Program Overview
Criminal Justice
Criminal justice is the study of crime, criminal behavior, and the legal system. The criminal justice degree program is designed to explore types of crime, investigation of crimes, prosecution and defense of crimes, courtroom rules and procedures, and many other areas involving the American justice system.
Program Overview
The criminal justice degree programs foster an understanding of criminal justice policy, criminal law and procedure, theories of crime, juvenile justice, as well as ethics and organization management. Our students are prepared to pursue careers in law enforcement, homeland security, law, court administration, corrections, and juvenile justice. Graduates also possess the necessary foundation for graduate or law school.
What Will I Learn?
Our program covers a wide range of topics, including:
- Criminal justice policy
- Criminal law and procedure
- Theories of crime
- Juvenile justice
- Ethics and organization management
Internship Opportunities
Criminal justice majors are strongly encouraged to consider an internship experience. Internships are a valuable educational tool that provides supervised field study in an agency setting. Students may earn academic credit for approved internship experiences and obtain valuable experience and career insight. Possible internship placements for criminal justice majors include:
- Law enforcement agencies (federal, state, and local)
- Federal Bureau of Investigation
- United States Probation and Parole
- Community Corrections and Rehabilitation
- Juvenile Justice
- Prosecutor and Defense Attorney Offices
- Judicial and Court Administration
Student-Centered Education
Our faculty are prominent scholars in their respective areas of expertise. Through lecture, online, and seminar courses, faculty strive to cultivate knowledge, understanding, and analytical skills in our students. Faculty serve as advisors and mentors for students to better assist them with career planning and degree progress. Student organizations provide valuable opportunities for our students to interact with faculty, professionals in the field, and to develop important connections in civic and campus life.
Availability
- Criminal Justice BA: Gulf Park, Hattiesburg
- Criminal Justice Minor:
- Security Studies Minor:
Career Options
- Law Enforcement
- Juvenile Justice
- Law
- Homeland Security
- Victim's Services
- Corrections
Recent Program Alumni
Notable alumni of the program include:
- Phil Bryant, 1977, Governor, State of Mississippi
- Jason Denham, 2003, Resident Agent in Charge, United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (ATF)
- Derryle Smith, 1992, Resident Agent in Charge, United States Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) State of Mississippi
- Kelly Smith Adcock, 1991, United States Secret Service, Retired
- Ryan Medeiros, 2015, Officer, United States Probation and Parole
- Jacqueline Ledger, 1995, Juvenile Justice Specialist, Mississippi Department of Public Safety