University of New Haven

What you'll study

The programme covers core criminal justice topics and a sustained focus on corrections, balancing criminological theory, law, research methods and practical skills. Students study how courts, policing and correctional systems interact, and examine rehabilitation, offender classification, re-entry and community supervision.

• Foundations of Criminal Justice and Criminology — introduction to crime theories, criminal justice history and system components.
• Corrections and Penology — study of institutional corrections, community corrections, custody and care, and correctional policy.
• Assessment, Classification and Case Management — offender risk/needs assessment, treatment planning and management of caseloads.
• Juvenile Justice — developmentally informed approaches to youth offending, diversion and specialised services.
• Law and Criminal Procedure — legal framework affecting sentencing, prisoners’ rights and administrative law relevant to corrections.
• Research Methods and Statistics — quantitative and qualitative methods for policy evaluation and program assessment in corrections.
• Forensic and Behavioural Topics — basics of forensic psychology, behavioural assessment and substance misuse in offender populations.
• Ethics, Leadership and Administration — management in correctional organisations, professional ethics and organisational change.
• Practicum/Internship and Capstone — supervised placements with custodial or community agencies and a final project or practicum integrating theory and practice.

Courses are delivered through lectures, seminars, simulations and field placements. Students are encouraged to undertake internships with local and regional correctional agencies, probation services and community providers to gain applied experience.

Entry requirements

Applicants normally need a recognised secondary-school qualification or equivalent that demonstrates readiness for undergraduate study. Typical admissions consider academic achievement in relevant subjects, a personal statement, and any practical experience with community or criminal justice organisations.

• Domestic applicants: high school diploma or equivalent with satisfactory academic record; courses in social science, English and mathematics are advantageous.
• International applicants: equivalent secondary qualification and evidence of English proficiency (such as recognised test scores) where English is not the first language.
• Recommended preparation: background in sociology, psychology, government/law, and basic statistics, plus work or volunteer experience in social services or criminal justice where available.

Career prospects

Graduates enter a range of roles across corrections and the wider criminal justice sector. The programme equips students with applied skills for direct practice, administration and policy work.

• Correctional officer and institutional roles in adult or juvenile facilities
• Probation/parole officer, community supervision specialist and case manager
• Correctional treatment specialist, re-entry coordinator and rehabilitation services roles
• Policy analyst, programme evaluator or researcher in criminal justice agencies and non-profits
• Victim advocacy, restorative justice practitioner and community-based service provider
• Pathways to law, social work, forensic psychology or postgraduate criminology and public policy study

Why study at University of New Haven

The University of New Haven offers a programme with applied emphasis and close links to regional criminal justice agencies, allowing students to access internships and field placements in both institutional and community settings. The institution is known for its hands-on approach across justice-related disciplines, with faculty who blend academic expertise and practical experience.

Students benefit from relatively small class sizes, career services focused on placement in local, state and federal agencies, and interdisciplinary opportunities with allied programmes. The campus location provides proximity to courts, correctional facilities and civic organisations, supporting professional networking and experiential learning throughout the degree.