Criminal justice programs teach students how law enforcement, courts, and correctional systems operate, and how policies shape public safety. Courses cover criminology, law, ethics, investigation techniques, and community engagement, equipping students with analytical and practical skills. This knowledge is relevant in policing, corrections, legal support, victim advocacy, and policy roles.
Imagine gaining real-world experience through internships, research projects, or field placements before graduation. Choosing the right school ensures you have access to these opportunities and graduate prepared for a meaningful career in criminal justice.
New Jersey offers programs that combine academic rigor with hands-on learning, alongside access to local, state, and federal agencies. Proximity to New York City and Philadelphia further enhances exposure to federal offices, specialized training, and networking opportunities.
This guide highlights the best criminal justice colleges in New Jersey, detailing program strengths, practical experiences, and career support.
Best Colleges for Criminal Justice in New Jersey
1. Rutgers University – Criminal Justice (New Brunswick, Newark & Camden)
Rutgers offers criminal justice programs that give students both deep academic knowledge and real‑world understanding of how justice systems work. At New Brunswick, students study police, courts, corrections, and the social forces shaping justice, blending liberal arts and professional instruction to prepare for careers or further study. You’ll learn critical thinking, research methods, and how law and policy influence public safety.
At Rutgers–Newark, the School of Criminal Justice focuses on social justice, community engagement, and public policy. Here, the curriculum is multidisciplinary and designed to help students understand crime causes, system responses, and community impact.
At Rutgers–Camden, the Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice uses sociology, anthropology, and policy studies to explore law enforcement, corrections, and legal systems. Internships and research help you gain real skills and experience.
2. Rowan University – Law & Justice Studies
Rowan’s Law & Justice Studies program blends academic rigor with practical preparation for careers in law enforcement, corrections, court services, and public safety leadership. Students examine crime, legal systems, social impacts of law, and justice policy, gaining both theoretical understanding and practical insight. Internships are required, helping students connect classroom lessons to real agencies and community work.
The department supports a solid foundation for students who want to continue into graduate education or professional fields such as law enforcement leadership, advocacy, or public service. The program also offers flexible options like a combined advanced degree (CADP) that can lead to a Master’s in Criminal Justice within five years.
Rowan’s approach emphasizes career readiness, critical thinking, and ethical reasoning, so graduates can confidently enter the workforce or pursue advanced study.
3. Seton Hall University – Criminal Justice (B.A.)
Seton Hall’s Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice gives students a strong foundation in crime theory, criminal justice structures, and research methods. Faculty bring real‑world experience from law enforcement, criminal profiling, corrections, and legal practice, making classroom learning relevant and engaging.
The program requires 36 credits, with half in core courses that include criminology, research methods, evidence and procedures, and technical writing. Elective courses let you shape your studies based on interests and career goals.
Seton Hall works closely with its Career Center to connect students with internships in federal, state, and local agencies like the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, New Jersey State Police, and Superior Court of New Jersey.
Outside the classroom, clubs like the Criminal Justice Club offer networking, peer support, and discussion on justice topics, enriching your overall learning experience.
Graduates are prepared for careers in law enforcement, probation, courts, and advocacy, or for graduate and professional study.
4. Kean University – Criminal Justice (B.A.)
Kean’s Criminal Justice program blends theory with practical training to prepare students for modern challenges in law enforcement, corrections, courts, and cybersecurity.
You’ll take courses that examine the American legal system, policing, victimology, and contemporary issues in crime. Kean also includes training in investigative techniques and crime analysis, giving you hands‑on skills you can use in real‑world settings.
The program benefits from an interdisciplinary approach through the Department of Criminal Justice and Public Affairs, which also offers insights into public administration and leadership.
Class sizes are smaller, and faculty members often bring real professional experiences into the classroom. Many students pursue internships and connections with law enforcement agencies across New Jersey, helping make your degree practical and career‑relevant.
Kean also offers a Master’s in Criminal Justice for students who want advanced knowledge or leadership roles.
5. Caldwell University – Criminal Justice (B.A.)
Caldwell’s Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice prepares students for careers across law enforcement, corrections, probation, victim advocacy, and federal agencies through a blend of classroom study and applied experiences.
Internships are a key feature of the program, giving you opportunities with organizations like the New Jersey State Police, Department of Homeland Security, and local police departments. These real‑world placements help you test career interests and build professional contacts.
Caldwell also supports research internships where you can work with faculty on projects about major justice issues like racial disparities, reentry, and social support systems.
The program emphasizes research methods, criminology, and sociological theory, helping students build analytical thinking and communication skills that prepare you for graduate study or justice‑related careers.
Small class sizes and active student clubs enrich your experience on campus and foster a strong sense of community.
6. William Paterson University – Criminology & Criminal Justice (B.A.)
William Paterson’s program combines criminology and criminal justice science to help you understand both crime itself and official societal responses. You study topics like policing, courts, corrections, and advocacy in an integrated way that prepares you for diverse careers.
The curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, ethical decision‑making, and data‑informed analysis so graduates can address complex justice challenges in communities and agencies.
You can also complete components of the degree online, which offers flexibility without losing academic quality.
Career support includes preparation for roles in law enforcement, corrections, research, advocacy, and public safety leadership. You’ll walk away with both theoretical knowledge and practical tools that help you succeed in the field.
7. New Jersey City University – Criminal Justice (B.S.)
NJCU’s Criminal Justice Department offers a Bachelor of Science degree that merges classroom learning with practical experience. The program explores the dynamic nature of crime, justice policy, and the functioning of justice systems.
Students benefit from community engagement, field experiences, and connections with local agencies that help bridge theory and practice. Mock trial teams and alumni talks are part of the learning environment, giving you insights into court processes, prosecution, defense, and legal advocacy.
NJCU’s program prepares students for careers or advanced study and looks to foster critical thinking, ethical planning, and professional readiness among graduates.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) — Criminal Justice Careers in New Jersey
1. What can I do with a criminal justice degree in New Jersey?
You can work in law enforcement, corrections, courts, legal support, forensics, homeland security and private security. Many roles let you serve communities directly or support justice systems behind the scenes.
2. Do criminal justice graduates have job opportunities after college?
Yes. Opportunities exist at local, state, and federal levels in policing, probation, victim services, court administration, and investigative roles.
3. Which jobs are most common with this degree?
Graduates become police officers, probation or parole officers, private investigators, forensic analysts, court administrators, victim advocates, and security specialists.
4. How much can I expect to earn in New Jersey?
Median pay varies. Some roles start near $50,000–$60,000, while forensic analysts and higher‑level positions can surpass $90,000.
5. Is the job market growing for criminal justice careers?
Many fields within criminal justice are stable or growing, especially forensic and cyber‑related roles, while law enforcement and probation jobs grow along with public safety needs.