Program Overview

Bachelor's Degree in Criminal Justice

The Bachelor's Degree in Criminal Justice at Purdue University Northwest is a comprehensive program that delves into the study of crime and victimization, the criminal justice system, and other responses to crime. As a student in this program, you will explore the nature, extent, causes, and consequences of crime, as well as the criminal justice system, including law enforcement, the courts, and corrections.

Why Study Criminal Justice at PNW?

• Our faculty have first-hand experience with criminal justice and wrongful conviction, with the Center for Justice and Exoneration Network on campus.
• You will gain the knowledge and skills needed for careers in criminal justice and related fields.
• The program includes courses from psychology, political science, and forensic science, providing a well-rounded education.
• Degree options include a B.A. (requiring 12 hours of modern language) or B.S. (requiring 12 hours of science, math, and reasoning).

Criminal Justice Degree Program Curriculum

The curriculum is designed to provide a balance of general education courses, College of Humanities, Education and Social Sciences core courses, and behavioral sciences courses. A field experience in the final year of study is also required.

Course Structure

• Year One: Begin with a first-year experience course and receive an overview of the criminal justice system.
  • Sample Courses:
    • BHS 10300 First-Year Experience in Behavioral Sciences
    • CRJU 15000 Introduction to the Criminal Justice System
• Year Two: Explore law enforcement, courts, corrections, and criminology.
  • Sample Courses:
    • CRJU 23000 Introduction to Law Enforcement
    • CRJU 24000 Introduction to Corrections
    • SOC 32400 Criminology
• Year Three: Complete 3000-level sociology requirements and expand knowledge through victimology and elective courses.
  • Sample Courses:
    • CRJU 30700 Victimology
    • SOC 33100 Inequality & Crime
    • CRJU 31800 Wrongful Convictions
• Year Four: Complete the field experience, ethics courses, and any remaining electives or requirements.
  • Sample Courses:
    • CRJU 44300 Field Experience in Criminal Justice
    • SOC 42100 Juvenile Delinquency
    • CRJU 38500 Ethics in Criminal Justice

Criminal Justice Degree Program Highlights

• The criminal justice field experience course allows for an internship at an agency site, building valuable hands-on skills.
• Interaction with professionals who can serve as references for career options and learning position requirements.

Criminal Justice Degree Program Outcomes

Graduates will be equipped with the knowledge and skills to impact the world positively through personal, professional, and civic engagement.

Criminal Justice Degree Program Career Paths

A criminal justice degree from PNW prepares students for careers in:

• Criminal Justice System
• Social Services
• Graduate or Law School

Criminal Justice Degree Program Beyond The Classroom

Opportunities to get involved in on- and off-campus activities, including:

• Criminal Justice Club
• Alpha Phi Sigma Honor Society
• Midwestern Criminal Justice Association

Criminal Justice Degree Program Employers

Graduates are employed in organizations such as:

• Law Enforcement Agencies
• Social Service Agencies
• Correctional Agencies

Criminal Justice Degree Program Scholarships

In addition to general scholarships, program-specific awards are available, such as:

• Michael and Geraldine Macenski Behavioral Scholarship

Meet the Faculty

• Nicky Ali Jackson, Ph.D.: Professor of Criminal Justice and Executive Director, Center for Justice and Exoneration Network.
• Lee Michael Johnson, Ph.D.: Professor of Criminal Justice and Director, Institute for Social and Policy Research.
• Omeed S. Ilchi, Ph.D.: Assistant Professor of Criminal Justice, with research interests in policing, corrections, and criminological theory.