Rochester Institute of Technology

What you'll study

The programme builds a core understanding of criminal justice systems, correctional practice and criminological theory while emphasising applied skills for working with people in custody and in the community. Course work typically covers:

• Foundations of criminology and criminal law — theories of crime, legal principles, and the structure of the justice system.
• Corrections and rehabilitation — institutional management, community corrections, reentry, rehabilitation approaches and case management.
• Juvenile justice and youth interventions — developmentally informed practice, diversion programmes and juvenile court processes.
• Research methods and statistics — quantitative and qualitative methods used to evaluate programmes, policy and offender outcomes.
• Investigation and evidence — basic investigative techniques, interviewing, report writing and understanding of forensic processes.
• Policy, ethics and administration — organisational behaviour, leadership in criminal justice agencies, ethical decision-making and policy analysis.
• Specialist topics — victimology, restorative justice, substance misuse, mental health in corrections and risk assessment tools.
• Practical experience — supervised field placements, internships or cooperative education experiences that place students in correctional facilities, probation offices, courts or community agencies; many students complete a capstone project synthesising practical and academic learning.

Entry requirements

Applicants are expected to hold a recognised secondary school diploma or equivalent with preparation in English and social studies; satisfactory preparation in mathematics and writing is also recommended. Admissions decisions consider academic record, personal statement and any relevant experience working with vulnerable or justice-involved populations. Standardised test submissions may be optional; prospective international students must demonstrate English proficiency through recognised tests or approved institutional evidence of language ability. Some students enter with prior volunteer, internship or correctional work experience, which strengthens an application.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for a wide range of entry-level and mid-level roles across the justice and human services sectors. Typical career paths include:

• Correctional officer and facility staff roles
• Probation and parole officer or community supervision practitioner
• Case manager, reentry coordinator or residential programme staff
• Juvenile justice specialist and youth services practitioner
• Victim advocate or support services professional
• Policy analyst, court administration or programme evaluator in governmental and non-profit organisations
• Opportunities to transfer into law, social work, public administration or forensic science graduate programmes

Hands-on placements, co‑op experience and RIT's career services help graduates make direct connections with employers across municipal, state and federal agencies as well as community providers and non-governmental organisations.

Why study at Rochester Institute of Technology

RIT is known for its emphasis on experiential education and strong industry connections. The university's cooperative education and internship frameworks allow students in criminal justice to gain extended, supervised workplace experience that enhances employability and on-the-job skills. Interdisciplinary collaboration with departments such as psychology, forensic science and public policy strengthens the curriculum and offers access to specialised facilities and faculty expertise.

Students benefit from a campus culture focused on career preparation, dedicated career services, and relationships with regional criminal justice agencies and non-profit partners. The programme combines practical training, applied research opportunities and community engagement to prepare graduates to work effectively and ethically in correctional and community settings.