Fairleigh Dickinson University

What you'll study

The programme combines core criminal justice theory and research methods with specialised coursework focused on corrections, offender behaviour, and community supervision. Students study how correctional systems operate, how punishment and rehabilitation are administered, and which interventions are supported by empirical evidence.

• Core subjects: Criminological theory; research methods and statistics for criminal justice; ethics and professional issues; criminal justice policy analysis.
• Corrections-focused modules: Corrections administration and leadership; community corrections and probation; parole and reentry practices; offender assessment and classification; evidence-based rehabilitation programs.
• Applied skills and methods: Risk/needs assessment; programme evaluation; restorative justice and alternatives to incarceration; mental health, substance misuse and co-occurring disorders in correctional populations.
• Experience-based learning: Practicum or internship placements with correctional agencies, probation/parole offices, reentry organisations or treatment providers; applied research projects or a capstone thesis depending on programme track.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a recognised bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, sociology, psychology, public administration or a related field. A competitive undergraduate GPA and evidence of readiness for graduate study are required.

• Application form and official transcripts from all postsecondary institutions.
• Statement of purpose outlining academic and career goals, and interest in corrections.
• Curriculum vitae or résumé documenting relevant work or volunteer experience in justice settings where applicable.
• Letters of recommendation (typically one to three) from academic or professional referees.
• For applicants whose first language is not English, proof of English language proficiency through recognised tests or other university-accepted evidence.
• Some applicants, particularly those with limited undergraduate preparation in research methods, may be asked to complete prerequisite coursework in statistics or research design.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for a range of careers across correctional and community supervision settings, policy and research roles, and supportive services that work with justice-involved populations.

• Correctional facility management and administration.
• Probation, parole and community supervision officer roles.
• Reentry and transitional services coordinator or case manager positions.
• Policy analyst, programme evaluator or researcher in government agencies, think tanks and non-profit organisations.
• Treatment coordinator or specialist roles addressing substance misuse, mental health and rehabilitation within justice settings.
• Preparation for doctoral study in criminology, criminal justice or related social sciences for those pursuing academic or high-level research careers.

Why study at Fairleigh Dickinson University

Fairleigh Dickinson combines applied teaching with practitioner-informed scholarship, offering small classes and faculty who bring experience from policing, corrections and policy work. The university’s campuses in the New Jersey metropolitan area provide access to a wide range of correctional agencies, courts and community organisations for internships and applied research.

• Hands-on learning opportunities through practicum placements and community partnerships with local correctional and reentry providers.
• Faculty with professional backgrounds in corrections, probation/parole and criminal justice research who supervise applied projects and theses.
• Flexible delivery options, including part-time and hybrid formats, to accommodate working professionals.
• Career services and alumni networks that help with placement into public, private and non-profit roles focused on offender management, rehabilitation and justice policy.