Summer Alberts 
For those students who want to know about joining the police force, pursuing criminal justice careers, or studying criminology, selecting a particular school is often a deciding factor. As important as a school’s program is, its faculty, curriculum, and acceptance rate become a vital aspect for countless prospective students vying for admission into these highly competitive domains.
The criminology department is set to witness a growth that propels the demand for criminal justice experts. Considering this, the ten accredited criminology schools in New York known to have high acceptance rates have been listed here.
Top 10 Accredited Criminology Schools in NY.
1. John Jay College of Criminal Justice
John Jay College offers one of the best educations in criminology and criminal justice in the United States. It is associated with the City University of New York (CUNY) system. Additionally, this college provides a wide-ranging program that is academically challenging for learners fascinated by crime, policing, and the intricate web of justice. The college offers bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees in criminology and related disciplines, which enable students to forecast and shape the evolving landscapes in criminal justice policy, law enforcement, and criminological research.
With the focus on New York City as a living classroom, John Jay’s students gain a sophisticated understanding of urban crime and justice systems. The city provides access to experts and scholars as faculty members which greatly enhances the learning experience.
Acceptance Rate: 51.5%
2. Hofstra University
Hofstra University is one of the oldest and most respected criminology programs in the United States. They are offering multiple degrees, such as a BA in Criminology and a Minor in Criminology. The institution is authoritative on criminology, especially concerning sociology, forensic science, linguistics, philosophy, political science, and psychology.
Students at Hofstra University enjoy an all-encompassing academic education alongside leading experts in the discipline. The institution also remains dedicated to research, maintaining several specialized research centers that focus on crime control and criminal justice policy.
Acceptance Rate: 73 %
3. State University of New York at New Paltz
State University of New York at New Paltz features a program in criminology named ‘’Concentration in Criminology’’ with a focus on crime policy, social justice, and the multidisciplinary approach to crime. This institute is recognized for its rigorous standards of research and offers an environment conducive to nurturing students interested in pursuing doctoral studies in criminology.
Students have access to the numerous resources available in their system, including faculty who are active in criminology research and policy. Their interdisciplinary approach offers students the opportunity to critically think, engage, and understand how crime and the criminal justice systems impact society.
Acceptance Rate: Approximately 59%
4. University at Buffalo
University at Buffalo offers a specialized MS in criminology which is an online program for students aiming to achieve the balance between criminology scholarship, advocacy, and active engagement. This course mainly focuses on the nature and causes of crime. Under expert guidance, students learn to examine social problems from an ethical perspective, enabling them to make a tangible impact within the field. The dual focus on theory and practical application adds value to students looking to pursue a degree in criminology.
Acceptance Rate: Approximately 68%
5. Manhattan University
Manhattan University offers a relatively popular criminology program within its College of Social Sciences and Humanities. Students may pursue a bachelor’s degree with a concentration in law enforcement, corrections, or criminological theory which are offered as tracks. Criminology as a discipline is balanced with adequate theoretical exposure and practical activities such as internships, community service, and fieldwork. Manhattan University’s location makes available a wealth of professional exposure including internship placements in local law enforcement and governmental agencies. The faculty is well-researched in several subfields of criminology which allows teaching that incorporates the application of various concepts and theories.
Acceptance Rate: Roughly 78%
6. St John’s University
St John’s University located in Queens has a specific MS in criminology program in its College of Professional Studies. The curriculum offers courses in criminological theory, research design, and criminal justice policymaking. St John’s has a reputation for community service and incorporates this into the criminology curriculum, where students are provided with internship opportunities that interface with law enforcement and social justice practices. The tutors are expertly qualified as they are practitioners in criminology, sociology, law, and related disciplines. Located in New York City, St John’s offers unique access to the professional networks of one of the world’s leading urban centers.
Acceptance Rate: around 73%
7. Le Moyne College
Le Moyne College offers a criminology degree that equips learners for professional ventures in criminal justice, law enforcement, and even criminological research. Its major hallmark is equipping students with interdisciplinary learning by merging criminology with law, sociology, and political science. They enable students to secure and undertake internships and employment in important career criminal justice institutions such as the NYPD, FBI, and many law firms. The university’s practical approach to education and important networking enables students to transition from school to work seamlessly.
Acceptance Rate: Roughly 75%
8. The College of New Rochelle
Located in New York, The College of New Rochelle has a criminology program offered through its School of New Resources that balances theory with practical application. It equips students with skill sets and prime them for employment in law enforcement, corrections, and social services while also considering the social and psychological dimensions of criminal behavior. Attending the College of New Rochelle enables students to gain from the small class sizes and personalized guidance from staff, which is ideal for learners who prefer a bespoke education. Additionally, the program provides internships and hands-on training which enhances learning.
Acceptance Rate: Roughly 78 Percent
9. Long Island University (LIU Brooklyn)
LIU Brooklyn has a multidisciplinary program where students learn concepts and practical skills that prepare them for various criminology and criminal justice careers. This criminal justice program integrates the study of various branches of criminal law, and theory, and includes a methodical research component along with practical placements.
Being situated in one of the most famous cities, LIU Brooklyn is surrounded by endless professional opportunities. The community is very active and provides students with the opportunity to network and form valuable links for the future. LIU Brooklyn has a very robust faculty with specialization in criminology, law enforcement as well as public policy.
Acceptance Rate: Approximately 62%
10. SUNY College at Plattsburgh
The State University of New York at Plattsburgh has a criminology program that deals with crime, justice, and social policy. It aims to equip students with both concepts and practical skills adequate for employment in law enforcement, criminal justice, and public policy. Students gain practical insight through internships, fieldwork, and research projects in various criminal justice settings. The smaller campus size relative to other SUNY colleges means students can receive a more personalized education, which includes closer interactions with faculty and staff.
Acceptance Rate: Approximately 70%
Criminology Colleges in New York and their Admission Criteria
Every college in New York has its unique process for admitting students into their criminology programs, but several trends can be observed across many of them.
- In general, students are required to provide their secondary school certificates, standardized test results (when applicable), recommendation letters, and personal essays.
- Universities have an average GPA required for admission into their criminology programs, usually expecting a GPA between 2.5 and 3.0. Several of them may expect relevant work experience, either through volunteer roles or internships in the field of criminal justice, for admission into these programs.
- As for the graduate level, candidates should have at least a bachelor’s degree in criminology or any related area of study, and they must have some work experience.
- Depending on the program, some may need GRE test results while others give more importance to grades, endorsements, and even the academic work done in the past.
Conclusion
New York is home to a wide variety of prestigious criminology schools, each offering a unique approach to criminal justice education. There is a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs and students are excited to pursue careers in law enforcement, policy analysis, and criminology departments. Considering the growing demand for criminology professionals, these schools offer the necessary foundation for those students and graduates who want to study and contribute to the evolving field of the crime world.
Explore: How to Become a Criminologist?
