Widely considered one of the best college programs of its kind in the state of New York, the Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice program at Hilbert College is designed to impart a deep understanding of key criminal, legal, scientific and social issues affecting society today, including hot-button issues surrounding race, ethnicity, and cultural and gender diversity.
You’ll build a solid foundation in criminology, research methods and ethics as you develop into a forward-thinking leader who prioritizes equity and justice. No matter your field of interest—from social services and juvenile justice to law enforcement and law making—our bachelor’s in criminal justice degree can help you make a difference for people and communities in an exciting and rewarding career.
Why Earn a Bachelor's in Criminal Justice?
Because a criminal justice degree is a social science degree, students develop skills beyond the core content area of criminal justice, including key skills in communication, critical thinking and analytical problem-solving. In addition, students develop a commitment to community service as well as ethical decision-making and behavior.
Students who graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice degree can choose from diverse career paths because they have learned theory, practical knowledge and professional workplace skills.
With the skill set developed through our interdisciplinary program, students can look for employment in law enforcement, corrections, juvenile justice, social services, security or private police, courts, law or law making. Most of these areas offer employment opportunities in the private sector as well as with government agencies at the federal, state and local levels.
Criminal Justice Department Mission
The mission of the Hilbert College Criminal Justice Department is to provide students with a challenging and relevant curriculum through a balance of liberal arts, career preparation and the integration of multiple disciplines. In addition to discipline-specific knowledge, the Criminal Justice Program cultivates student skills in critical thinking, oral and written communication, research, analysis, technology and problem solving. The program develops student commitment in the areas of community service, personal accountability, global responsibility, and cultural diversity. It stresses ethical decision-making, principled behavior and the importance of life-long learning and facilitates professional and career development in specialized fields. With the skill set developed through our interdisciplinary program, a student can look for employment in law enforcement, corrections, juvenile justice, social services, security or private police, courts, law or law making, or even pursue graduate studies. Within most of these areas there are employment opportunities to be found at the federal, state, or local-level government entities, or students can pursue employment within the private sector.
Criminal Justice Degree Outcomes
The Criminal Justice Department is dedicated to the advancement of student education and provides a balanced liberal arts curriculum integrated with practical experience by:
- Enhancing oral and written communication skills.
- Developing abilities in critical thinking, logical assessment, and analytical problem solving and encouraging intellectual growth.
- Instilling an awareness and appreciation for the social and cultural diversity of society.
- Improving proficiency in multi-media research methods and technological fluency.
- Advocating service to the community.
- Infusing ethical decision-making and principled behavior.
What Can You Do With a Criminal Justice Degree?
Hilbert’s bachelor’s degree in criminal justice can be the springboard you need to get started in a broad range of career paths related to protecting people and communities and ensuring the legal system is fair and effective.
Whether you aspire to enter a professional field directly or use your bachelor’s degree as the foundation for advanced study leading to a graduate degree, our Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice program can serve you well.
Criminal Justice Degree Options
Hilbert College offers aspiring criminal justice professionals a variety of ways to get started in the field.
Associate of Arts in Criminal Justice
Criminal justice majors may pursue the two-year Associate of Arts degree, allowing them to seek entry-level work in the criminal justice field.
Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice
Unlock additional career opportunities with our four-year Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice degree, offered as either an on-campus program or
100% online.
Bachelor of Science/Master of Science in Criminal Justice
This innovative program combines Bachelor of Science and Master of Science coursework into 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 can apply for admission to graduate school after completing all undergraduate degree requirements.
Learn More About Our 4+1 Program