Social and Criminal Justice

Social and Criminal Justice Program Overview

The criminal justice major combines a rigorous skills-based interdisciplinary curriculum with a particular focus on social justice. Manhattanville University’s Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Social and Criminal Justice degree program helps students gain the conceptual tools and practical skills to shape a more ethical and egalitarian justice system. The social and criminal justice degree draws on a wide range of disciplines to understand how legal institutions can help facilitate safer and more just communities. 

Explore some of the most pressing sociopolitical issues of our time from various perspectives while developing critical skills that will equip you for career success in the criminal justice field including information and data literacy, problem solving, storytelling, project management,  and empathy. Earn real-world experience through hands-on projects, high-quality internships, quality internships in New York City, or service-learning experiences through the Clark Center for Social Justice. 

The broad-based knowledge of the social and criminal justice bachelor’s degree at Manhattanville is an excellent foundation for careers or graduate studies in law, forensics, government, corrections, and law enforcement.

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The bachelor's degree in criminal justice approaches the study of law and law enforcement, crime and rehabilitation, the American justice system from a variety of disciplinary perspectives including sociology, psychology, history, and political science.  The major’s emphasis on social justice challenges students to find ways to create a more ethical justice system. 

Requirements for the social and criminal justice major include:

  • First-Year Program and general education courses
  • Core courses in social theory and history and criminal justice and law
  • Skills-based courses in interdisciplinary thinking,  data and information literacy, and storytelling
  • Electives to complete 120 credits for Bachelor of Arts

Core courses equip you with the skills needed for career success in the field of criminal justice, and a focus on project-based learning help you stand out in the job or graduate school  application process.  Electives allow you to tailor your studies and explore how other fields impact the criminal justice system. 

Review requirements for the Bachelor of Arts in Social and Criminal Justice.

 

Courses

Social and criminal justice major courses are inherently interdisciplinary:, examining pressing issues from a variety of disciplinary lenses. They span sociology, political science, philosophy, psychology, ethics, law, and other fields.

Courses you take may include:

  • Introduction to Justice Studies
  • 21st Century Storytelling
  • Criminology
  • Criminal Law
  • Information Literacy, Inquiry, and Data Interpretation

Prepare for Careers in Social and Criminal Justice

The social justice major prepares you for a rewarding career in the fields of criminal justice and law, providing you with a broad knowledge of principles, advanced research skills, and effective communication strategies.  The degree opens the doors to entry-level roles in government, corrections, and law enforcement, including:

  • Advocate or community organizer
  • Caseworker for local, state, and federal offices
  • Corrections Officer
  • Field investigator for government agencies
  • Investigative analyst in the district attorney’s office
  • Law Enforcement Officer
  • Legal associate in correctional facilities
  • Paralegal

With more experience and further education, graduates can also forge careers as public defenders, activists, researchers, reporters, federal agents, and intelligence analysts. 

 

Social and Criminal Justice Major Salary Outcomes

A criminal justice major's earning potential depends on various factors, including location, experience, and the responsibilities a role must fulfill. The salary range is also determined by what sector you work in—such as government, non-profit, higher education, or private companies. Pursuing law school or a graduate degree in a related field also increases your ability to earn higher pay. 

 

Many of Manhattanville’s programs have social justice at the core of their course curricula, and provide critical insight into the pressing political and social problems of our age.  A double major or minor in a related field can complement your studies by offering additional tools to advance your career in criminal justice.

Review a complete list of Manhattanville undergraduate programs.

 

Our history is steeped in the social justice movements of the past century, including our students’, faculty’s, and administration’s active participation in the Civil Rights Movement. Social and criminal justice majors can engage in social action through volunteer opportunities, service learning experiences, and advocate workshops at the Mary T. Clark, RSCJ Center for Religion and Social Justice. 

 

Take the first steps towards a bachelor’s degree in social and criminal justice by reviewing our undergraduate admissions process and learning more about our tuition and fees. Our team works with you to help make your education affordable through scholarships and aid. 

 

Apply to the BA in Social and Criminal Justice at Manhattanville

The BA in Social and Criminal Justice degree program at Manhattanville University equips you with an interdisciplinary, practical foundation to make a positive change in legal and government institutions. Prepare for law school or a law, government, and activism career with relevant class projects, quality internships, and activism opportunities on campus. 

Explore how you can become an agent for social change by taking a tour or requesting more information. Ready for the next step? Apply today. 

 

 

 

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