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Crime and Justice Studies

School of Social and Behavioral Sciences

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A Crime and Justice Studies Degree for a Better Tomorrow

Crime and Justice Studies majors at Marist learn and apply critical thinking and criminological theory to address the many issues relevant to the creation of a just society.  They examine the concept of crime from multiple perspectives and engage in internship opportunities that bring into focus the importance of developing theories in conjunction with a “boots on the ground” experience.

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Student Learning Outcomes

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Crime and Justice Studies Courses For Your Interests

While many of our Crime and Justice students have similar goals and interests in relation to the field, it does not mean that our curriculum is one-size-fits-all. Our courses are designed to provide unique and specific insight into niche areas of crime and justice.

  • Want to go into law? We offer courses like "Criminal Law and Procedure" and "Law and Society."
  • Interested in social issues within the system? We offer courses in "Race and Crime" and "Cross-Cultural Criminal Justice Systems."
  • Gain exposure to the criminal justice system and rehabilitative programming. Students from the crime and justice studies and communications programs created a documentary about how diversion courts could help those caught in an overburdened system.
  • Want to work with a specific group in need? We offer courses in "Drug and Alcohol Abuse" and "Juvenile Justice System and Delinquency."

View Full Curriculum>

...that help you find your focus.

Service to others was a recurring theme in the life of Evan Fernandez ’21 well before he came to Marist to study crime and justice. So after his arrival at Marist, he was able to draw on that tradition of helping others to support the people back home in Puerto Rico (including his own friends and family) devastated by Hurricane Maria.

Read Evan's story >

Learn from professionals in the field...

Marist’s Crime and Justice faculty come from a variety of industry backgrounds and experiences to share with students which results in well-rounded professionals entering the field. Due to our small class sizes, our faculty are able to provide one-on-one attention to each of our students, advising them in their unique paths toward successful careers in the Criminal Justice system. Meet a few of our faculty members below, or view all Crime and Justice faculty >

 

Addrain Conyers

Along with his title of Associate Professor, Dr. Conyers is also the Director for Academic Diversity and Inclusion at Marist. His teaching and research interests center on criminology, deviant behavior, corrections, social psychology, and race relations.

Amanda Bergold

Dr. Bergold is a psychologist with a dual specialization in Psychology and Law and Basic and Applied Social Psychology. Her inter-disciplinary line of research explores how decision-making influences the accuracy of legal and criminal justice outcomes.

Frank Merenda

Dr. Merenda is a retired police Captain from the New York City Police Department (NYPD), where he completed 20 years of dedicated service. His research interests include effective training practices, juvenile justice, and police and media relations.

Develop the Skills You Need to Succeed

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Conflict Resolution

Applying knowledge of the systems that interact in crime and justice matters, students become effective negotiators and agents for change.

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Cultural Competence

Students integrate diversity, equity, and inclusion to support effective practices in their fields.

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Professionalism

Experience hones workplace demeanor and guides ethical decision making in employment settings.

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Public Presentation

Students become engaging public speakers, able to read an audience and generate productive discussion.
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Technological Skill

Students master the technology platforms that will support their success in any work environment.

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Scientific Reasoning

Students use empirical tools to develop hypotheses, collect and analyze data, and form evidence-based conclusions.

Take your classroom education to top notch internships...

At Marist, we believe practical experience in the field is essential to developing career preparedness. That’s why our Crime and Justice program determines specialized internship opportunities for all of our students. With over 75 internship opportunities, our students are continually forming relationships with our local, state, and federal partners, and they often engage in more than one internship. Our students have interned with the US Marshals, the Dutchess County District Attorney, and the Secret Service, to name a few. These connections are invaluable for our students, as many are offered paid positions after completing their internships.

The Criminal Justice Society hosts an annual Criminal Justice Career Day which encourages students to meet with representatives from Criminal Justice agencies, services, and departments and learn about potential career paths.

Crime and Justice Careers From Secret Service to Forensics

At Marist, we are focused on providing our Crime and Justice students with the tools and experience they need to pursue successful and meaningful careers in their area of Crime and Justice. While many of our students do enter law enforcement post-graduation, there is a wide range of career opportunities for students who complete a Crime and Justice degree from Marist, including law, forensics, criminology, youth outreach, and many more. Here are just a few examples of career placements Marist Crime and Justice students have achieved after completing their degree.

Logos of Criminal Justice Careers: United States Secret Service, FBI, NYS Corrections, US Drug Enforcement Administration
Logos of Criminal Justice Careers: US Marshals, NYDP, Gilbert West Law Firm, Exalt Youth

Marist Crime and Justice By the Numbers

99 percent
Ninety-nine percent of School of Social and Behavioral Sciences graduates are employed or attending graduate school within the first 6 months of graduation.
Number 2

NYC is the second-most popular city in the nation for careers in Crime and Justice, located just 90 minutes from the Marist campus.

Over 3 million

According to the Bureau of Justice, over 3 million people are currently employed in the Criminal Justice industry.

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The Value of a Marist Education

At Marist, we pride ourselves on our dedication to providing our students with a well-rounded liberal arts education that prepares them for practical experience and profound success in their field. But don't just take our word for it - the numbers speak for themselves.

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Employed or attending grad school 6 months after graduation

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Of Marist Graduates Participated in one or more internships

82%

Graduation rate, higher than the average for public and private colleges

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Best Undergraduate Teaching

*As reported by U.S. News and World Report.

U.S. News & World Report

Top 10 Regional Universities-North

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Awarded one of America's Best Colleges

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