Criminal Justice

Criminal Justice is an interdisciplinary major combining coursework in criminal justice, social and political studies, and psychology. Included in the program are specialized courses designed to address issues in American justice and to acquaint students with the process and substance of the criminal justice system. Coursework is offered in law enforcement, courts, and corrections, with an emphasis on the causes and treatment of crime, criminal justice policy, and public administration.

Criminal Justice courses provide necessary background for professional and graduate training as well as career placement. Students may choose from employment in probation and parole agencies, court administration, law enforcement, corrections, or other criminal justice fields.

Internships are available in the junior and senior year at local juvenile courts, probation and parole agencies, correctional institutions, prosecutor’s offices, and in administrative settings at both the state and local levels. A maximum of three departmental credits is awarded for internships; any additional hours are considered general electives. Some internships require students to have a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or above in order to be eligible. Advisors can provide further information.