Criminal Justice Schools in New York
New York’s Best Criminal Justice Schools and Academic Programs
With one of the most famous and populous cities in America, New York offers a wide variety of career opportunities for students graduating from criminal justice programs. With the help of these qualified learners, violent crime in New York City has been consistently declining since the 1990’s, no making it one of America’s safest large cities. There is always a need for criminal justice employees in New York’s smaller cities and provinces, though, working in the fields of criminal investigation, fishing and hunting enforcement, and a variety of other law professions. Read more below about the academic opportunities available to students interested in achieving a criminal justice career in New York state.
Each student has individual career aspirations and academic needs, which is why selecting the right academic institution is the first crucial step of beginning a career in a criminal justice field. Comparing available schools can help students get a sense of what tuition cost, enrollment rates, and student-teacher ratios may align with their personal needs. To help students find the best school for them, we’ve analyzed criminal justice schools and programs across the country and found the top picks based on our methodology. Explore the best criminal justice programs in New York for 2017 below.
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Hilbert College
Hamburg, NY- 4 year
- Campus
Hilbert College provides diverse learning opportunities from its main campus in Hamburg, New York. The college's bachelor's in criminal justice provides students interested in a criminal justice career with a world-class education. The college boasts an 11-to-1 student-faculty ratio, enabling personalized study and close collaboration through faculty-driven research projects.
The criminal justice program supports an in-person learning format. Students benefit from institutional resources, including academic advising and career services.
Hilbert College at a Glance:
Total Academic Programs: 36
Admission Rate: 93%
Graduation Rate: 51%
Percent of Students Awarded Aid: 100%
Percent of Students Awarded Loans: 87%
Average Amount of Loans Awarded: $5,972
- In-State$22,700
- Out-of-state$22,700
- In-State$19,920
- Out-of-state$19,920
- Retention Rate78%
- Acceptance Rate93%
- Students Enrolled766
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online EnrollmentN/A
- AccreditationYes
SUNY Morrisville
- Morrisville, NY
- 4 year
- Campus
SUNY Morrisville connects learners with competitive educational opportunities through in-person and online degree programs. The college's bachelor of technology in criminal justice provides students interested in a criminal justice career with a world-class education. Students complete coursework and attend industry-relevant lectures, and they can pursue further learning through internships and research projects.
With the college supporting in-person and online study, learners have the option to pursue their degree at their own pace. Career services and academic advising are just two of the many campus resources available to learners.
SUNY Morrisville at a Glance:
Total Academic Programs: 82
Admission Rate: 75%
Graduation Rate: 35%
Percent of Students Awarded Aid: 95%
Average Amount of Aid Awarded: $9,096
Percent of Students Awarded Loans: 68%
Average Amount of Loans Awarded: $6,574
Average Price After Aid: $19,016
- In-State$7,070
- Out-of-state$16,980
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate68%
- Acceptance Rate75%
- Students Enrolled2,781
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment28%
- AccreditationYes
John Jay College of Criminal Justice
- New York, NY
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
John Jay College of Criminal Justice supports numerous degree programs from its main campus in New York City. Students in the criminal justice program benefit from world-class faculty and a well-rounded education. Beyond the classroom, students can pursue experiential learning opportunities, such as faculty-driven research projects and internships.
The criminal justice program supports in-person and online learning formats. To date, the college supports one online degree program. Students can access library services, tutoring, and other campus resources during their program.
John Jay College of Criminal Justice at a Glance:
Total Academic Programs: 65
Number of Online Programs: 1
Admission Rate: 41%
Graduation Rate: 52%
Percent of Students Awarded Aid: 85%
Average Amount of Aid Awarded: $9,593
Percent of Students Awarded Loans: 11%
Average Amount of Loans Awarded: $5,854
Average Price After Aid: $3,814
- In-State$6,930
- Out-of-state$14,880
- In-State$11,090
- Out-of-state$20,520
- Retention Rate80%
- Acceptance Rate41%
- Students Enrolled15,880
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment35%
- AccreditationYes
The College of Saint Rose
- Albany, NY
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Students looking for a competitive, flexible education should consider The College of Saint Rose. Learners looking to advance in the criminal justice field can pursue the college's BS in criminal justice. The program boasts a 14-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio, enabling collaborative endeavors such as faculty-driven research projects.
Enrollees have the option to complete the criminal justice person in person or remotely. Distance learners can choose from two fully online degree programs through the college. Students seeking academic and career guidance can benefit from the college's many resources, such as career services and academic advising.
The College of Saint Rose at a Glance:
Total Academic Programs: 91
Number of Online Programs: 2
Admission Rate: 87%
Graduation Rate: 61%
Percent of Students Awarded Aid: 100%
Percent of Students Awarded Loans: 73%
Average Amount of Loans Awarded: $6,866
- In-State$32,218
- Out-of-state$32,218
- In-State$14,382
- Out-of-state$14,382
- Retention Rate70%
- Acceptance Rate87%
- Students Enrolled4,004
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment18%
- AccreditationYes
Utica College
- Utica, NY
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Utica College supports in-person learning and distance learning opportunities from its main campus in New York State. Learners seeking robust study in the criminal justice field will benefit from the college's bachelor's degree in criminal justice. Students benefit from learning opportunities within and beyond the classroom, and they can pursue collaborative projects such as faculty-driven research, internships, and more.
Learners from all walks of life benefit from the criminal justice program's flexible format. Approximately 29% of the college's programs include online options. Both in-person and remote students benefit from institutional resources, such as academic advising and career services.
Utica College at a Glance:
Total Academic Programs: 77
Number of Online Programs: 22
Admission Rate: 87%
Graduation Rate: 54%
Percent of Students Awarded Aid: 98%
Percent of Students Awarded Loans: 72%
Average Amount of Loans Awarded: $10,433
- In-State$21,560
- Out-of-state$21,560
- In-State$21,480
- Out-of-state$21,480
- Retention Rate71%
- Acceptance Rate87%
- Students Enrolled4,947
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment61%
- AccreditationYes
SUNY Buffalo State
- Buffalo, NY
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
SUNY Buffalo State, a public college, is located in New York. Its degree programs, such as the bachelor's in criminal justice, foster learning through a robust program curriculum and supportive in-person and online communities. Students hoping to deepen their knowledge of the field can collaborate with faculty members on research projects and other endeavors.
The criminal justice program supports in-person and online learning formats. At the college, 2% of all degree programs accommodate remote learning. Throughout their program, students can access institutional resources, benefiting from academic and career advising and library services.
SUNY Buffalo State at a Glance:
Total Academic Programs: 187
Number of Online Programs: 3
Admission Rate: 67%
Graduation Rate: 46%
Percent of Students Awarded Aid: 94%
Average Amount of Aid Awarded: $9,107
Percent of Students Awarded Loans: 60%
Average Amount of Loans Awarded: $6,467
Average Price After Aid: $12,230
- In-State$7,070
- Out-of-state$16,980
- In-State$11,310
- Out-of-state$23,100
- Retention Rate58%
- Acceptance Rate67%
- Students Enrolled8,658
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment26%
- AccreditationYes
SUNY Canton
- Canton, NY
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
SUNY Canton, a public college, provides competitive educational opportunities to learners from all walks of life. The school's bachelor's degree in law enforcement leadership prepares students for future careers through foundational and specialized coursework. Learners seeking supplementary studies can benefit from faculty-driven research projects and other collaborative learning opportunities.
Criminal justice students benefit from flexible study, with the option to pursue in-person or online learning, and they can enroll full time or part time. At the college, 33% of all degree programs accommodate remote learning. Students can make use of campus resources, such as academic advising and library services, while enrolled.
SUNY Canton at a Glance:
Total Academic Programs: 55
Number of Online Programs: 18
Admission Rate: 85%
Graduation Rate: 47%
Percent of Students Awarded Aid: 95%
Average Amount of Aid Awarded: $9,262
Percent of Students Awarded Loans: 72%
Average Amount of Loans Awarded: $6,626
Average Price After Aid: $13,285
- In-State$7,070
- Out-of-state$13,534
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate70%
- Acceptance Rate85%
- Students Enrolled3,223
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment64%
- AccreditationYes
Adelphi University
- Garden City, NY
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Adelphi University supports numerous degree programs, both in person and online, from its main campus in Garden City, New York. The school's criminal justice programs build theoretical and practical knowledge, preparing candidates for many career paths in the field. Students complete coursework, attend industry-relevant lectures, and can pursue further learning through internships and research projects.
Working professionals and busy students benefit from the criminal justice program's flexibility and can learn in person or online. To date, 7% of the college's degree programs enable online study. Both in-person and remote students benefit from institutional resources, like academic advising and career services.
Adelphi University at a Glance:
Total Academic Programs: 134
Number of Online Programs: 9
Admission Rate: 74%
Graduation Rate: 73%
Percent of Students Awarded Aid: 94%
Percent of Students Awarded Loans: 60%
Average Amount of Loans Awarded: $6,966
- In-State$38,470
- Out-of-state$38,470
- In-State$41,920
- Out-of-state$41,920
- Retention Rate79%
- Acceptance Rate74%
- Students Enrolled7,991
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment21%
- AccreditationYes
Rochester Institute of Technology
- Rochester, NY
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Rochester Institute of Technology reaches learners worldwide through its flexible academic degree programs, available in-person and online. The school's criminal justice programs build theoretical and practical knowledge, preparing candidates for many career paths in the field. While completing coursework, students can also pursue experiential learning opportunities such as faculty-driven research projects and internships.
Students have the option to complete the criminal justice program in person or online. Approximately 14% of the college's programs include online options. All students can access institutional resources while enrolled, and they can receive personal and professional guidance.
Rochester Institute of Technology at a Glance:
Total Academic Programs: 201
Number of Online Programs: 28
Admission Rate: 71%
Graduation Rate: 67%
Percent of Students Awarded Aid: 98%
Percent of Students Awarded Loans: 60%
Average Amount of Loans Awarded: $6,103
- In-State$44,049
- Out-of-state$44,049
- In-State$47,522
- Out-of-state$47,522
- Retention Rate88%
- Acceptance Rate71%
- Students Enrolled16,254
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment18%
- AccreditationYes
Farmingdale State College
- Farmingdale, NY
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Farmingdale State College supports numerous degree programs, both in person and online, from its main campus in New York. The school's associate degree in criminal justice equips students with a well-rounded education through its rigorous program curriculum. In the law enforcement program, learners benefit from rigorous coursework and opportunities to collaborate with faculty, through research and other options.
Criminal justice enrollees can often take advantage of online and hybrid offerings, which add flexibility for working students. Distance learners can choose from two fully online degree programs through the college. Throughout their studies, learners can access academic advising, career services, and other institutional resources.
Farmingdale State College at a Glance:
Total Academic Programs: 60
Number of Online Programs: 2
Admission Rate: 55%
Graduation Rate: 52%
Percent of Students Awarded Aid: 74%
Average Amount of Aid Awarded: $8,566
Percent of Students Awarded Loans: 29%
Average Amount of Loans Awarded: $6,021
Average Price After Aid: $7,481
- In-State$7,070
- Out-of-state$16,980
- In-State$8,792
- Out-of-state$17,334
- Retention Rate80%
- Acceptance Rate55%
- Students Enrolled9,996
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment25%
- AccreditationYes
Pace University
- New York, NY
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Pace University connects learners with competitive educational opportunities through in-person and online degree programs. Students seeking robust study in the criminal justice field will benefit from the college's combined criminal justice programs. Students complete coursework, attend industry-relevant lectures, and can pursue further learning through internships and research projects.
Students can complete coursework at the school's main campus in New York or pursue remote learning. Of its degree programs, 4% allow for fully online study. Both in-person and remote students benefit from institutional resources, such as academic advising and career services.
Pace University at a Glance:
Total Academic Programs: 136
Number of Online Programs: 6
Admission Rate: 79%
Graduation Rate: 57%
Percent of Students Awarded Aid: 97%
Percent of Students Awarded Loans: 51%
Average Amount of Loans Awarded: $6,737
- In-State$44,714
- Out-of-state$44,714
- In-State$31,320
- Out-of-state$31,320
- Retention Rate78%
- Acceptance Rate79%
- Students Enrolled13,395
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment43%
- AccreditationYes
SUNY Plattsburgh
- Plattsburgh, NY
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
SUNY Plattsburgh provides diverse learning opportunities from its main campus in New York. The college's bachelor's in criminal justice equips learners with industry-specific knowledge, transferable skills, and learning experiences that prepare them for the demands of their field. Students benefit from learning opportunities within and beyond the classroom, and they can pursue collaborative projects such as faculty-driven research, internships, and more.
Learners from all walks of life benefit from the criminal justice program's flexible format. Of the school's degree programs, 3% allow for fully online study. Enrollees can access numerous campus resources throughout their studies, including academic advising and career services.
SUNY Plattsburgh at a Glance:
Total Academic Programs: 96
Number of Online Programs: 3
Admission Rate: 58%
Graduation Rate: 68%
Percent of Students Awarded Aid: 94%
Average Amount of Aid Awarded: $9,505
Percent of Students Awarded Loans: 62%
Average Amount of Loans Awarded: $6,427
Average Price After Aid: $14,811
- In-State$7,070
- Out-of-state$16,980
- In-State$11,310
- Out-of-state$23,100
- Retention Rate75%
- Acceptance Rate58%
- Students Enrolled5,258
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment35%
- AccreditationYes
Canisius College
- Buffalo, NY
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Canisius College connects learners with competitive educational opportunities through in-person and online degree programs. The college's bachelor's in criminal justice provides students with transferable skills and knowledge necessary for the criminal justice field. Students complete coursework, attend industry-relevant lectures, and can pursue further learning through internships and research projects.
Criminal justice enrollees can often take advantage of online and hybrid offerings, which add flexibility for working students. Leading in online education, the college supports 24 online degree programs. Both in-person and remote students benefit from institutional resources, including academic advising and career services.
Canisius College at a Glance:
Total Academic Programs: 124
Number of Online Programs: 24
Admission Rate: 83%
Graduation Rate: 73%
Percent of Students Awarded Aid: 97%
Percent of Students Awarded Loans: 63%
Average Amount of Loans Awarded: $6,440
- In-State$27,940
- Out-of-state$27,940
- In-State$14,760
- Out-of-state$14,760
- Retention Rate84%
- Acceptance Rate83%
- Students Enrolled3,102
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment32%
- AccreditationYes
Long Island University
- Brookville, NY
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Long Island University provides diverse learning opportunities from its main campus in Brookville, New York. The college's BA in criminal justice equips students with industry-relevant study, preparing them for the demands of a criminal justice career. Students hoping to deepen their knowledge can collaborate with faculty members on research projects and other endeavors.
Depending on their needs, students can complete the criminal justice program in person or online. Students benefit from institutional resources, such as academic advising and career services.
Long Island University at a Glance:
Total Academic Programs: 323
Number of Online Programs: 1
Admission Rate: 80%
Graduation Rate: 46%
Percent of Students Awarded Aid: 95%
Percent of Students Awarded Loans: 35%
Average Amount of Loans Awarded: $7,877
- In-State$36,452
- Out-of-state$36,452
- In-State$22,482
- Out-of-state$22,482
- Retention Rate76%
- Acceptance Rate80%
- Students Enrolled15,546
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment4%
- AccreditationYes
Roberts Wesleyan College
- Rochester, NY
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Roberts Wesleyan College is a Rochester-based college supporting academic programs in dual modalities. The college's bachelor's in criminal justice provides students with transferable skills and knowledge necessary for the criminal justice field. The college boasts a 13-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio, enabling personalized study and close collaboration through faculty-driven research projects.
Working professionals and busy students benefit from the criminal justice program's flexibility, and they can learn in person or online. The college reports that 11% of its degree programs sustain online study. Career services and academic advising are just two of the many campus resources available to learners.
Roberts Wesleyan College at a Glance:
Total Academic Programs: 83
Number of Online Programs: 9
Admission Rate: 67%
Graduation Rate: 62%
Percent of Students Awarded Aid: 99%
Percent of Students Awarded Loans: 64%
Average Amount of Loans Awarded: $7,655
- In-State$31,350
- Out-of-state$31,350
- In-State$14,094
- Out-of-state$14,094
- Retention Rate79%
- Acceptance Rate67%
- Students Enrolled1,780
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment18%
- AccreditationYes
Fredonia
- Fredonia, NY
- 4 year
- Campus
Fredonia connects learners with competitive educational opportunities through in-person and online degree programs. Its degree programs, such as the bachelor's in criminal justice, foster learning through a robust program curriculum and supportive community. Learners benefit from a 14-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio, with many chances to interact closely with professors.
The criminal justice program accommodates in-person study. Learners can access institutional resources, such as career services, geared toward student success.
Fredonia at a Glance:
Total Academic Programs: 109
Admission Rate: 71%
Graduation Rate: 64%
Percent of Students Awarded Aid: 96%
Average Amount of Aid Awarded: $8,709
Percent of Students Awarded Loans: 71%
Average Amount of Loans Awarded: $6,205
Average Price After Aid: $14,631
- In-State$7,070
- Out-of-state$16,980
- In-State$11,310
- Out-of-state$23,100
- Retention Rate70%
- Acceptance Rate71%
- Students Enrolled4,446
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment12%
- AccreditationYes
St. John's University
- Queens, NY
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
A leader in higher education, St. John's University provides educational opportunities to Queens-based students and distance learners. Enrollees hoping to advance in a criminal justice-adjacent career will benefit from the college's associate in criminal justice program. With a 16-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio, enrollees benefit from personalized study and the opportunity for collaborative opportunities such as faculty-driven research projects.
Learners from all walks of life benefit from the criminal justice program's flexible format. To date, the college supports 20 online degree programs. Throughout their studies, learners can access academic advising, career services, and other institutional resources.
St. John's University at a Glance:
Total Academic Programs: 181
Number of Online Programs: 20
Admission Rate: 72%
Graduation Rate: 63%
Percent of Students Awarded Aid: 100%
Percent of Students Awarded Loans: 37%
Average Amount of Loans Awarded: $6,577
- In-State$41,378
- Out-of-state$41,378
- In-State$28,569
- Out-of-state$28,569
- Retention Rate82%
- Acceptance Rate72%
- Students Enrolled21,718
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment22%
- AccreditationYes
Elmira College
- Elmira, NY
- 4 year
- Campus
Elmira College supports in-person learning and distance learning opportunities from its main campus in New York. Learners looking to advance in the criminal justice field should consider the college's bachelor's in criminal justice. While completing coursework, students can also pursue experiential learning opportunities such as faculty-driven research projects and internships.
The criminal justice program supports in-person learning. While enrolled, students benefit from academic and professional guidance through academic advising, career services, and other campus resources.
Elmira College at a Glance:
Total Academic Programs: 57
Admission Rate: 80%
Graduation Rate: 68%
Percent of Students Awarded Aid: 100%
Percent of Students Awarded Loans: 78%
Average Amount of Loans Awarded: $7,030
- In-State$33,900
- Out-of-state$33,900
- In-State$16,800
- Out-of-state$16,800
- Retention Rate81%
- Acceptance Rate80%
- Students Enrolled860
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment2%
- AccreditationYes
SUNY Delhi
- Delhi, NY
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
A public institution, SUNY Delhi operates a main campus in New York. The associate in criminal justice studies prepares learners for professional advancement through industry-relevant coursework, lectures, and projects. Learners benefit from a 16-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio, with many chances to interact closely with professors.
Students in the criminal justice program benefit from dual enrollment formats; they can learn in person or remotely. The college reports that 17% of its degree programs sustain online study. Throughout their program, students can access institutional resources, benefiting from academic and career advising, library services, and more.
SUNY Delhi at a Glance:
Total Academic Programs: 66
Number of Online Programs: 11
Admission Rate: 72%
Graduation Rate: 48%
Percent of Students Awarded Aid: 91%
Average Amount of Aid Awarded: $9,337
Percent of Students Awarded Loans: 58%
Average Amount of Loans Awarded: $6,423
Average Price After Aid: $14,092
- In-State$7,070
- Out-of-state$10,840
- In-State$11,310
- Out-of-state$13,570
- Retention Rate73%
- Acceptance Rate72%
- Students Enrolled3,086
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment42%
- AccreditationYes
Niagara University
- Niagara University, NY
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
A private institution, Niagara University operates a main campus in New York. Students seeking flexible study in criminal justice will benefit from the college's bachelor's in criminology and criminal justice. In the criminal justice program, learners benefit from rigorous coursework and opportunities to collaborate with faculty through research.
Enrollees can attend classes at the college's campus or pursue fully online learning. The institution notes that 12% of its degree programs enable online study. Throughout their program, students can access institutional resources, benefiting from academic and career advising, library services, and more.
Niagara University at a Glance:
Total Academic Programs: 98
Number of Online Programs: 12
Admission Rate: 89%
Graduation Rate: 73%
Percent of Students Awarded Aid: 99%
Percent of Students Awarded Loans: 60%
Average Amount of Loans Awarded: $6,887
- In-State$33,000
- Out-of-state$33,000
- In-State$14,525
- Out-of-state$14,525
- Retention Rate87%
- Acceptance Rate89%
- Students Enrolled3,723
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment31%
- AccreditationYes
BEST CRIMINAL JUSTICE CAREERS AVAILABLE IN NEW YORK
Graduates from all backgrounds may find criminal justice employment in New York, whether they are working as a criminal investigator or in a more court-based setting. The following table breaks down some of the career paths open to criminal justice graduates in terms of salary and employment rate, giving them a clear idea of which programs can lead to the career of their interest.
POTENTIAL CAREERS FOR NEW YORK CRIMINAL JUSTICE GRADUATES
When searching for an employer, it is important to keep in mind the large selection potential careers available in specific areas throughout New York. The table below highlights some of the possible careers available to New York criminal justice graduates, detailing specific jobs in terms of location, total number of hired employees, and annual wage.
- Protective Services
Potential Employers
Elmira Correctional Facility; Otisville Correctional Facility; New York State Police Division Headquarters; Oyster Bay National Wildlife Refuge; New York City Police Department; Clinton County State Trooper Department; Manhattan Transit Bureau; Brooklyn Animal Care Center; Private Detective office; Turning Stone Resort and Casino; Jones Beach Lifeguard Corps; John F. Kennedy International Airport
Total Number of Employees in New York: 294,070 - Legal Occupations
Potential Employers
Bronx Civil Court; Otsego County Court; Office of Administrative Hearings; New York International Arbitration Center; Cattaraugus County Courthouse; Westchester Supreme and County Court; New York State DMV; Nassau County District Court
Total Number of Employees in New York: 108,300
FAQ ON CRIMINAL JUSTICE IN NEW YORK: EXPERT ADVICE FROM AMY POLAND, PHD
Amy Poland, PhD, is the Associate Dean for Online Learning and an associate professor in the Department of Criminal Justice at St. Joseph’s College. Prior to moving to Long Island, she began her career in criminal justice working with juvenile offenders in a residential treatment facility while she finished her Master’s in public administration. She completed her PhD in criminal justice and taught at Buena Vista University in Storm Lake, Iowa and Texas A&M International University in Laredo, Texas.
Q. What makes criminal justice a rewarding subject to study?
Criminal justice is an interdisciplinary subject that integrates fields such as sociology, psychology, biology, and political science as well as criminal justice to study criminal behavior and the criminal mind. One of the most important aspects of the criminal justice field is the development of critical thinking skills, enabling future criminal justice professionals to deal with real world problems, sometimes with little time to make good decisions. It is a constantly evolving field and students learn why laws are created to make certain behaviors criminal. In addition, while it is impossible to predict human behavior, students learn the reasons crimes are committed and who is more likely to commit crimes. Studying criminal justice requires an understanding of the relationship between the community, governing bodies and individuals; students are challenged to balance the safety of the community with the individual rights of those who are accused of crimes.
One of the most rewarding aspects of studying criminal justice for me as both a student and instructor is the ability to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world situations, both in the classroom and during experiential learning such as service-learning or internships. There is no lack of examples both in the news and in television crime dramas of the criminal justice system operating in ways that differ from what is taught in the classroom. Both provide opportunities for student learning through discussions, such as why the television crime dramas are unrealistic and how the use of discretion by law enforcement, prosecutors, judges, and correctional officials can create widely different outcomes in similar criminal events.
Q. What kinds of courses can criminal justice students expect to take in a degree program?
The courses in a criminal justice degree include courses about the criminal justice system including law enforcement, courts, and corrections. Student will also study criminology (the theories of why crimes occur), ethics, race/ethnicity and crime, gender and crime, research methods, and will typically apply all of the knowledge they have acquired in a culminating internship. Students will also have the ability to study specific topics within criminal justice of particular interest to them such as mental health, substance abuse, or forensic science. Additional courses are offered based on the population and types of crimes that occur and can include topics such as drugs and crime, terrorism, organized crime, and cybercrime.
Q. What makes criminal justice an interesting career to pursue?
Working in the criminal justice field provides an opportunity to serve your community and make a difference in people’s lives. For victims and the community, criminal justice professionals work to keep individuals and their property safe. This can include enforcing the laws, prosecuting offenders, or supervising inmates in jail or prison. It can also include protecting the nation from terroristic threats both from within the United States, as well as from foreign terrorist groups. When working with offenders, criminal justice offenders have the opportunity to help them turn their lives around and become prosocial members of the community. When this is successful, it is rewarding for the offender and their family and shows the criminal justice professionals who have helped to bring about the change that they are making a real difference in their community.
Q. What careers are available in New York to those who complete criminal justice degrees?
Students with a criminal justice degree can work in a variety of careers in New York. Law enforcement opportunities exist at the city, county, state and federal level. Local agencies include the New York Police Department, Port Authority of New York and New Jersey (protecting public transit, bridges, tunnels, airports, and sea ports in the New York metropolitan area), local police departments and sheriff’s offices. State law enforcement opportunities include New York state troopers, environmental conservation, and criminal investigations. Several federal law enforcement agencies have offices in New York including the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Customs and Border Patrol, Homeland Security, U.S. Marshals, Air Marshals, and Transportation Security Administration. Other law enforcement careers include private detective and/or private security work or specialized fields, such as cybersecurity or information security analysts. These careers often require additional specialized education.
Students who want to work in the criminal court system can go to law school and become either a prosecutor or defense attorney. They can also become judges at the local, state, or federal level. Other careers in the court system include paralegals, court clerks, and court officers charged with keeping the peace within the courtroom as well as transporting those accused of crimes between the court and jail.
Within corrections, students can find careers as a correctional officer in prisons, jails or juvenile detention centers. These careers can potentially lead to supervisory roles up to and including prison warden. For those interested in working with offenders in the community, careers in probation and parole are available at the state and federal level. Students can also find jobs in community residential placements, halfway houses, or working with private service providers who work with offenders such as mental health or substance abuse providers.
Q. What makes the criminal justice field unique in New York?
Unlike some states, a good number of the criminal justice careers in New York are governed by a fairly rigid civil service law. Job entry is often exam-based and hiring is done strictly according to this exam and list system. Of course, there are benefits and drawbacks to this style of hiring, but those choosing to enter this field should be prepared for basic testing in addition to having the appropriate educational background for their desired field of work. Also, the New York City metropolitan region in particular has arguably the most overlapping criminal justice related agencies anywhere in the nation. This unique environment brings employees from government and criminal justice careers in frequent contact with countless other agencies. An ability to collaborate is essential in a busy urban area with many criminal justice agencies and government jurisdictions like New York.
Q. How can students best prepare to enter the field?
Integrity and public trust are paramount in criminal justice work. Candidates for careers in this field would do best to keep this in mind from the earliest stages of young adulthood, as government jobs—particularly in law enforcement—will require the candidate to display outstanding moral character. Criminal record and arrest history, negative interactions with law enforcement, drug use, and other personal history that demonstrate poor ethical choices will be carefully scrutinized and can quickly curb one’s aspirations for a career in criminal justice. Criminal justice students and those seeking employment must always keep this in mind, as it can be difficult to recover from past indiscretions like these.
Q. What qualities does someone need to be successful in a criminal justice-related job?
Most of the jobs in the criminal justice field center around public service. It is therefore no surprise that candidates are expected to display the highest integrity and the type of professionalism that the public demands from its criminal justice professionals. Also, a strong but diverse educational background is always an asset. Persons interested in this field should take advantage of as many educational and training opportunities as they can to build a well-rounded portfolio of experience. Beyond traditional undergraduate and post-graduate schooling, many government agencies offer training programs, many at no cost, that include topics such as emergency management, homeland security, terrorism awareness, emergency medicine, and crisis management, for example.
Q. Given the media reports on the amount of violence in big cities like New York City, should people who want to enter the criminal justice field be concerned about their safety?
Thankfully, there is little reason for career seekers to be concerned about their safety working or living in New York City. While violent crime is up in many large cities, New York has countered that trend and remains among the safest cities in the United States. In 2014 and 2015 we recorded two of the three lowest years in crime—including the lowest for murders since the 1950s. That trend has continued in the first half of this year. The decline in shootings is specifically noteworthy. While many American cities have experienced surges in shootings and murders, shootings in New York have dipped yet again—and are on track to hit an all-time low by the end of this year. Criminal justice students and career seekers have good reason to not only feel safe, but to be inspired by the successes in New York City. Playing a part in this continued success is part of what makes joining a worthwhile career of service in criminal justice so rewarding.
PROFESSIONAL RESOURCES FOR CRIMINAL JUSTICE IN NEW YORK
BUSINESS COMPLIANCE RESOURCES
CORRECTIONAL RESOURCES
COURT & JUDICIAL RESOURCES
LEGAL RESOURCES
LAW ENFORCEMENT RESOURCES
WILDLIFE & ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES
