Criminal Justice

Photo of image of a scale and gavel

About the Criminal Justice Department

The Criminal Justice Department at NJCU is a diverse learning community of educators and students. Dedicated to a multidisciplinary education benefiting from Northern New Jersey’s urban environment, our program merges theory and practice, in service to society, and examining the dynamic nature of criminal justice.

law students on courthouse stairs

The Department sponsors NJCU’s award winning Mock Trial Team, which competes with other colleges and universities across New Jersey and Pennsylvania. The Criminal Justice Department also organizes monthly Zoom Criminal Justice Coffee Talks in which speakers discuss vital issues facing criminal justice professionals. Most speakers are NJCU Criminal Justice alumni who also discuss career paths and serve as networks and mentors for current students. 

The Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice combines studies in the fields of criminal justice, law enforcement, courts, probation, corrections, parole, and juvenile justice. The program is designed for individuals who are currently involved in the criminal and juvenile justice fields and students who seek careers in these areas. Completion of this major prepares one to assume the responsibilities in the following professions: officer (municipal, county, state, federal), special agent (in federal law enforcement agencies such as AFT, CIA, DEA, FBI, Homeland Security, NSA, USDOC, USDOJ, US Marshals, US Parks Police, US Secret Service), criminal investigator (in state prosecutor and public defender offices), court administrator (state and federal), probation officer (state and federal), parole officer (state), correctional officer (state and federal), juvenile counselor, victim advocate (government or community), community restorative justice, civil rights activist, and others. Continued study may include a master’s and/or doctoral degree in criminal justice or public administration or a doctoral degree in law.

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We offer the following programs at the undergraduate level:

Contact Us

Location: Professional Studies Building, Suite 220
Phone: 201-200-2416
Fax: 201-200-3482

FACULTY

David Chiabi, Ph.D., J.D.
Professor & Chair
Office: Professional Studies Building, Suite 220
Email: dchiabi@njcu.edu
Phone: 201-200-3492

William Calathes, Ph.D., J.D.
Professor
Office: Professional Studies Building, Suite 220 
Email: wcalathes@njcu.edu
Phone: 201-200-2419

Venessa Garcia, Ph.D.
Professor
Office: Professional Studies Building, Suite 220 
Email: vgarcia1@njcu.edu
Phone: 201-200-3235

Aaron Ho, Ph.D.
Associate Professor
Office: Professional Studies Building, Suite 220 
Email: aho1@njcu.edu
Phone: 201-200-2461

Esther Nir, Ph.D., J.D.
Professor
Office: Professional Studies Building, Suite 220 
Email: enir@njcu.edu
Phone: 201-200-3018

STAFF

Mohamed Kaifa
Administrator
Office: Professional Studies Building, Suite 220 
Email: mkaifa@njcu.edu
Phone: 201-200-2378