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Criminal Justice (M.A.)

With threats to domestic and national security looming, the need for criminal justice professionals who can keep pace with the changing environment is real.

At Kean, our master's degree in criminal justice focuses on study of the various systems within the criminal justice system, the current theoretical models explaining crime and delinquency, and their practical use in addressing criminal acts and enforcement.

Our students take a variety of courses, from victimology to ethics, and use scientific inquiry to research and address the problems facing the criminal justice system.

Kean graduates have a firm grasp of police, courts and corrections in order to be productive contributors to the debate on policy and practice in law enforcement.

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Dr. James Drylie

James Drylie, Ph.D. ‘80, executive director of the Kean University School of Criminal Justice and Public Administration, received the Fulbright-Police Research and Criminal Justice Scholar Award in 2016.

What You Learn

You gain an advanced understanding of research and everyday issues related to criminal justice.

  • Explore various operations within the criminal justice system
  • Use current theoretical models to explain crime and delinquency
  • Study the American legal system, corrections and criminal law
  • Gain an understanding of the role of police in society
  • Appreciate race, class and gender issues within the system

You can also pursue a for-credit graduate internship in criminal justice.

Application Deadline:

Fall: June 30
Spring: December 1

Admission Requirements

Program Information

Criminal Justice (M.A.)

Program Coordinator:

Pat McManimon, Ph.D.
Willis Hall, 305E
(908) 737-4309
pmcmanim@kean.edu

Other programs you might be interested in

Students in building studying

After graduating from Kean, I was fortunate to be accepted into the alternate route program for police officers. Now I'm back at Kean. You could say I've come full circle being an adjunct professor, trying to be the mentor that my professors were to me."

Richard Hernandez '09, '16
Officer in the City of Elizabeth Police Department/Kean adjunct
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Criminal Justice alumnus

The Classroom and Beyond

At Kean we believe learning and job growth extends far beyond the walls of our classrooms. That's why we encourage you to take advantage of a variety of research opportunities available to you, study abroad and pursue internships that will advance your career or set the stage for another advanced degree.

research days students at poster presentations

Research

Kean students have the chance to conduct research with world-class faculty and present their findings at the annual Kean Research Days event.
Kean students gain real-world experience through internships.

Internships and Jobs

At Kean, we believe in helping all of our students find internships or jobs that fulfill their career goals. Find out more.
A Kean criminal justice student holds a shield near a Metropolitan Police vehicle.

Travelearn in London and Amsterdam

Students can earn four credits during a Spring Break Travelearn to London or Amsterdam, studying global approaches to policing.

After Kean

The growing field of criminal justice offers many career opportunities, including:

  • First-line police supervisor
  • Criminologist
  • Forensic examiner
  • FBI agent
  • District attorney
  • Emergency management director
  • Probations officer supervisor
  • Criminal profiler

Justice for all

Criminal Justice Career Hub explores the field

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