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Majoring in Criminal Justice
Criminal Justice, Law & Behavioral Science majors explore the intersection of criminal justice, law, psychology and sociology through coursework, internships and research.
The Criminal Justice Program at Sage
As a criminal justice major, 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.
Program Distinctions
Unlike other professional degrees, our criminal justice degree program is not lockstep. Every criminal justice major 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.
Careers with a Criminal Justice Degree
Criminal justice 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.
Criminal Justice Major Spotlights
A Criminal Justice degree prepared these Sage graduates for success.
Criminal Justice and Pre-Law
A criminal justice degree is excellent preparation for law school.
If you are interested in law school, we recommend you pursue an 18-credit minor in Pre-Law Studies.
Russell Sage College also 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.
More Graduate School Opportunities
Many Criminal Justice, Law & Behavioral Science majors pursue an advanced degree, including:
- Sage’s master’s in Criminal Justice & Community Corrections
- Sage’s master’s in Mental Health Counseling and Community Psychology
- Sage’s online master’s in Mental Health Counseling and Community Psychology
- Sage’s master’s in Community Psychology
- Sage’s master’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.
Criminal Investigation Resource Center (CIRC) at Russell Sage College
No victim is forgotten.
The Criminal Investigation Resource Center (CIRC) utilizes Russell Sage College students to assist law enforcement agencies in investigating unresolved cases. The CIRC, under the direction of Dr. Christina Lane, a criminologist and an associate professor of criminal justice, provides training and experiences to students in unresolved case investigation and analysis while forming relationships with community agencies and contributing resources to local law enforcement to address their cold case initiatives.
Learn more about how you can apply to become a member of the Criminal Investigation Resource Center.
Have questions about a Criminal Justice Degree?
Associate Professor and Program Director of Criminal Justice, Law, and Behavioral Sciences
Associate Professor and Program Director of Criminal Justice and Community Corrections
