Student having discussion with Police department

Crime and Justice Studies Department

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Curriculum

Required courses span the criminological spectrum of theory and practice. Courses examine the causes of crime, as well as the various approaches taken in society's response. Practice-related courses focus specifically on society's response to criminal behavior. In this context, the function and practice of law enforcement, policing, jurisprudence, the prosecution, and defense of identified miscreants, as well as the punishment, treatment, and socialization of those ultimately sentenced to corrections are addressed.

Internships with a criminal justice or allied agency are also required of all majors. Previous intern sites have included the United States Secret Service, the City of New York Police Department, the Dutchess County District Attorney's Office, the City of Poughkeepsie Police Department, and the Green Haven Correctional Facility. Many more sites covering the range of criminal justice interests are available.

Elective courses include further examination of policing and criminal justice organizations; historical and cultural influences on crime; and courses focusing on specific types of criminal enterprise. Courses related to the major are periodically added or subtracted in response to institutional and social change, as well as input from the students.

Students will be held to the requirements of the catalog of the year in which they declare their major. Following are the requirements for the most recent catalog.

Bachelor of Science in Crime and Justice

Crime and Justice Studies Minor

Double Major in Psychology and Crime and Justice Studies

Double Major in Psychology and Crime and Justice Studies Course Requirements