Program Overview

Introduction to Criminal Justice and Security Studies

The criminal justice studies major is individualized, allowing students to choose a path that aligns with their career interests. This 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.

Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice Studies

Through the 3+3 J.D. Program, students can earn their Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice Studies and Juris Doctor in a total of six years. The program offers four concentrations: criminal justice studies, cyber investigations, cybersecurity management, and pre-law.

Available Concentrations

• Criminal Justice Studies: This concentration is composed of an interdisciplinary curriculum comprised of faculty in communication, management information systems, sociology, social work, political science, and psychology. Students can construct their major from a broad array of social science courses.
• Cyber Investigations: Cyber investigations play a vital role in the criminal justice field, identifying emerging threats and maintaining the safety of digital spaces.
• Cybersecurity Management: According to the Department of Homeland Security, cybersecurity managers oversee the security of an information system or network. This work includes understanding the infrastructure necessary to protect the organization and developing procedures for responding to information security threats.
• Pre-Law: This interdisciplinary concentration is designed for students interested in pursuing a legal career. The concentration develops critical thinking and communication skills, with an emphasis on ethics.

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Arts with a major in criminal justice studies is a broadly structured interdisciplinary curriculum. The program offers numerous opportunities for service learning and participation in a well-developed internship program with placements in community, corporate, or justice administration agencies at the local, state, or federal level.

Degree Information and Sample Plan

Criminal justice is the scientific study of crime, deviance, and the agencies of the criminal justice system. The Bachelor of Arts with a major in criminal justice studies includes four available concentrations.

3+3 J.D. Accelerated Program for Criminal Justice Studies

For undergraduate students pursuing any Bachelor of Arts degree, the College of Arts and Sciences and the School of Law offer a 3+3 J.D. program. This program allows students to complete their Bachelor's Degree and Juris Doctor in a total of six years.

Why Study Criminal Justice and Security Studies

The University of Dayton has offered a criminal justice studies major for more than 50 years. The department embraces the Catholic, Marianist tradition of ethics, social justice, individual and community engaged inquiry, and civic engagement.

Related Degrees and Programs

• Criminal Justice (Minor)
• 3 + 3 J.D. Program (With Pre-Law Concentration)
• Human Rights Studies (B.A.)
• Political Science (B.A.)
• Computer Science (Minor)
• Pre-Law (Minor)
• Social Work (Minor)
• Ethics and Leadership (Undergraduate Certificate)
• Nonprofit and Community Leadership (Graduate Certificate)

Tuition and Financial Aid

The University of Dayton is dedicated to being transparent and ensuring student success. A variety of scholarships, grants, loans, and part-time work-study are available to help cover costs.

Success After Graduation

At the College of Arts and Sciences, students have the opportunity to combine the classroom and business world, sharpening their skills and preparing for success. Employers value the university's students for their ability to hit the ground running.

Design Your Academic Path

• Experiential Learning Requirement: A one-credit class linking academics to a real-world working environment.
• The Inside-Out Prison Program: Challenging crime, justice, and social stereotypes through meaningful conversations between individuals inside and outside correctional facilities.
• Department Scholarship: The Sheriff Bernard "Beno" Keiter Memorial Scholarship Award, in addition to undergraduate scholarships offered by the University.
• Diverse Faculty Experience: Faculty members have backgrounds in criminal justice, criminology, community activism, psychology, political science, social work, law, and justice scholarship, and sociology.

Preparing for Takeoff

At the University of Dayton, students are guided through their college journey by holistic advisors, with resources available across campus to help succeed academically, build community, gain real-world experience, and prepare for their career.