Welcome to the School of Criminal Justice at Rutgers University!

The school was founded almost 40 years ago, and ever since we opened our doors, we have been recognized as among the leading programs in the field. Over the years, our faculty have made signal contributions to criminal justice policy and criminological theory, and our graduates have taken their places among the most productive and well-respected scholars in the field. Today, studies show that we continue to rank among the top criminal justice programs nationwide, with special regard for our graduate programs.

Situated on the most diverse campus in the country and in one of the nation's most vibrant urban centers, we offer a program of study that takes strategic advantage of our superior faculty and stimulating location. Many of our students conduct their research in field settings, gathering data on the streets of the major cities along the northeastern corridor or working in close partnership with the major criminal justice agencies of the region. Working under the direction of our internationally renowned faculty, students also engage in projects that analyze crime and justice data from all over the world.

The School of Criminal Justice offers a superb education at the undergraduate level, as well. With over 400 students, our undergraduate program is one of the largest and fastest growing programs at the university. Our bachelor of arts students study the most pressing problems affecting the quality of justice and the promotion of public safety, and they are exposed to the most current thinking about the field. Opportunities are provided for direct field experience in assignments that range from operational criminal justice work to cutting-edge research projects. Our goal is to prepare every student for the future they seek.

We have just begun the design of a new master's degree program geared toward mid-career professionals and those interested in pursuing a career of criminal justice policy or administration. This new degree is in keeping with our strong commitment to improving the quality of criminal justice in New Jersey through enhancing the knowledge and skills of those who design and implement those policies.

To support this mission of education and scholarship, we have the Don M. Gottfredson Collection, one of largest and most comprehensive collections of crime and justice materials anywhere in the world. Scholars come from all over the globe to study in our library, enhancing their work with access to materials not otherwise available to them.

This, then, is the School of Criminal Justice at Rutgers: award-winning faculty, gifted students, terrific facilities housed in a great university and a revitalized Newark. Our program offers every opportunity students need for a terrific education of engagement with city, state, national, and international agencies on a broad range of crime prevention and criminal justice activities. Come join us.

Todd R. Clear

Dean, School of Criminal Justice