Colin Gano

Majors and Minor: Double Major in Criminal Justice and Human Resource Management Year: 2019 How did you decide on your major? I decided to pursue a degree in Criminal Justice as I have always been passionate about public service and wanted to better prepare myself for a career in law enforcement. Combining this with a degree in Human Resource Management has given me the opportunity to see all situations, whether in work or in life, from a well-rounded, diverse perspective. What is it about your chosen field (and the department) that appeals to you? What I enjoy the most about the Criminal Justice department, as well as the field itself, is that it caters to a wide array of interests. I have made many friends here pursuing careers such as attorneys, law enforcement officers, social services professionals and more. The major is very dynamic in the sense that it allows for students to advance their specific career goals while also exposing them to other related areas; something that I think is critical to professional development. Do you have a favorite class/professor within your major? Professor Trigg’s Police class has been my favorite so far. Being a Lieutenant for the New Brunswick Police Department, his class is full of practical, real-world knowledge that I always found to be very refreshing. Not to mention, of course, that he will occasionally bring the K-9 unit to visit his lectures! What are your favorite academic experiences outside of your major? My favorite academic experiences outside of my majors has been in satisfying the core curriculum requirements. While it may not sound all that great, I treat it as an opportunity to experience as many different fields of study as I can. Some of my personal favorites have been Creative Writing, Introduction to Logic, and Dinosaurs. As challenging as they were, I thoroughly enjoyed taking them and exploring topics I never would have learned about in Criminal Justice or Human Resources. What are your other Rutgers activities? Apart from academics, I try to stay involved on campus as much as I can. A huge part of that for me has been in getting involved with the Criminal Justice Honor Society, where I am currently the Vice President. Being a part of the honor society has been an incredible experience, allowing me to participate in all kinds of volunteer work as well as meet with and develop working relationships with professors, staff, as well as law enforcement officers and other professionals from all walks of life. Additionally, I’ve also been able to work for Rutgers with the Department of Emergency Services. There, I am able to use my prior experience as a Firefighter to serve as an Emergency Services Officer, and hopefully soon as an EMT. Return to Prospective Students Page

Edelly Polanco

Majors and Minors: Criminal Justice and Political Science, Psychology and Criminology Year: 2016 Why did you choose X as your major? The decision to major in Criminal Justice and Political Science came naturally as I have always been interested in learning about the social and political theories that help to shape our creation of laws and societal norms. Furthermore, I wanted to explore how the study of law and crime paired with the psychology of human behavior influences our society, justice and legal systems. What did you like most about it? My collegiate experience helped to fundamentally change the way that I gather information, process that information, and relate it back to my surroundings. Since I was able to study law and crime from a criminal justice perspective, a political perspective, and a psychological perspective, in a more boarder sense, I was taught how to tackle challenges at multiple angles. This is a trait that has proven itself invaluable as I continue to make strides in my professional career. What is your current position, what do you, and what do you enjoy most about it? I am currently employed by the New Jersey Department of Children and Families with the Division of Child Protection and Permanency (DCP&P). My title is a Bilingual Family Service Specialist within the Adoption Unit. Working for DCP&P has been both challenging and overwhelmingly fulfilling. I have been granted the opportunity to meet with families and children at their most vulnerable state and have a responsibility to connect them to appropriate services, concrete supports, and community resources. It is my expectation that these efforts will help to foster an environment that supports the well-being, safety, and success of each family and child that I serve. What was your first job after Rutgers and how did you get it? I began my career with DCP&P in the Permanency Unit shortly after graduating from Rutgers. In the early spring before graduation, I attended a Career Fair Event at Rutgers which introduced me to a recruiter from DCP&P. As the hiring process can be exhaustive and intensive, I became officially employed by DCP&P several months thereafter. How did you move from that first job to your current position? I transitioned from a position in the Permanency Unit to the Adoption Unit within DCP&P after receiving the support and recommendation of my superiors. Looking back, what classes or experiences at Rutgers would you point to as contributing to your successes? During my time at Rutgers, the Criminal Justice Program offered a curriculum that challenged my preconceived notions about law, crime and society in a way that allowed me to broaden my understanding of the dynamics that shape the everyday functioning of our society. Moreover, I was given the opportunity to work as a Student Assistant in the Criminal Justice Program through the work-study program which allowed me regular access to Criminal Justice professors and staff. I attribute my current successes in large part to this experience because these professors and staff provided me with an overwhelming amount of support and guidance throughout my entire academic career at Rutgers. What advice do you have for our current Arts and Sciences students? As a recent Rutgers alum fresh into the workforce, the best advice I can offer is to take advantage of every resource offered by Rutgers. Rutgers offers a variety of resources including: program or department specific events, academic workshops, internship and/or volunteer opportunities, career fairs, networking events, or even social gatherings. Reach out to academic advisors, program coordinators, or student organizations and inquire about such events because each is a unique opportunity to gain meaningful academic and professional connections for those seeking to enter the workforce. Return to Prospective Students Page

Lauren Davis

Majors and Minors: Majored in Criminal Justice and Anthropology and Minored in Religion Year: 2015 Why did you choose X as your major? I wanted to do my part to make a difference in the Criminal Justice system. What did you like most about it? I loved the variety of work I could do in the field. I could work in Prisons, the Federal Government, or in local police departments. What is your current position, what do you, and what do you enjoy most about it? I currently work as a contractor with the Camden County Police Department as an Intelligence Analyst. My job is to provide the department with intelligence or information on known contacts within the city. I also do a lot of report writing in regards to the violent crimes within the city. I love the research aspect of the job. I love looking up the Criminal histories of individuals and putting together reports on the crime within to city to give the command staff information that can assist them in properly deploying officers within the city to ensure the safety of its residents. What was your first job after Rutgers and how did you get it? I was blessed enough to get a job working with the FBI right out college. The year I was graduating they held a recruitment event on campus and I interviewed with them. During my time with them I worked in records management. How did you move from that first job to your current position? I decided to gain my Masters in Intelligence and Crime Analysis and wanted to work in the field while going to school. The opportunity arose for an Intelligence Analyst contract positon with Camden County PD and I jumped on it. Looking back, what classes or experiences at Rutgers would you point to as contributing to your successes? I think most of my classes contributed to my success because of how involved my Professors were with my success in the class. They pushed me to think outside the box and to put in the work needed no matter how difficult. What advice do you have for our current Arts and Sciences students? Get an internship! Work on campus! Do whatever you can to make connections and keep them! Getting several internships was what set me apart from other candidates when it came time to getting jobs because it showed the agencies that I had prior experience in the field despite still being in college. It really matters! Return to Prospective Students Page

Young Cho

Majors and Minors: Criminal Justice (Major) Criminology, Psychology, Sociology (Minor) Year: 2014 Why did you choose Criminal Justice as your major? I always saw myself working in a field where I could help others and make a positive impact. Majoring in Criminal Justice allows me to do that and actually see first hand the difference my job as a police officer makes in people’s lives What did you like most about it? The thing I liked most about the Criminal Justice Program was the staff’s willingness to help and teach their students. I loved their enthusiasm and desire for not only their profession but also teaching. What is your current position, what do you, and what do you enjoy most about it? I am currently a police officer at Rutgers University. The thing I enjoy most about my job is interacting with the students (especially those interested in working in law enforcement). I love attending career fairs, giving presentations, and teaching members of the community the job that we do as police officers and answer any questions people may have. How did you move from that first job to your current position? After working as a security officer for a year and a half and gaining work experience in the criminal justice field, I applied for a position as a police officer at Rutgers University. After multiple rounds of interviews and passing psychological and medical exams, I was hired and sent to train at the Monmouth County Police Academy. Looking back, what classes or experiences at Rutgers would you point to as contributing to your successes? The experience I would point to contributing to my success would be my involvement in the Criminal Justice Organization. The organization allowed me to work closely with the staff members at the Criminal Justice Program as well as network with individuals from all over the criminal justice system. What advice do you have for our current Arts and Sciences students? My advice for the current students of Arts and Sciences would be to get involved with the organizations and clubs made available by the school. It is a great place to network and make friends with others interested in the field you are studying in. Return to Prospective Students Page

Fall 2018

Master Undergraduate Catalog This is a listing of our course offerings for the current semester. Click the plus sign (+) to display full information about the course (and link to syllabus, if one has been uploaded).

Winter 2019

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Spring 2019

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Fall 2019

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Summer 2019

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Spring 2020

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Course Offerings

Master Undergraduate Catalog This is a listing of our course offerings for the current semester. Click the plus sign (+) to display full information about the course (and link to syllabus, if one has been uploaded).

Spring 2021

Master Undergraduate Catalog This is a listing of our course offerings for the current semester. Click the plus sign (+) to display full information about the course (and link to syllabus, if one has been uploaded).

Career Information for C.J. Majors

Employment opportunities exist for Criminal Justice majors in all areas of the legal, law enforcement, and justice systems. Students majoring in Criminal Justice receive instruction on the theories and practices pertaining to the criminal justice system, crime prevention, and public and corporate responses to crime on the local, national, and international levels.   C.J. majors are also prepared to pursue graduate coursework in law or public policy as well as many other criminal justice related disciplines. If a graduate with a Bachelor's degree is looking for employment after graduation, opportunities exist at the managerial level in county, state, and federal criminal justice agencies. Research centers concerned with domestic and international issues, policies, and practices related to the criminal justice system provide additional opportunities to experience this exciting field.   While many graduates work in a related occupation, others choose fields which do not require a specific major, but rather a wide range of demonstrated skills and accomplishments. Regardless of your career choice, increase your marketability to employers through internships, service-learning, related work or volunteer experiences, good grades, and involvement in multiple college activities.   Students should check Rutgers Career Services website for a wealth of information regarding résumé clinics, job search workshops, internship seminars, networking events, alumni panels, career fairs, and so much more.  Students can set up their Career Knight account at careers.rutgers.edu.  

Resources & Related Occupations

  Career and Professional Resources Criminal Justice U.S.A. – Careers and Degrees Careers in Criminal Justice Criminal Justice Degree, College, and Career Blog Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences National Criminal Justice Reference Service The American Society of Criminology Civil Service Commission for New Jersey Careers in Criminal Justice Job Descriptions Careers in Federal Agencies Top-Paid Liberal Arts Majors and CareersJobs you can get with CJ Degree Cybersecurity career guides - https://cybersecuritydegrees.org/careers (for example, Cybercrime investigator, Computer Forensics, & more)Cybersecurity resource center - https://cybersecurityguide.org/resources/ Cybersecurity degree center - https://cybersecurityguide.org/programs/Online cybersecurity guides - https://cybersecurityguide.org/online/ A Sample of Related Occupations ATF Inspector Bailiff Border Patrol Agent Chief Deputy Child Welfare Caseworker Correction Counselor Correction Officer Court Administrator Court Clerk Court Reporter Crime Scene Investigator Criminologist Customs Patrol Officer D.E.A. Agent Deputy Sheriff Deputy U.S. Marshall Evidence Technician F.B.I. Agent Federal Protection Officer Fingerprint Technician Forensic Anthropologist Fraud Investigator Immigration Guard Import Specialist I.R.S. Agent Lab Technician (Forensic Science) Law Clerk Law Librarian Lawyer Legal Transcriber Medical Examiner Paralegal Penologist Police Detective Police Dispatcher Police Lieutenant Police Officer Polygraph Examiner Postal Inspector Probation Officer Psychologist Secret Service Officer Serology Technician Social Worker Special Agent, Customs Teacher/Professor Warden Youth Counselor   Types of Employers Banks Border Patrol Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms Central Intelligence Agency Colleges and Universities Correctional Facilities Criminal Courts Customs and Immigration Department of Agriculture Department of Insurance Drug Enforcement Agency Entertainment Venues Family Courts Federal Bureau of Investigation Federal Trade Commission Homeland Security Immigration and Naturalization Justice Department Juvenile Courts Juvenile Justice Programs Labs (Crime) Law Firms Medical Examiner’s Office Military Police National Security Agency Parole Departments Police Departments, Local and State Probation Departments Prosecutor’s Office Public Defenders Office Retail Stores Security Organizations State Attorney’s Office State Department U.S. Armed Forces U.S. Postal Inspection Service   Jobs Obtained by Rutgers Graduates   First Jobs of Recent Graduates: Analyst (Financial Company) Assistant Mortgage Closer (Bank) Billing Representative (Medical Center) Child Care Counselor (School) Clinical Coordinator (Outreach Program) Family Service Worker (Division of Welfare) Library Associate (Law Firm) Loss Prevention Assistant (Department Store) Military Police Officer (U.S. Army) Police Communications (University Police Department) Police Officer (Local Police Department) Probation Officer (Probation Department) Project Manager (Finance Company) Quality Inspector (Private Company) Security Screener (Transportation Security Administration)   Jobs of Experienced Alumni: Agent (Prosecutor’s Office) Associate (Private Law Firm) Attorney (Insurance Company) Attorney (State Attorney General’s Office) Claims Specialist (Insurance Company) Directory of Security (Insurance Company) Director of Franchise Operations (Hotel) Immigration Examiner (U.S. Department of Justice) Paralegal (Private Law Firm) Police Officer (Local Police Department) Sheriff’s Officer (Sheriff’s Department) Supervisor Deputy (U.S. Marshals Service) Vice President (Police Department)

Networking Tips

Many of us are shy or reluctant to approach strangers in new social situations. That’s why it is key to get mentally geared up prior to attending a networking event. Your attitude often guides your behavior, and so you must overcome any negative self-talk that could hinder you from reaching out to prospective employers. Do these thoughts sound familiar? “Why should I bother trying to impress this person? I’m only one of a hundred students this person is going to see today.” “I don’t even know enough to engage the company reps in an intelligent conversation. “I’ve never really been good at meeting people. That’s just my personality.” Such negative thoughts prevent you from pushing past any social roadblocks standing in your way. The truth is that many, if not most, people have similar thoughts in group situation and are just as hesitant to initiate conversations. However, if you change your attitude from negative to positive, you can instead take the lead. Remember: People enjoy talking about themselves. That’s one of the reasons why they attend networking events. Ask them questions to get them started in a conversation. People feel flattered when you show an interest in them and their work/organization. They will reciprocate your demonstrated interest in them with an interest in you. You have more to offer than you might think—you just have to believe it with a bit of self-confidence. Sample questions you could ask an employer: What do you like the most/least about your work? Can you describe a typical work day or week? What type of education and experience do you need to remain successful in this field? What are the future career opportunities in this field? What are the challenges in balancing a work and a personal life? Why do people enter/leave this field or company? Are there other people with whom you recommend I should speak? When I call or email them, may I use your name? Prepare and practice your self-introduction. To avoid being tongue-tied when you try to start a conversation with someone you don’t know, prepare a self-introduction that is clear, interesting, and well-delivered. What you say about yourself will depend on the nature of the event, but in any case, it should not be longer than 15-30 seconds. Here are a few examples: “Hi, my name is ___. I’m glad to have this chance to meet you and learn how a criminal justice major can break into your industry.” “Good morning, I’m ____. I used to be a former intern at ____. I’m really interested into becoming _____.” “Hello, my name is ___. I’m a junior Criminal Justice major and I am looking to find out what it is like working in ____

Career Resources

Forensic Accounting Drug Enforcement Administration (D.E.A.) D.E.A. Special Agents brochure D.E.A. careers/jobs website Federal Bureau of Investigation F.B.I. Job Tips F.B.I. careers/jobs website Homeland Security Investigations Immigration and Customs Agents (I.C.E.) Homeland Security careers/jobs website Paralegal Paralegal Career Information Paralegal Hiring Advice Paralegal Schools and Programs Becoming a Paralegal New Jersey State Police Application Selection Process brochure Police Officer Training and Information New Jersey State Police brochure How to Become a New Jersey Police Officer or State Trooper: a manual written by Michael Di Lieto, a Class II police officer. The manual is available at the Program in Criminal Justice offices for students to preview. The manual can not leave the department—students are welcome to read through the manual at the department. The Introduction and the Table of Contents can be found here. Additionally, if you are interested in purchasing this manual, more information can be found here. New Jersey Women in Law Enforcement New Jersey State Police careers/jobs website New Jersey State Parole Board New Jersey Parole Officer Recruitment New York Police New York State Police brochure New York Police Department Policing Exam Inside the NYPD Video New York State Police careers/jobs website Pennsylvania State Police Pennsylvania State Police brochure Pennsylvania State Police careers/job website Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department Las Vegas Metropolitan Police brochure Protect the City, Join the Force: a brief DVD by the LVMPD. The DVD is available at the Program in Criminal Justice offices for students to preview. The DVD can not leave the department—students can watch the DVD on a personal computer or they can use the department TV. Relocation Assistance via the H.I.R.E. Program

Pre-Law Society

Mission: The purpose of the organization shall be to introduce Rutgers University students who are interested in pursuing a career in law to different aspects of the profession through trips to law related activities, information seminars, and legal debates.

Criminal Justice Honor Society: Alpha Phi Sigma

  Eligibility Criteria: Minimum S.A.S. cumulative 3.3 GPA Minimum C.J. cumulative 3.5 GPA Minimum 60 credits completed by end of current semester [of admission to honor society] Minimum of 4 classes completed for the C.J. major at New Brunswick (courses without a grade are not included)

Criminal Justice Organization

  Mission: To inform and inspire students who are interested in the field of criminal justice. To provide and maintain a network of future colleagues in the criminal justice field.  To aid students interested in the field by providing a forum to discuss relevant issues and to assist those individuals in career-related opportunities such as interviewing, internship information, guest speakers, and exam study groups. To develop and maintain a relationship within the community through various volunteer and community outreach/service opportunities. This organization endeavors to provide career networking, advice, and leadership opportunities for the Rutgers community. To review and reevaluate the above purposes to ensure that they are being enforced in proper fashion.

Commencement Ceremony Information

   The Program in Criminal Justice will be hosting a Senior Recognition Ceremony, where we will be recognizing and paying tribute to each of our graduating seniors individually. The ceremony will be held on Wednesday, May 1st, 2024.  The ceremony is open to graduating seniors who have completed the Criminal Justice major requirements and have registered with S.A.S. for a graduation date of January 2024, May 2024, or August 2024. We are requiring advanced RSVP for all seniors interested in attending the ceremony.  Students must fill out and submit the RSVP Form by Friday, April 12th to major@crimjust.rutgers.edu: RSVP Form.  All of the logistics and information about the Senior Recognition Ceremony for both graduating seniors and guests is available in this section of our website.  Any questions can be addressed to major@crimjust.rutgers.edu and we will respond as soon as we can.  Late RSVP's should be sent to mew149@crimjust.rutgers.edu immediately; RSVP Forms must be sent before attending the ceremony in order to generate a marching name card. 
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