Criminal Justice and Security Studies
A high-quality education
Students are encouraged to appreciate sensitivity to the arts, view philosophy and religion as a means of human expression and examine opportunities for further intellectual development. They learn to use the sciences and mathematics as a means for analyzing, organizing, quantifying and expressing their ideas.
Courses offered in the criminal justice studies program, political science, psychology, sociology, anthropology and social work provide knowledge on the interdependence of people in communities and the world through differing cultures, systems of government and global organizations and networks.
What can I do with a B.A. in Criminal Justice and Security Studies?
Following graduation, Criminal Justice and Security Studies majors pursue many different paths:
- Many work in law enforcement at local, state and federal levels.
- CJSS graduates have obtained employment at public service organizations beyond law enforcement, including probation, parole, community development and other social service fields.
- Some graduates attend law or graduate school.
- Some graduates enter military service.
- Some graduates work in the non-profit sector.
- CJSS graduates have chosen work in loss prevention and corporate security.
Do you have a strong desire to serve the common good?
The criminal justice studies major is individualized and students choose the justice path that is right for them. The program is an excellent academic home for students interested in law and legal careers, intelligence, forensic psychology, federal law enforcement, probation and work with at-risk populations in the community.
Some of the opportunities for Criminal Justice and Security Studies Department students:
- Involvement in research projects in various classes.
- Present research papers at student symposia.
- Attend national and regional criminal justice conferences.
- Volunteer in a wide range of community service projects.
- Apply for membership in student associations Alpha Phi Sigma and Omega Phi Delta.
- Receive individual academic and career counseling from faculty.
- Double major in criminal justice and another major.
- Attend symposia with nationally recognized speakers and community leaders.
- Attend training workshops.
Follow your journey
The mission of Criminal Justice and Security Studies is to provide students with knowledge of the historical, philosophical, social, political and legal theories, concepts, practices and events which shape the criminal justice system.
Advanced Degrees
Some majors pursue advanced degrees in criminal justice and related areas. Recent graduates have been awarded fellowships to prestigious graduate schools. Criminologists and criminal justicians with advanced degrees teach in universities and work in governmental agencies and private corporations, conducting research on criminological issues. Many Criminal Justice and Security Studies students pursue degrees in law, business, social work, urban affairs and education. Students considering these areas can choose elective courses to prepare them for advanced degrees.
