Jersey City, N.J. – Saint Peter’s College will launch a Master of Arts in Criminal Justice Administration, effective with the start of the fall 2010 semester. The program will prepare graduates to lead and manage local, state and national criminal justice organizations. The first year of the program, a concentration in police administration will be implemented; the second year, a concentration in corrections administration; and the third year, a federal law enforcement administration concentration.
Due to the growth in globalization and terrorism, Americans have become more security and safety conscious, causing an increase in the demand for law enforcement, corrections, national security and border patrol officials, among others. Overall, law enforcement positions are expected to increase by 11 percent by 2016, according to the U.S. Department of Justice’s Bureau of Labor Statistics. Over the past five years, the Bureau of Labor and Statistics has also seen a significant increase in federal, state and local government spending on police protection, corrections, judicial activities and legal activities.
“Part of the Saint Peter’s College mission is to be men and women of service to others,” noted Kathleen McKenna, chairman of Saint Peter’s Board of Trustees. “Developing programs such as the master’s in criminal justice allows the College and its students to be responsive to the needs of our community.”
Marylou Yam, Ph.D., vice president of academic affairs, explained that students would be prepared to apply knowledge related to management, financing and strategic planning to effectively lead criminal justice organizations; use technology to prevent and control crime; and, critique and develop policies related to the administration of criminal justice.
By learning general business concepts such as strategic planning, organizational behavior, marketing and finance, graduates of the program will be able to successfully lead criminal justice and law enforcement agencies. Additionally, with the knowledge of multicultural theory, students will be prepared to guide a diverse work force, as well as remain competitive in the global market.
Saint Peter’s College, founded in 1872, is a Jesuit, Catholic college in the liberal arts tradition located in the heart of Jersey City, N.J., with a branch campus in Englewood Cliffs, N.J., and course offerings on the Jersey City Waterfront and at various corporate sites throughout New Jersey. Educating over 3,000 undergraduate and graduate students in more than 50 programs, Saint Peter’s College is committed to academic excellence and individual attention, preparing students for a lifetime of learning, leadership and service in a diverse and global society.