DEGREE
Bachelor of Arts
CAREER IDEAS
Criminologist, Educator, Government Official, Judge, Law Enforcement Officer, Lawyer
The new major in Criminal Justice and Law is designed to give students an overview of the American criminal justice system, to help them understand the varied political, legal, sociological, and cultural dimensions of the study of criminal justice, and to acquaint them with philosophical and ethical issues in law enforcement.
The courses in this program are small (generally ranging in size from 10 to 12 in a seminar or 20 to 30 in a 2000-level course). This small size facilitates in-class discussion and permits the students ample opportunity to work closely with the professors, all of whom are distinguished scholars or practitioners of law.
Students learn to read difficult legal material, including cases and statutes, as well as works from the disciplines of history, philosophy, and a variety of other fields. Students also learn to write legal briefs, analyze complex arguments, and write effective and persuasive essays. There are in-class oral arguments and mock trial exercises which give the students a chance to simulate the roles of judges, jurors, witnesses, and attorneys in the daily practice of criminal law. The program provides a superb preparation for graduate work in criminal justice or law school and for participation in any law-enforcement related career. The writing and oral communication skills developed can also be of use to graduating students in a variety of fields, from government to business and beyond. Students in the program also have the opportunity to do an internship in a field related to criminal justice.
Required Courses
Introduction to Common Law
Introduction to American Government
Introduction to Political Thought
Criminal Law
Criminal Procedure
Courses With Choice
Constitutional Law or Civil Liberties
One Ethics Course
5 Electives
At least one in each of the following areas
Sociology and Anthropology
Biology/Chemistry/Psychology
Philosophy
Senior Seminar
(or two-semester Senior Honors Seminar)
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.