Why Pursue a Criminal Justice Degree at Dominican University?

A Dominican University criminal justice degree introduces you to the complexities, challenges, and goals of the criminal justice system through a robust and challenging curriculum.

You’ll learn that the criminal justice system is about more than cops, courts, corrections, and arrests. You’ll explore how prosecution and punishment don’t exist in a vacuum, understanding how decisions can be divisive and how communities often demand actionable change.

Personalized Curriculum for Your Career Goals

Our dedicated faculty will work with you to identify your professional goals and help design a personalized curriculum tailored to your aspirations. Whether your goal is immediate employment or continuing education, we’ll ensure your program, including relevant minors, equips you for success.

Enhancing Your Learning Experience

Your studies will extend beyond the classroom with a variety of engaging opportunities, including:

  • Field Trips: Explore real-world applications of criminal justice theories.
  • Internships: Gain hands-on experience in the field.
  • Criminal Justice Day: Participate in our annual event featuring industry professionals who share their experiences and insights.

Recognition and Honors Opportunities

As part of our program, you’ll have access to prestigious academic and extracurricular opportunities, including:

  • Alpha Phi Sigma: The National Criminal Justice Honor Society.
  • Honors Program: If you join, you may have the chance to be published in Illuminate, the undergraduate journal of the Northeast Regional Honors Council.

Prepare for a Vital and Rewarding Role in Society

Dominican University’s criminal justice degree is a flexible and immersive program that prepares you to play an essential role in addressing societal challenges. With the skills and knowledge gained through our program, you’ll be ready to make a meaningful difference in your community and beyond.

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A flexible and rewarding program offering a major in criminal justice and a vital role in our society

The highest levels of personal support

Staff who are committed to your success

The finest small-university athletic program in the region

A spirited campus environment

Close proximity to New York City and three major airports

The Dominican Difference

I really enjoyed Dominican University because I felt like I was someone in class and not just a number. I was able to get to know my professors on a professional level due to the smaller class sizes. The classes at Dominican University helped me be prepared for my career as a Police Officer in Rockaway Township, New Jersey because all of the classes were well rounded, and the professors knew the subjects. Thank you, Dominican University!

Brett Mitchell, ’16, Patrolman, Rockaway Township, New Jersey

Job Opportunities

Students who study criminal justice find jobs in the private and government sector.

Here are examples of some of the most common jobs criminal justice majors land:

  • Police Officer
  • State Trooper
  • Deputy Sheriff
  • National Security Agency Police Officer
  • Federal Bureau of Investigation Agent
  • Homeland Security Agent
  • Correctional Officer
  • Probation Officer
  • Narcotics Officer
  • Private Investigator
  • Criminal Investigator
  • Criminal Profiler
  • Crime Prevention Specialist
  • Crime Scene Investigator
  • Fingerprint Technician
  • Drug Enforcement Administration Agent
  • Homicide detective
  • Jail screener
  • Parole officer
  • Youth correctional counselor
  • Criminal justice teacher
  • Customs inspector

What You’ll Learn

Through our criminal justice program, you develop an understanding of the criminal justice system, the nature of crime, and the interactive roles of the individual and society in the commission, restraint, and prevention of crime.

Degree Details


Tuition

The cost of attendance is an estimate of what it will cost to attend Dominican University for an academic year.

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Curriculum

Course structure

If you choose our criminal justice degree, you’ll complete 120 credits consisting of your choice of a robust selection of elective courses, related courses, and the following core courses:

CJ 113 Introduction to Criminal Justice
CJ 226 Police, Citizen & Community
CJ 227 Law and Society
CJ 230 Juvenile Justice
CJ 372 Research Methods in Criminal Justice
CJ 471 Internship
CJ 472 Capstone Seminar

You’ll also complete a 100-hour internship and, in your senior year, a capstone seminar.


Department Staff

Tara Parrello

Assistant Professor of Criminal Justice and Coordinator of Criminal Justice
 tara.parrello@duny.edu

Office: (845) 848-4097

Location: Casey Hall, Humanities & Social Sciences

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