Criminal Justice Services is the academic and research division of the University at Albany’s School of Criminal Justice, a globally recognized institution specializing in the interdisciplinary study of crime, criminal behavior, and justice system processes. As the first program in the nation to offer a PhD in Criminal Justice, it stands out for its pioneering role in shaping the discipline and its evidence-based, policy-oriented approach to understanding and addressing complex societal issues.
The School adopts an interdisciplinary framework, integrating perspectives from law, public administration, psychology, and sociology to examine the full spectrum of criminal justice phenomena. Its faculty, research staff, and students engage in externally funded research through the Hindelang Criminal Justice Research Center, collaborating with federal and state agencies to develop policy recommendations and disseminate findings. The program targets aspiring academics, practitioners, and policymakers, preparing graduates for roles in research, teaching, criminal justice agencies, and nonprofit organizations.
Services Offered
- Criminal justice education and degree programs
- Interdisciplinary research on crime and justice
- Policy analysis and recommendations
- Externally funded research projects
- Cold case analysis
- Graduate student research training
- Dissemination of research through publications and colloquia
- Collaboration with criminal justice agencies
The School serves a diverse academic and professional community and is internationally renowned, housing the nation’s 5th ranked PhD program in Criminal Justice according to U.S. News & World Report. Its research is funded by prominent agencies including the National Institute of Justice, National Science Foundation, and New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services.
