Criminal Justice, B.A.

Lead, protect and serve

Develop the essential skills needed to succeed in the criminal justice field and evaluate evidence-based policies and strategies designed to enhance public safety.

Program overview

Develop an in-depth understanding of the law, legal institutions and processes and their relationship to social, moral, political and economic issues.

Admission options

Three students pose for photo on Rider campus.

First-year - How to Apply

Rider is where your future begins. First-year students are defined as recent high school graduates who are attending college for the first time. There are so many opportunities ahead. Take the first step towards your tomorrow at Rider.

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Transfer - How to Apply

No matter where you began your journey, Rider has the resources you need to continue moving forward. At Rider, transfer students are defined as students who are under the age of 25 and have credits from another college or university.

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Continuing Education - How to Apply

Rider offers flexible pathways for adult learners aged 25 or over, including veterans and active duty military personnel, that allow you to earn your bachelor's degree or take courses for personal enrichment. Non-matriculated or visiting students should apply using the Continuing Education application.

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Major requirements

The criminal justice major blends theory with applied learning to provide students with a broad understanding of the justice system. Our multidisciplinary program features coursework in economics, political science, psychology and sociology.

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Serve your fellow citizens

Rider’s criminal justice degree paves the way for a range of career possibilities in law enforcement and law-related professions including corrections, court services, juvenile justice, law enforcement and rehabilitation services. Students also possess a strong foundation for entering law school or pursuing graduate study at Rider and beyond.

Alumni placements:

FBI
U.S Customs and Border Enforcement
New Jersey State Police
Trenton Police Department
New Jersey Department of Law and Public Safety
Wong Fleming (global law firm)
Spring Lake Police Department
West Windsor- Plainsboro Regional School District

Explore various aspects of the law

Explore and expand your interests in law and justice by taking on a variety of professional internships to narrow down your area of interest. Recent student internships and shadow experiences include the Trenton Police Department, U.S. Marshals, Somerset County Public Defender, Bucks County Peace and Justice Center and Womanspace, Inc.

Internships & Co-ops