Criminal Justice Major (BA Degree)
Why Criminal Justice?
Majoring in Criminal Justice prepares you to become a leader in your community. Effective legal experts and law enforcement officials have to understand, investigate and enforce social standards to maintain public safety.
The criminal justice field offers many career paths based on your interests: law enforcement, probation and parole services, justice administration, criminology, community services, corrections, victims’ services and more.
Why Become a Criminal Justice Major at Iona?
From Classroom to Career: Criminal Justice Students Thrive at Iona
Start your journey toward a meaningful career with Iona University’s Criminal Justice program, combining expert-led learning with hands-on experience.
Connect to Career-Building Opportunities with a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice
At Iona University, our Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Criminal Justice degree connects you with a variety of career-building opportunities. You are taught by outstanding faculty members who are actively engaged in the field and regarded as sought-after experts. Our faculty provide one-on-one advising and mentoring to encourage your academic and professional development. As a Criminal Justice major, you work alongside them in research and are connected to their network of industry professionals.
A Criminal Justice Degree Grounded in Hands-On Experiences
Our Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice offers a curriculum filled with hands-on experiences. In your coursework, you engage with current criminology research and evidence-based practices for a well-rounded understanding of justice and society. You also have opportunities for internships at leading law enforcement agencies in the New York metropolitan area and further afield.
Option to Complete a Master’s Degree in One Year
In addition to the Criminal Justice major, Iona offers a five-year Criminal Justice Dual Degree (BA-MS). This option allows students to complete their master’s degree in just one year, which saves both time and money.
Iona also offers a minor in Criminal Justice for students who seek to supplement their major.
Watch: Tyron Pope, Ed.D., on Pix11
Dr. Tyron Pope joined PIX11 Morning News to discuss new NYPD Commissioner Edward Caban.
Iona taught me that real change happens through relationships — whether with a professor, a peer or someone in the community. The close-knit environment here has laid the foundation for me to pursue a career where I can make a real impact.
– Connor Murray ’25, double major in criminal justice and political science
Read More about Connor
What You'll Learn
A Strong Foundation in Criminal Justice
As part of the Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice, you will develop a comprehensive understanding of the field and the skills to investigate and enforce the laws that keep communities running smoothly.
A Deep Dive into Criminal Justice
Throughout your coursework, you explore the root causes of crime, law enforcement policies, correctional institutions and the court system. You'll focus on timely issues such as corporate and white-collar crime, profiling violent crime and victimology, environmental crime and species justice, organized crime and terrorism.
Essential Skills for Success
You will also gain the communication and technology skills necessary to access, analyze and share information in a multi-faceted justice system. Additionally, you will develop leadership skills that will give you an advantage in your future criminal justice career.
Iona University has equipped me with essential skills in project planning, criminal procedure, social and behavioral research, legal research, criminology and criminal investigations.
-Jaiden Houston ’25, criminal justice major and entrepreneurship minor
Read more about Jaiden
Iona University Partners with the United States Secret Service
Iona University is excited to collaborate with the U.S. Secret Service to support its recruitment efforts across the Hudson Valley. This partnership offers Iona seniors a unique opportunity to fast-track their career aspirations and participate in an expedited hiring process. Throughout the academic year, students can attend exclusive recruitment sessions right on campus, designed to streamline the application and hiring process. To explore current openings and take advantage of this exciting pathway, students can visit USAJobs.gov or reach out to Iona’s Career Center for the latest opportunities.
Careers & Outcomes
Iona University graduates with their Bachelor of Arts degree in Criminal Justice are well-equipped to move their careers forward in graduate school or to serve justice in a variety of workplaces. Iona alumni have been handpicked to work in federal and local agencies, serving as police commissioners and high-ranking federal agents. We are proud of our excellent track record in assisting our graduates to launch rewarding criminal justice careers, especially in the New York metropolitan area.
Our Graduates are Serving as:
- Deputy Sheriff
- Domestic Violence Victim Advocate
- Fraud Analyst
- Park Ranger
- Police Officer
- Prevention Family Specialist
Our Graduates Have Worked at:
At Iona, I have found a talented and intelligent group of professors, students and friends. Everyone is working hard and striving for success. This environment definitely contributes to my determination and passion toward achieving my goals!
Danielle Escamilla ’23, Criminal Justice and Political Science double major
Read More about Danielle
Criminal Justice Program Highlights
Faculty Experts
As a Criminal Justice major, you benefit from our faculty’s deep knowledge of criminology and the justice system. Iona’s Criminal Justice faculty are former law enforcement professionals and sought-after researchers on criminal justice topics. Agencies such as the NYPD seek the expertise of our faculty, and many have appeared on the news as expert sources.
Valuable Criminal Justice Internships
Build your criminal justice career through transformative internship opportunities across New York City and beyond. Previous students have had internships at over 100 local, state and federal agencies, including the U.S. Secret Service, U.S. Marshals Service, the FBI and the Department of Homeland Security. In addition, Criminal Justice majors also have interned at law offices, state and local advocacy organizations, victim services, county jails and mental health units.
Thriving Iona Community
Connect with your peers by participating in community service, our Criminal Justice Club, the American Criminal Justice Association, the National Criminal Justice Honor Society and more!
I’m hoping to become a criminal psychologist or lawyer in the future. Iona has prepared me for the next step by introducing me to key concepts and ideas all while making it even more interesting.
-Klover Phillips ’24, Criminal Justice and Psychology double major
Read More about Klover
Learn More About Iona’s Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice!
Iona’s Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice degree provides a comprehensive overview of the legal and law enforcement systems. Majoring in criminal justice connects our students to career-building internship opportunities, offers exposure to academic research and provides the space to consider justice in new ways.
Apply today or request information to learn more about Iona’s BA in Criminal Justice.
Find Out what an Iona Education Can Do For You
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Let us show you around, answer your questions and give you a feel of our tight-knit community.
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If you're considering applying to Iona, you're not alone! Since 2019, our new-student enrollment is up nearly 40%. Additionally, 99% of our first-year students receive institutional scholarships or grant aid.
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