Criminal Justice and Law
DEGREE
Bachelor of Arts
CAREER IDEAS
Criminologist, Educator, Government Official, Judge, Law Enforcement Officer, Lawyer
Manhattanville College’s criminal justice and law degree is designed to prepare students for law school or for pursuing careers in criminal justice and the government. In the Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Criminal Justice and Law program, students develop a complete understanding of the American legal and criminal justice system, the varied political, legal, sociological, and cultural dimensions of the study of criminal justice, and the philosophical and ethical issues in law enforcement. The criminal justice and law major acquaints students with the skills needed to excel in the study of law, law enforcement, corrections, and legal professional environments and opens opportunities for further graduate study in law, public affairs, education, and more.
B.A. in Criminal Justice and Law Overview
The bachelor’s in criminal justice and law program is a four-year degree covering the necessary material for students interested in pursuing careers or graduate study in the fields of criminal law or law enforcement.
As a criminal justice and law major at Manhattanville, you’ll learn from expert professors with experience in the field and demonstrate your knowledge of the practices of criminal lawyers and criminal justice professionals through mock trials, in-class oral arguments, and internships.
With small class sizes facilitating class discussion and opportunities to interact with distinguished professors, the criminal justice and law major ensures students graduate confident in their skills. Whether you’re excited about beginning your career or you want to pursue graduate credentials to practice law, teach, or do research in the field, Manhattanville’s major satisfies your goals.
Criminal Justice Degree Requirements and Outcomes
Through the B.A. in Criminal Justice and Law program, students learn how to read and understand complex legal material including cases and statutes. In 11 courses required for the major, you’ll write briefs and advocacy papers, learn how to write and argue effectively and persuasively, and analyze complex legal arguments.
In addition to enrolling in required courses, students majoring in criminal justice and law:
- Complete a senior seminar and research paper
- Take general education courses and any necessary electives to meet bachelor’s degree credit requirements
Both criminal justice and general education courses are informed by multiple points of view, integrating the disciplines of history, philosophy, and political science into the curriculum. The communication skills you develop can transfer to a variety of fields, from private-sector businesses to positions in government, and beyond.
Review degree requirements for the B.A. in Criminal Justice and Law, including the honors and distinction track and general undergraduate degree requirements.
Criminal Justice Courses
The criminal justice courses in this program are small in size, generally ranging from 10 to 12 students in a seminar or 20 to 30 in other courses. Taught by experienced scholars and practitioners of law, the required criminal justice courses include:
- Intro to Criminal Justice
- Intro to Political Thought
- Criminal Law
- Criminal Procedure
The B.A. in Criminal Justice and Law also requires a course in ethics. Review complete course requirements, including course descriptions.
Criminal Justice Internship and Senior Evaluation
Built into the degree curriculum are opportunities for internships as well as a senior evaluation project that demonstrates your knowledge of criminal proceedings and your ability to write and communicate effectively.
Whether you earn internship experience in a criminal or legal setting or you write an innovative research paper on a topic explored in your senior seminar, the criminal justice degree program ensures you can exhibit your skills to future employers.
Learn about the criminal justice and law degree’s senior evaluation requirements and about internships available through the Center for Career Development.
Related Undergraduate Law Degrees
Manhattanville College offers other degree programs of interest for students seeking education in the legal field in preparation for their career or further study:
Minor in Criminal Justice and Law
Depending on your interests, you may want to add a minor in criminal justice and law to the B.A. in Political Science, the B.A. in Legal Studies, or other political science and sociology degrees:
See the complete list of Manhattanville’s degree programs.
Admissions and Aid
If you’re interested in studying criminal justice or law-related fields, our criminal justice degree’s career-driven curriculum imparts knowledge of the fundamental procedures of the criminal court systems, political and social theories of crime, and philosophical approaches to justice.
Find complete undergraduate admissions information and learn about financial aid at Manhattanville.
Apply to the B.A. in Criminal Justice and Law Degree Program
With our Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice and Law, students can prepare for graduate degrees in criminal justice or law and succeed in a variety of positions in both public and private environments.
Ready to get started? Learn how to apply. Or, begin your application today.
Manhattanville boasts a world class faculty who are committed to teaching students to be ethical and socially responsible leaders in the global community. The faculty ensures the intellectual and personal development of each student. Professors teaching in the program have research expertise in American politics, global legal issues, US legal history, international politics, genocide studies, global energy politics, and other related issues.
Program Director
Matthew Pauley
Adjunct Faculty
Scott M. Grant
Please contact the Division Chair for more information.
Division Chair: Lisa Rafanelli, Lisa.Rafanelli@mville.edu, (914) 323-7182