Program Overview
Introduction to the Criminal Justice Program
The L. Douglas Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs offers a comprehensive program in Criminal Justice, providing students with the knowledge, skills, and experience necessary for success in public service. The program brings together faculty from multiple disciplines, sharing a common interest in public affairs.
Program Description
The major objective of this degree program is to prepare students for effective professional careers in criminal justice, forensic crime scene investigation, public service, and other helping professions. It also prepares students to pursue studies in law and other related graduate programs. Career opportunities are available in federal, state, local, and private justice-related endeavors, including law enforcement, crime scene investigation, juvenile justice, corrections, and the courts.
Concentrations
The program offers a concentration in Forensic Crime Scene Investigation.
Career Opportunities
Criminal justice students study the causes of crime, treatment of offenders, and management of the criminal justice system, with a focus on balancing social justice and individual rights. Graduates typically pursue careers in public service and work in law enforcement, the court system, corrections, or public policy. Students learn under faculty experts in criminal justice, criminology, law, juvenile justice, organized crime, law enforcement, corrections, and transnational crime.
Bachelor-Level Job Titles
- Crime Scene Technician
- Evidence Custodian
- Law Enforcement Officer
- Policy Analyst
- Probation Officer
- Reentry Case Specialist
- Substance Use and Employment Services
- Victim Assistance Programs and Policy Specialist
Graduate and Professional Level Job Titles
- Attorney
- Forensic Scientist
- Rehabilitation and Reentry Coordinator
- Substance Use and Mental Health Counselor
Professional Associations and Resources
- Academy for Criminal Justice Sciences (ACJS)
- Alpha Phi Sigma National Criminal Justice Honor Society
- American Society of Criminology
Degree Requirements
The program offers a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Criminal Justice, with options for accelerated Bachelor's-to-Master's degrees in public administration or criminal justice. The concentration in forensic crime scene investigation is also available.
Plan of Study
The plan of study includes a range of courses that provide a comprehensive education in criminal justice, including electives and required courses.
Requirements
- Highest level of math required: MATH 131, STAT 208
- Science required: Natural Sciences requirement only
- Foreign language requirements: No
- Additional tuition/fees: No
- GPA requirements: 2.0+ cumulative GPA, 2.0+ major GPA
Yearly Program Outline
The program is structured over four years, with each year focusing on different aspects of development and preparation for a career in criminal justice.
Year 1: Explore
- Enroll in a student success course
- Map out a full degree course plan
- Meet with a writing consultant
- Schedule an appointment with an academic advisor
- Sharpen study skills in Peer Assisted Study Sessions
Year 2: Experience
- Explore innovation and business
on-profit creation classes - Get familiar with the research process
- Schedule an appointment with an advisor to explore minors and plan the required REAL experience
- Complete STAT 208 for 3rd year CRJS classes
Year 3: Experience
- See academic and career advisors to discuss graduation progress and career planning
- Take a virtual library tour
- Use LinkedIn Learning to enhance business, software, technology, and creative skills
- Enroll in GVPA 391: Preparing for Public Service Careers
- Complete CRJS 380 for 4th year CRJS classes
Year 4: Excel
- Choose REAL electives to diversify skillset and round out the degree
- Schedule an appointment with an academic advisor to ensure all graduation requirements will be met
- Consider utilizing elective space by earning up to 6 credits for an internship by taking GVPA 493 Government & Public Affairs Internship
This program is designed to provide students with a comprehensive education in criminal justice, preparing them for successful careers in public service and related fields.