Criminal Justice, B.S.
Program overview
The Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice at St. Francis College in New York provides a solid foundation for students wishing to pursue careers in social services, such as law, social work, law enforcement, probation, and non-profit organizational service and management. Available on our New York City campus or online, the program explores a wide variety of criminal justice disciplines with the goal of preparing graduates to solve social problems.
B.S. in Criminal Justice students will identify the function and interrelationships between the major components of the American criminal justice system, critically analyze key criminology theories, demonstrate and understanding of the relationship between theory and criminal justice policy, and explain the impact of race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, and class on criminal justice outcomes.
Underlying the focused, outcomes-driven curriculum is SFC’s robust General Education Program, which is the cornerstone of SFC and affirms its mission to graduate educated, well-rounded individuals who enter the workforce and work to change and culturally diversify the world.
PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS
PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS
General Education Program
Understanding College (FS)
Writing and Presentation (WRI1 & OC1)
Mathematics (QR1)
Information Literacy, Media, and Research (ITML)
Creative Voices across Cultures (HCE)
Science at Work (NPW)
Ethics, Reality and Logic (PEM)
Individual and Societies (SEH)
Principles of Sociology
Our World, Past and Present (WHG)
Personal Wellness (FH)
Religion and Culture (RS)
Criminal Justice Major
Introduction to Criminal Justice
Criminology
Policing in American Society
Correctional Systems
American Criminal Courts
Internship in Criminal Justice
Criminal Justice Senior Thesis
Select seven CJ elective courses
Social Research Methods
Select five CJ or SOC elective courses
Liberal Arts
PROGRAM LEARNING OBJECTIVES
PROGRAM LEARNING OBJECTIVES
PLO 1: Identify the function and interrelationships between the major components of the American criminal justice system.
PLO 2: Critically analyze key criminological theories.
PLO 3: Understand the relationship between theory and criminal justice policy.
PLO 4: Explain the impact of race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender, and class on criminal justice outcomes.
CURRICULUM HIGHLIGHTS
CURRICULUM HIGHLIGHTS
Specialized centers offer students the opportunity to hear lectures by experts in the fields of criminal justice and sociology including personal testimonies, film screenings featuring Q&A’s with directors/actors/producers, book authors that discuss their recent research, world-renowned professionals working in criminal justice, and activists who are dedicated to fighting for social justice.
The Sociology and Criminal Justice Department houses three centers: Center for Crime and Popular Culture, Institute for Peace and Justice, and the Post Prison College Opportunities Program @ St. Francis College.
Qualified bachelor of criminal justice degree students seeking an additional academic challenge can participate in the St. Francis Honors Program, where students participate in a series of small, intensive seminars, trips, and other activities that lead towards a senior thesis.
Located in New York City, St. Francis College is also home to 15 national honor societies and its own Duns Scotus Honors Society which recognizes students for their academic and community achievements.
CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
👮 Law Enforcement
You will work to maintain public safety, enforce laws, and protect communities through roles in local, state, or federal law enforcement agencies.
⚖️ Courts & Legal Services
You will support the legal system through roles that assist attorneys, judges, and court officials in the administration of justice.
🔒 Corrections & Rehabilitation
You will work within correctional institutions and rehabilitation programs that focus on offender supervision, reintegration, and reducing recidivism.
🕵️ Investigations & Security
You will investigate criminal activity, gather evidence, and analyze information for law enforcement agencies or private organizations.
🏛️ Government & Public Policy
You will help develop, evaluate, and implement policies and programs related to crime prevention, justice reform, and community safety.
📊 Criminal Justice Research
You will analyze crime data, study trends in criminal behavior, and support research initiatives that inform law enforcement and public policy.
🎓 Graduate Study Opportunities
You will build a strong academic foundation for advanced study in criminal justice, criminology, law, public administration, forensic science, or related fields.