Criminal Justice
Hilbert’s criminal justice program is considered by many in law enforcement to be one of the top programs in the state because of the hands-on nature of our teaching, the many and varied internship opportunities available to students, and a faculty that brings to the classroom not only solid academic credentials, but years of law enforcement experience.
We are proud to be the first program to receive the top honor from the Criminal Justice Educators Association of New York State two years in a row.
Our interdisciplinary program prepares you for a career in law enforcement at all levels, local, state or federal, or for graduate-level work in criminal justice or a related field including law.
As a criminal justice major, you’ll gain an understanding of key criminal, legal, scientific and social issues affecting society today, including such hot-button topics as racial, ethnic, cultural and gender diversity. Our challenging and rigorous program provides a firm foundation in criminology, research methods, ethics and corrections, while helping you refine your analytical and problem-solving abilities.
Many of our professors are current or former law enforcement professionals with experience in state and federal agencies, which adds an important, real-world aspect to your learning environment. You’ll have the opportunity to work with professors conducting research through Hilbert’s Institute for Law and Justice, a nationally renowned resource for a wide range of law and justice-related issues. (Link to be provided to Institute page.)
Earn your master’s degree in five years
Criminal justice majors may pursue the two-year Associate in Arts degree and security management certificate, which allows you to enter the criminal justice field or pursue a bachelor-level program, or the four-year Bachelor of Science degree. The bachelor-level program allows students to select from among eight concentrations, such as Investigations, Family Violence and Juvenile Justice.
In addition, Hilbert offers the innovative combined BS/MS program, a “4+1” plan that lets students earn a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and a master’s degree in criminal justice administration in five years. Students are admitted to the graduate school after completing all undergraduate degree requirements and are not required to take the Graduate Record Examination (GRE).
4+1 Policy
Practical experience in real-world settings
Criminal science majors at Hilbert have the opportunity to gain practical experience through our internship program, which allows you to apply principles and concepts learned in the classroom to actual work in the criminal justice field.
Our students serve internships at such places as U.S. Customs, the New York State Attorney General’s Office, local police departments, congressional offices, state police barracks, as well as many other sites.
Students may also join the Criminal Justice Association, where you'll discuss ideas, current events and careers in criminal justice; visit police, correctional and juvenile facilities; and participate in community service activities.
Many graduates of Hilbert's program move directly into entry-level positions as professionals in the criminal justice system. Hilbert graduates work with various federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, and in judicial and corrections settings.
Why Study Criminal Justice at Hilbert?
- A student/teacher ratio of 14:1
- Day, evening and online courses to accommodate your busy schedule
- Opportunities to minor in one of more than a dozen academic areas