M.S. in Computer Information Systems
The M.S. in Computer Information Systems at NEC is a 36-credit program that can typical...
B.A. in Criminal Justice
Henniker, New Hampshire
INTAKE: Jan, Aug & Oct
Program Overview
The B.A. in Criminal Justice at New England College is a four-year, 120-credit undergraduate program that provides a comprehensive overview of the criminal justice system. The program's core strength lies in its blend of a solid academic base, a strong liberal arts foundation, and real-world experiences. Students are afforded opportunities to interact directly with members of the law enforcement, corrections, and legal communities, and to visit local courts, law enforcement agencies, and correctional facilities. This hands-on approach, combined with the flexibility of on-campus, online, or hybrid formats, aims to foster critical thinking, analytical, and problem-solving skills essential for the field.
Curriculum: The 120-credit B.A. in Criminal Justice curriculum at NEC includes core criminal justice courses, liberal arts and sciences requirements, and electives. Core criminal justice courses typically include "Introduction to Criminal Justice," "Criminology," "Corrections," "Criminal Procedure," "Criminal Law," "Police in Society," "Criminal Justice Ethics," and "Issues in Professional Practice: Criminal Justice." The program also requires "Statistics for the Social Sciences." Elective options allow for specialization in areas such as "Criminal Investigations," "Gangs in America," "Victimology," "Forensic Psychology," "Homeland Security," and "Terrorism." The Liberal Arts & Sciences core curriculum ensures a well-rounded education, covering composition, quantitative reasoning, and various areas within the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences.
Research Focus: The B.A. in Criminal Justice at New England College has a strong applied and practical research focus. While a traditional thesis is not typically required, the program emphasizes equipping students with the ability to "analyze and apply information gathered from scholarly sources and applying it in a variety of problem-solving and decision-making situations." Courses integrate "basic principles of research" and encourage critical engagement with current issues. Faculty research interests often include topics such as mass incarceration, community corrections, and police and community relations, demonstrating a focus on contemporary challenges within the criminal justice system. Experiential exercises, such as mock crime scene investigations and court hearings, also serve as practical research into the application of criminal justice principles.
Industry Engagement: New England College's B.A. in Criminal Justice program boasts significant industry engagement, primarily through its faculty and experiential learning opportunities. All classes are taught by "attorneys and law enforcement professionals with experience in the criminal justice field," providing students with real-world insights. The program actively encourages students to "interact with law enforcement, corrections, and legal community members" and facilitates visits to relevant facilities. The internship program is a cornerstone of industry engagement, allowing "individually designed" placements at various federal, state, county, and local law enforcement agencies, prosecutors' offices, juvenile facilities, and correctional industries. Additionally, the "Criminal Justice Senior Seminar" often requires interviewing working professionals, further cementing industry connections.
Global Perspective: The B.A. in Criminal Justice at New England College implicitly incorporates a global perspective by addressing issues that transcend national borders, even if a dedicated "Global Criminal Justice" course isn't explicitly listed in the core. The study of crime, law, and justice naturally involves understanding international crime trends, transnational organized crime, human rights issues in policing and corrections, and comparative criminal justice systems. Electives such as "International Security" or "Regional Politics and Terrorism" indicate an awareness of global challenges that impact criminal justice. The broader liberal arts core, including a "Global Perspectives" course, further ensures students develop an understanding of diverse cultures and global interdependencies, which are increasingly relevant in modern criminal justice careers.
Location
Henniker, New Hampshire
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
USD 40178
Undergraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Applicants for undergraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 65% or above in their previous academic qualifications.
English Language Proficiency:
- IELTS: Overall band score of 6.0 or 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component.
- TOEFL: Overall score of 80 or higher.
- PTE: Overall score of 65 or higher.
- DET (Duolingo English Test): Minimum score of 105.
New England College (NEC) is supporting talented international students by offering a range of merit-based scholarships designed to make quality education more accessible and affordable. These scholarships recognize academic excellence, leadership, and other achievements, helping to reduce the financial burden of studying in the United States.
Merit-Based Scholarships: All international applicants to NEC are automatically considered for merit scholarships during the admission process. Awards vary based on the student’s academic record, test scores, extracurricular involvement, and leadership qualities.
Presidential Scholarship: One of the most prestigious awards, the Presidential Scholarship, is granted to exceptional international students with outstanding academic credentials.
Athletic Scholarships: NEC offers athletic scholarships to international students who demonstrate exceptional skill and commitment in NCAA Division III sports. These scholarships are awarded based on athletic performance, team needs, and coach recommendations, providing support while balancing academics and athletics.
Specialized Program Scholarships: Certain academic departments at NEC may offer scholarships targeting high-achieving students pursuing degrees in fields such as Business, Cybersecurity, Education, Creative Writing, and Health Sciences. These targeted awards help attract top talent and support focused areas of study.
Graduates of New England College's B.A. in Criminal Justice are prepared for a wide range of public safety and justice-oriented careers. The program's emphasis on practical experience, critical thinking, and ethical considerations equips them with the skills necessary to navigate the complexities of the criminal justice system.
Police Officer/State Trooper: Enforces laws, responds to emergencies, conducts investigations, and maintains public order at local, state, or federal levels.
Correctional Officer: Supervises and manages inmates in jails, prisons, or correctional facilities, ensuring safety and security.
Probation/Parole Officer: Supervises offenders who have been released from incarceration or are serving community-based sentences, ensuring compliance with conditions and supporting rehabilitation.
Criminal Investigator/Detective: Conducts in-depth investigations into crimes, gathers evidence, interviews witnesses, and works to solve cases.
Crime Scene Investigator (CSI): Collects, preserves, and analyzes physical evidence at crime scenes, often involving forensic techniques.
Federal Agent (e.g., FBI, DEA, Secret Service): Works for federal agencies to investigate federal crimes, combat terrorism, drug trafficking, or protect national leaders.
Victim Advocate: Provides support, guidance, and resources to crime victims, helping them navigate the legal system and cope with the aftermath of criminal acts.
Court Administrator/Clerk: Manages the administrative and operational functions of a court system, ensuring efficient processing of cases and records.
Private Investigator/Security Specialist: Conducts investigations for private clients or manages security operations for businesses and organizations.
Customs and Border Protection Agent: Works at ports of entry to inspect goods and individuals, enforce import/export laws, and secure national borders.
