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 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.
PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS
PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS
Code | Title | Credits |
| General Education Program |
|
FS | Understanding College | 1 |
WR1 & OC1 | Writing and Presentation | 6 |
QR1 | Mathematics | 3-4 |
ITML | Information Literacy, Media, and Research | 3 |
HCE | Creative Voices across Cultures | 3 |
NPW | Science at Work | 6-10 |
PEM | Ethics, Reality and Logic | 6 |
SEH | Individual and Societies | 6 |
SOC-1000 | Principles of Sociology |
|
WHG | Our World, Past and Present | 6 |
FH | Personal Wellness | 2-3 |
RS | Religion and Culture | 3 |
| Criminal Justice Major |
|
CJ-1020 | Introduction to Criminal Justice | 3 |
CJ-2010 | Criminology | 3 |
CJ-2030 | Policing in American Society | 3 |
CJ-2050 | Correctional Systems | 3 |
CJ-3000 | American Criminal Courts | 3 |
CJ-4990 | Internship in Criminal Justice | 3 |
CJ-4998 | Criminal Justice Senior Thesis | 3 |
| Select seven CJ elective courses | 21 |
SOC-4210 | Social Research Methods | 3 |
| Select five CJ or SOC elective courses | 15 |
| Liberal Arts | 15 |
| Total Credits | 120-126 |
Notes:
1. The successful completion of CJ-4998 Criminal Justice Senior Thesis satisfies the College’s Comprehensive Examination/Thesis requirement.
2. Students pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree must complete 1/2 of their degree credits (minimum 60 credits) from courses in the Liberal Arts category.
3. Students who complete 40 hours with the New York Police Department Police Academy and 135 contact hours in the NYPD Police Cadet Program may enroll in CJ-4991 Internship in Criminal Justice for three additional credits with approval from the Department Chairperson.
CURRICULUM HIGHLIGHTS
CURRICULUM HIGHLIGHTS
Our SFC community is enhanced by the centers housed in the Sociology and Criminal Justice Department. The centers host an array of interdisciplinary guest speakers, journalists, practitioners, community activists, and research professionals. The centers are primary sponsors of the SFC Senior Lecture Series and regularly host events, film/documentary screenings, and seminars. The series brings together students, senior citizens, and other community members to explore historical and contemporary developments in sociology and criminology.
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.