St. John's University

What you'll study

The programme combines core criminological theory with practical and methodological training. Typical modules include:

• Classical and Contemporary Criminological Theory — critical schools of thought explaining causes and contexts of crime.
• Research Methods and Statistics for Criminology — quantitative and qualitative methods, data analysis, survey and fieldwork techniques.
• Crime and Criminal Justice Policy — development, evaluation and comparative analysis of policy responses to crime.
• Corrections and Penal Processes — institutional and community-based sanctioning, rehabilitation and re-entry.
• Juvenile Justice and Youth Crime — approaches to prevention, diversion and treatment for younger offenders.
• Victimology and Restorative Justice — impacts of crime on victims, support systems and alternatives to adversarial processes.
• Specialist Electives — examples may include forensic psychology, cybercrime, policing studies, human trafficking or drugs and crime, allowing students to tailor study to career goals.
• Capstone Project or Thesis — applied research project or dissertation that demonstrates mastery of methods and substantive knowledge.

Courses are usually delivered through seminars, lectures and research workshops, with opportunities for applied placements or internships with local criminal justice agencies in the New York area.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold an undergraduate degree in criminology, criminal justice, sociology, psychology, law or a related social science. St. John’s considers applicants with a range of academic and professional backgrounds; relevant work or voluntary experience in criminal justice, social services or research can strengthen an application.

• Academic transcripts demonstrating a good honours degree or equivalent.
• A personal statement outlining academic interests, relevant experience and career objectives.
• References, typically one academic and one professional referee where applicable.
• A CV or résumé summarising work and voluntary experience.
• Proof of English language proficiency for applicants whose first language is not English.

Specific prerequisites and admissions criteria may vary by intake; applicants should consult the programme admissions team for guidance on eligibility and documentation.

Career prospects

Graduates of the Master’s in Criminology pursue a broad range of careers across the public, private and third sectors. Typical roles include:

• Policy analyst or researcher for government departments and think-tanks.
• Probation, parole or corrections officer and rehabilitation specialist.
• Law enforcement analyst, community policing coordinator or intelligence analyst.
• Roles in victim support services, restorative justice programmes and NGOs.
• Research positions in universities, research institutes or consultancy firms.
• Pathways to further study, including doctoral research in criminology, sociology or law.

The programme’s methodological training is particularly valuable for research-focused careers and for positions that require evaluation of policy or programme outcomes.

Why study at St. John's University

St. John’s University offers criminology students the advantage of learning in a diverse, urban setting with proximity to a wide range of criminal justice agencies and community organisations. Faculty combine academic research with practitioner experience, bringing contemporary case studies and applied perspectives into teaching.

• Access to internship and placement opportunities in New York City, enabling practical experience alongside academic study.
• Small seminar-style classes that encourage discussion, research collaboration and close supervision for capstone projects.
• Interdisciplinary links across law, psychology, sociology and public policy for a rounded understanding of crime and justice issues.
• Support services for graduate students, including career advising, research resources and library access to specialised collections.

Taken together, these features make St. John’s a suitable choice for students seeking a rigorous and applied master’s in criminology with strong connections to practice and research.