Criminal Justice
Networking opportunities and hands-on internships prepare our Criminal Justice students to get hired in private industries or public service careers at the state or federal level. Our program was ranked the #1 Criminal Justice program in Rhode Island by College Factual in 2025!
Alumnus Named President of RI Police Chiefs' Association
On Jan. 13, the Rhode Island Police Chiefs’ Association inducted its 2023 executive board and installed Roger Williams University alumnus Kevin M. Lynch, Chief of the Bristol Police Department, as president at the annual officers ceremony held at the university. Lynch earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from RWU’s Criminal Justice program. Read more about Lynch.
Alumnus Will Lead U.S. DOJ’s Community Oriented Policing Services Office
Colonel Hugh T. Clements, Jr., who graduated from RWU with a Bachelor of Science in the Administration of Justice, will serve as the new Director of the Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS Office). Read more about Colonel Hugh T. Clements, Jr.
Success By The Numbers
Real-World Experience
All SJS students have opportunities for internships at various agencies.
Placement of 2022 Grads
Our 2022 SJS graduates found success in employment or in graduate school within 6 months of graduation.
Average Starting Salary
of our 2022 graduates.
Degree Requirements
This program allows exceptional undergraduate, criminal justice majors the opportunity to earn six graduate credits during their senior year and the remainder of the course requirements for the Master’s of Science in Criminal Justice in a single, post-graduate year. This is an accelerated program for students who intend to study criminal justice full-time at the graduate level.
Customize Your Studies
A Social Justice Approach
In a Social Justice seminar taught by Professor of Criminal Justice Robert Engvall, students examine types of social injustices: racism, sexism, classism, homophobia, and ableism. They critically explore such social issues as immigration, family and reproductive issues, work and welfare issues (including income inequality), affirmative action, and housing and homelessness. Students lead the discussions themselves as they explore their own perceptions and compare those perceptions with how our society addresses real and perceived social justice issues.
4+1 in Criminal Justice (M.S.)
This program allows undergraduate Criminal Justice majors the opportunity to earn six graduate credits during their senior year and the remainder of the course requirements for the Master’s of Science in Criminal Justice in a single, post-graduate year.
Juris Doctor/Bachelor's 3+3 Accelerated Program (J.D.)
Earn your bachelor’s and juris doctor degrees in six years through RWU’s Three-Plus-Three Law program. You’ll get a jump-start on your J.D. by integrating law courses into your undergraduate studies and completing undergraduate requirements in your first year of law school. Accepted students will take first-year courses in the School of Law to fulfill undergraduate fourth-year requirements. Interested students must indicate their intent to pursue a 3+3 pathway early in their undergraduate studies for curriculum planning and advising.
Learn More About the 3+3 Program
Professional Networking and Resources
RWU is home to the Justice System Training & Research Institute (JSTRI), which provides professional development training to justice system practitioners across the country and fosters government and community partnerships. RWU students network with professionals in the field, learning best practices from all justice disciplines.
Intern With a Prestigious Organization
Our strong industry connections guarantee opportunities for internships or co-op experiences at a variety of agencies and companies including:
- U.S. Marshals Service
- R.I. Office of the Attorney General
- R.I. State Police
- Naval Investigative Service
- M.A. State Crime Lab
- Family Services RI
- U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI)
- Portsmouth, RI Police Department
- Dept. of Children Youth and their Families (DCYF)
- Brockton Juvenile Court
- R.I. Department of Corrections
- Massachusetts State Police Unresolved Case Unit
Learn from Faculty Experts
Beck Strah, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Criminal Justice
Beck Strah’s interests include correctional subcultures, punishment, and program evaluations. He brings his expertise in corrections to RWU, drawn from over a decade of experiences working as a corrections deputy, programs instructor, and researcher in prison and jail environments. He regularly collaborates with students on research projects examining subjects such as police training, reentry, and criminal justice policy.
"The School of Justice Studies offers a strong diversity of course options, tailored to the expertise of faculty who have a range of experiences working in the field. Our small class sizes facilitate the ability to work more closely with students and prioritize their learning needs," he said. "I love to see students engage with the materials and often try to connect them with others in the community to further their research and career interests."
Alumni Share Their Experiences
"The Criminal Justice program has taught me a lot about the process of how the Criminal Justice system works. I’ve learned, for example, how police systems operate and the process of how an arrest can lead to a sentencing. The program also showed me potential (career) options and helped me see what qualities I want to look for in a position."
Christian Thomas
Criminal Justice 4+1 Master’s Program, Bristol, R.I.
Major: Criminal Justice
More: Criminal Justice Program Helped Clarify Student Leader’s Career Direction
"I love the professors. They’ve always been very caring, and it’s easy to build relationships with them. A lot of the professors have experience in the field prior to teaching, so they really teach that hands-on experience. It’s not just reading from a book. My education has flourished because of it."
Kayla Natalo ’22
Criminal Justice 4+1 Master's Program, Bristol, R.I.
Major: Criminal Justice
More: Travel, Internship Propel Criminal Justice Major’s Career Path
"The Criminal Justice program here is unique. Each professor brings in a different real-world experience making the classroom time even more engaging. For example, after learning about the policing system, the way it operates, and its history in the U.S., I was able to apply it to my internship at the Tewksbury, MA Police Department. My education has flourished because of the different approaches each course provides."
Bianca DeSisto
Majors: Criminal Justice / Psychology
Ways to Get Involved
John Jay Society
The John Jay Society is a student-run club open to all School of Justice Studies majors with the goal of furthering students' understanding and appreciation of the criminal justice system. The club helps members prepare for future careers in the criminal justice field, promotes opportunities for students to interact with professionals in the criminal justice field, sponsors events and demonstrations that inform the campus community about local crime issues, and more.