Criminal Justice (BA)

Request More Information

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 Study Criminal Justice at Iona?

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.

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.

In addition to the Criminal Justice major, Iona also offers a minor in Criminal Justice as well as a five-year Criminal Justice Dual Degree (BA-MS).

What You'll Learn

As part of the Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice, you develop a comprehensive understanding of the field and the skills to investigate and enforce the laws that keep communities running smoothly. You also gain the communication and technology skills necessary to access, analyze and share information in a multi-faceted justice system, and you will develop leadership skills that will give you an advantage in your future criminal justice career.

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.

Explore Courses

United States Secret Service Partners with Iona University

Iona University is proud to announce a partnership with the United States Secret Service that will include campuswide recruitment sessions for Gaels and other college students from across the Hudson Valley to help expedite the hiring process. College seniors will be eligible to apply January 1, 2024. Students can visit USAjobs.gov or contact the Career Center for the latest list of vacancies.

A member of the Secret Service with the Criminal Justice team.

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

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:

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

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!

Criminal Justice Club

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.

Visit Campus

Our scenic campuses, located just 20 miles from midtown Manhattan, truly do offer the "best of both worlds." Let us show you around, answer your questions and give you a feel of our tight-knit community.

Visit Campus

Apply Today

If you're considering applying to Iona, you're not alone! Since 2019, our new-student enrollment is up nearly 30%. Additionally, 99% of our first-year students receive institutional scholarships or grant aid.

Apply