate-level students who responded to the survey and includes graduates who may have been employed prior to graduation. 

Why St. John’s?

“I was able to listen to [my peers] and learn from their service since I lacked their practical and tactical experience. But they also leaned on me for advice as they returned to school for the first time in years after a long career. By leveraging our strengths and weaknesses with each other, we grew extremely close.” 
—JULIA VARVARO ’18TCB, ’20GCCPS, Policy Analyst, Federal Emergency Management Agency

Program Overview

Earn your master’s degree in this critical field with just 12 courses (36 credits).

  • Criminal Justice Policy Formation and Analysis
  • Critical Issues in Correctional Administration
  • Ethical Leadership: Principles and Practices
  • Leadership in Public Administration
  • Police and Homeland Security Leadership
  • US Constitution and Homeland Protection
  • Applied Research Project: The Capstone
  • Introduction to Research Methods

Selected from the following:

  • Applied Seminar in Leadership Practicum
  • Contemporary Legal Problems in Criminal Justice
  • Court Administration and Leadership
  • Criminological Theory
  • Issues in Global Security
  • Leadership Issues in Critical Incident Management
  • Leadership Topics I
  • Leadership Topics II
  • Organizational Behavior
  • Organizational Development
  • Police Leadership: a Global Perspective
  • Selected Topics I
  • Selected Topics II
  • Selected Topics: Criminal Justice
  • Seminar in Global Terrorism
  • Seminar in Stress Management

Flexibility to Craft Your Academic Journey

Tailor your academic experience to work alongside your professional life with our flexible class schedules. Whether you prefer online, in-person, or hybrid classes, we offer the convenience necessary to balance your career and education.

Online, In-Person, or Hybrid

Choose the learning format that suits your schedule

Flexible Class Schedules

Designed with working professionals in mind

Real-World Preparedness through Our Simulation Lab

Our on-campus Homeland Security/Emergency Management Simulation Lab recreates real-world scenarios for hands-on training, arming you for actual emergencies. Simulating incidents from natural disasters to terrorism, it hones decision-making skills crucial for addressing future challenges. Functioning as a research center, it supports the Homeland Security Center of Excellence. All current students in Homeland Security programs can use the lab, including online students visiting the Queens campus.

Esteemed Faculty and Leaders

Beyond educators, our faculty are accomplished leaders, scholars, and practitioners, transcending traditional roles. Their wealth of collective knowledge enriches your academic journey, offering real-world perspectives that drive your career outcomes. Some of our esteemed faculty include

  • Keith Cozine, Ph.D., Chairperson and Associate Professor, Division of Criminal Justice and Homeland Security—recipient of the Anti-Terrorism Award from the US Customs and Border Protection Commissioner
  • Marina Sorochinski, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, Division of Criminal Justice and Homeland Security—recipient of the Edward Shaffer Award for Best Research Presentation
  • Christopher Cleary, Ph.D., Associate Professor and Program Director, Graduate Program in Criminal Justice and Homeland Security Leadership 

Admission Requirements

To be admitted to the M.P.S. program, you must have a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution or the international equivalent before enrollment. You must also provide

  • A completed application form and nonrefundable application fee.
  • A statement of professional goals and résumé.
  • Official transcripts from all undergraduate, graduate, and professional schools attended.
  • A minimum of one recommendation, obtained from a professional or academic reference.
  • Official TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo English Test scores are required for applicants whose native language is not English.
  • Students with international credits must submit a course-by-course foreign credit evaluation with a grade point average calculation from a National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) member organization

For more information

Karen Mangan headshot

Karen Mangan
Graduate Admission Representative
mangank@stjohns.edu
929-200-3190



Office of Graduate Admission
gradhelp@stjohns.edu