BA/BS in Criminal Justice and Corrections

The criminal justice major takes a criminological approach, studying how the justice system operates, why crime happens, what follows from it, how police relate to communities and how policy is analyzed. Graduates pursue policing, prisons, forensics, security and policy roles or further study. Every major completes a capstone experience, which may be a designated course, a senior thesis or an internship. Many students intern locally or in cities such as New York and Washington. Those interested in policing can earn a microcredential preparing them for law enforcement academies. Career options listed include court clerk, crime scene investigator, paralegal, private investigator, district attorney and victim services specialist. The sponsoring department also covers sociology and human services, and the major is taught in person. A four-year degree map is posted for planning, and a student spotlight describes research on antiviral compounds, and a faculty-student research culture is highlighted.