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Criminal Justice (M.A.)

 Final Application Deadline: Extended to August 15 for the Fall 2023 term.

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

Our students take a variety of courses 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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Kean students study together at a desk.

Criminal justice graduate students take courses from victimology to law and use scientific inquiry to research critical issues.

What You Learn

  • Study the American legal system, corrections and criminal law
  • Explore various operations within the criminal justice system
  • Use current theoretical models to explain crime and delinquency
  • Analyze the role of police in society
  • Practice investigation techniques, including crime scene methodologies
  • Gain a better understanding of 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

If you have admissions questions, contact Graduate Admissions at gradadmissions@kean.edu or (908) 737-4723.

Program Information

Criminal Justice (M.A.)

Program Coordinator:

Thomas Lateano, JD
HYN-505J
(908)737-4285
tlateano@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
Officer in the City of Elizabeth Police Department/Kean adjunct
Watch Richard's story
Criminal Justice alumnus

Coguars Climb Higher

At Kean, we believe learning and job growth extend 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. School and Clinical Psychology, LPC Qualification, Medical Technology

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. (Medical Technology)

Internships and Jobs

At Kean, we believe in helping all of our students find internships and jobs that support their career goals. Career services staff provide professional services and offer job fairs and networking events year-round.
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.

Careers

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 top master's level criminal justice jobs.

Learn More

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So much awaits you at Kean University. Your Kean journey begins now. Apply today.

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