CUNY(The City University of New York)

What you'll study

This undergraduate programme blends core criminal justice theory with specialised study of correctional systems, rehabilitation and reentry. You will study how sentencing, prisons, jails, probation and parole operate, and examine alternatives to incarceration such as diversion, restorative justice and community-based supervision.

• Core criminal justice topics — criminological theory, criminal law, policing and courts to give a broad grounding in the justice system.
• Corrections-focused modules — penology, prison systems, jail administration, classification and case management, community corrections (probation and parole), and reentry planning.
• Offender treatment and rehabilitation — programmes and interventions, substance misuse treatment, cognitive-behavioural approaches, and specialised services for juveniles, women and people with mental health needs.
• Research and professional skills — research methods, programme evaluation, statistics, report writing, ethical practice and risk assessment.
• Applied learning — practicum or internship placements in correctional settings, probation offices, community organisations or victim services, plus a capstone project or senior seminar examining policy or practice challenges.

Entry requirements

Entry requirements vary by CUNY college and whether you apply as a first-year, transfer or mature student. Generally you will need:

• A high school diploma or recognised equivalent, with satisfactory grades in English and social sciences; specific GPA expectations depend on the campus and applicant pool.
• Evidence of college preparatory work in writing and mathematics is often required; some campuses consider standardised test scores as optional.
• For transfer applicants, official college transcripts showing completion of general education or introductory criminal justice modules will be considered for credit.
• International applicants must meet English-language proficiency requirements (such as recognised tests or prior study in English) and submit equivalent academic documentation.
• Many programmes encourage or require a background check or disclosure of prior criminal convictions for placement eligibility in practicum settings; check the specific campus policy early in the application process.

Career prospects

Graduates are qualified for roles across corrections and related fields in the public, non-profit and private sectors. Typical career destinations include:

• Corrections officer, custody and institutional roles in prisons and jails.
• Probation officer, parole officer or community supervision caseworker.
• Reentry coordinator, programme officer for rehabilitation services and community-based treatment providers.
• Juvenile justice worker, youth services practitioner or residential care staff.
• Victim services advocate, intake officer, or roles in offender assessment and risk management.
• Policy analyst, research assistant or programme evaluator in government agencies and NGOs focused on criminal justice reform.

Many graduates also progress to postgraduate study (master’s degrees in criminal justice, social work, public administration or forensic psychology) or professional training such as law school.

Why study at CUNY(The City University of New York)

CUNY offers criminal justice education with strong connections to New York City’s wide range of criminal justice agencies, community organisations and courts, giving students access to varied practicum and internship placements. Several CUNY colleges have long-established programmes in criminal justice and corrections, providing specialised faculty expertise and research centres focused on policy, rehabilitation and reform.

As a large public university system, CUNY provides affordable options, diverse student cohorts and flexible pathways — including transfer articulation agreements and part-time study — that suit students from different backgrounds and career stages. The urban setting supports hands-on learning, networking with practitioners and opportunities to study contemporary issues in corrections within a major metropolitan jurisdiction.