SHIELDS SCHOOL OF BUSINESS
Criminal Justice, BS
Introduction
Earn a Respected Criminal Justice Degree from Saint Francis University
Our Criminal Justice Program prepares students for careers in law enforcement, the courts, corrections, juvenile and adult probation, community and residential reentry, loss prevention, cyber-security, forensics, and security. Students utilize evidence-based practices, technology, experiential learning, and classroom courses designed to provide them with a legal, correctional, ethical education.
Offered: On-Campus
Convert Act 120 hours into credits
25% military discount available
The SFU Learning Experience
Criminal Justice the SFU Way
Students in our criminal justice programs will learn what it means to have the highest sense of Franciscan values related to respect and care for individual persons, as well a strong appreciation for social justice, equality, and diversity among citizens regardless of their economic standing in society.
- Experience customizable course schedules and personal academic advising by Criminal Justice faculty.
- Gain experience through internships and earn credit at the same time.
Built-in criminal justice internships help you explore
A degree in Criminal Justice can open many doors and internships can help you find the right door. Whatever area of Criminal Justice interests you, we'll help you find a partner agency to gain experience and build your skills as a future Criminal Justice professional.
- Complete a for-credit internship as part of the major, earning credits and real-world experience at the same time.
- Multiple internships are encouraged, and up to 12 credits can be earned through internships.
- You will work with faculty to find the most suitable opportunity.
- Students complete internships with Federal, State and Local Law Enforcement Agencies, County Courts, Victim Advocacy Agencies, Probation and Parole Offices, and the State and Federal Bureaus of Prisons.
CURRICULUM & COURSES
What You’ll Learn in the Criminal Justice Program
Students in the Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice program learn a variety of investigative skills and techniques and engage in courses across all aspects of the criminal justice discipline. Students also take social science courses in psychology, sociology, forensics, and criminology.
- Gain a more holistic understanding of the justice system.
- Prepare for promotions and changes in rank.
- Understand the origins of criminal behavior in society.
- Enhance problem-solving and decision-making.
- Demonstrate compassion and professionalism.
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Degree Paths:
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Learning Objectives
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On-Campus:
Degree Type Description Course Catalog Plan of Study Criminal Justice, B.S.
preparation for careers and/or future advanced study in the three principle career domains: law enforcement; security; courts and corrections
Cybersecurity Concentration/
Criminal Justice B.S.
focus on cybersecurity within the Criminal Justice bachelor's degree
Course Catalog - 24/25 Criminal Justice Minor prepares careers in the three principal career domains: law enforcement and security, courts and corrections Course Catalog - 24/25 Accelerated
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Upon successful completion of the program, students will be able to:
- Understand, conceptualize, analyze, and theorize the nature of crime, order, security, and justice issues in U.S. society as well as the world.
- Acquire the knowledge, skills, values, and perspectives to prepare for a career in law, law enforcement and security, criminal justice administration, forensic investigation, and corrections.
- Develop the necessary higher-order competencies of successful practitioners in the Criminal Justice field by way of critical and analytical thinking, decision making, communication capabilities, ethical behavior, compassion, and professional presence.
Experienced CJ faculty who love to teach
Our faculty bring decades of professional experience in law enforcement, courts, probation, and victim advocacy to the classroom to make the criminal justice curriculum relevant in theory and in practice.
Program Lead: Dr. Mark Buckwalter, MBuckwalter@francis.edu, 814-472-3508
Career Outlook in Criminal Justice
List of 20 Jobs You Can Get with a Criminal Justice Degree
- Probation Officer
- Forensic Science Technician
- Police Officer
- Corrections Officer
- Private Detective
- Fish and Game Warden
- Security Guard
- State Trooper
- Crime Scene Investigator
- Computer Forensics Specialist
- Fraud Investigator
- CIA Agent
- US Postal Inspector
- Immigration and Customs
- Enforcement Agent
- Blood Spatter Analyst
- Homicide Detective
- DEA Agent
- Secret Service Agent
- US Marshal
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions About Criminal Justice and Saint Francis University
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What can I do with a degree in criminal justice?
Graduates of our Criminal Justice Program are prepared to find success in a wide array of fields. Graduates of our program have moved on to a variety of careers in the industry, including crime scene investigators, local and state law enforcement, probation officers, private detectives, and more.
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What is a good minor to pair with a criminal justice degree?
While every criminal justice student may choose a different path, popular minors to pair with a Criminal Justice degree are: business, communications, cyber security administration, forensic science, psychology, and sociology.
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How long does it take to earn a criminal justice degree?
It typically takes four years to earn a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from Saint Francis University.
Click the link below to view the full plan of study: Plan of Study.
Graduates of our Criminal Justice Program are prepared to find success in a wide array of fields. Graduates of our program have moved on to a variety of careers in the industry, including crime scene investigators, local and state law enforcement, probation officers, private detectives, and more.
While every criminal justice student may choose a different path, popular minors to pair with a Criminal Justice degree are: business, communications, cyber security administration, forensic science, psychology, and sociology.
It typically takes four years to earn a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from Saint Francis University.
Click the link below to view the full plan of study: Plan of Study.