Criminal Justice, Law & Behavioral Science

Build a Broad Skill Set for Meaningful Work

Graduates of our bachelor’s program in Criminal Justice, Law & Behavioral Science use their interdisciplinary education in law, law enforcement and criminal justice, public service, advocacy work and more.

Introduction

As a student in our bachelor’s program in Criminal Justice, Law & Behavioral Science, you’ll take introductory classes in criminal justice, law, psychology and sociology, and choose a pathway in one or two of these areas to customize your degree to your career goals. You will also participate in a capstone research project and build your resume and professional network at an internship.

Faculty

Our professors are experienced and respected scholars — but they are teachers, first. Because Russell Sage College is a small school, all Criminal Justice, Law & Behavioral Science faculty members get to know every Criminal Justice, Law & Behavioral Science student. They will invite you to work with them on research and encourage you to explore the connections between criminal justice, law, psychology and sociology — and they’ll ask you to stay in touch after you graduate. They are invested in your success

Program Distinctions

Unlike other professional degrees, Russell Sage College’s bachelor’s program in Criminal Justice, Law & Behavioral Science is not lockstep. Every student takes classes in law, criminal justice, psychology and sociology, but not the same fixed set of courses. You will be able to promote your interdisciplinary background on your resume, and you will also be able to customize parts of your course sequence based on your interests and goals.

And for transfer students, we maintain several articulation agreements with local community colleges to help you maximize your transferable credits.

Spotlights

Read more from students, faculty and alumni.

Student

2024

Allaina Escano

Because many of her family members had careers in the medical field, when Allaina Escano was a community college student, …

Alumni

“I stepped out of my comfort zone. And, like I said, the path opened up for me.”

– Philip Kwashie

Alumni

Criminal Justice, Law & Behavioral Science Professional School Counseling 2012, 2016

Chynna Marcucci

It’s hard to imagine anyone appreciating a college degree more than Chynna Marcucci. One of eight children, no one else …

Alumni

“I did better in law school than I did in college, thanks to the great preparation I had.”

– Kimberley Wallace, J.D.

Alumni

Criminal Justice, Law & Behavioral Science 2019

Téa Wilmot

When Téa Wilmot first visited Sage, she wasn’t thinking she’d become a student herself. She was with a friend who …

Alumni

“My professors were all willing to help. They were always there for me.”

– Ayanna Dunn

Faculty

Roberta A. Gabrenya

Law & Society Professor Bobbi Gabrenya is as concerned about how her students learn as she is what they learn. …

Our bachelor’s program in Criminal Justice, Law & Behavioral Science will provide you with a broad skill set for meaningful work in your community.

Careers

Criminal Justice, Law & Behavioral Science majors become attorneys, state troopers, parole officers, government leaders, social workers and more. Recent graduates have been hired by the Albany County District Attorney’s Office, the New York State Police, Vermont State Police and the New York State Assembly.

A Criminal Justice, Law & Behavioral Science degree is also excellent preparation for law school. Russell Sage College offers an accelerated 3+3 bachelor’s degree/juris doctorate degree program with Albany Law School and Suffolk University Law School, which enables qualified students to earn a bachelor’s degree and law degree in six years instead of seven years.

Graduate Studies

Many Criminal Justice, Law & Behavioral Science graduates pursue an advanced degree in psychology or another discipline, including:

Russell Sage College’s Master of Arts in Counseling and Community Psychology
Russell Sage College’s Master of Arts in Community Psychology
Russell Sage College’s M.S. in Forensic Mental Health

Our Forensic Mental Health program allows eligible students to take graduate courses in their senior year, reducing the time required to earn both a bachelor’s degree and graduate degree.

SEE CATALOG FOR REQUIREMENTS

Learning Experience

The interdisciplinary bachelor’s program in Criminal Justice, Law & Behavioral Science at Russell Sage College allows you to explore the intersection of criminal justice, law, psychology and sociology through coursework, internships and research opportunities.

Internships & Research

As a Criminal Justice, Law & Behavioral Science student, you will build your resume and professional network at an internship aligned with your career goals. Recent employers who have hosted Law and Society interns from Russell Sage College include local district attorney and public defender offices, the New York State Parole Board, the county Crime Victims and Sexual Violence Center and Have Justice — Will Travel legal services.

Additionally, Criminal Justice, Law & Behavioral Science students contribute to faculty research and conduct their own original research. Our students regularly present research at the National Conference on Undergraduate Research, regional conferences and Russell Sage College’s Undergraduate Research Day.