Criminal Justice
Criminal Justice Degree
Become a defender of the law by earning a Criminal Justice Degree.
OFFERED AS:
Major, Minor
FORMAT:
In-Person
Credits Required:
Major (120), Minor (18)
Want to learn about law, investigation and civil protection? The bachelor’s in criminal justice degree at Kutztown University offers real-world experience and education in fields ranging from security management, forensic science, policing, criminology and more.
Why Choose KU for a Criminal Justice Degree
Seize the opportunity to explore the world of criminology and law and equip yourself with knowledge that will help you effectively serve and protect your community. Our Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice is your first step out into the field.
Here are some of the many reasons to pick KU for our criminal justice major:
- Benefit from affordable tuition costs
- Live on the beautiful Pennsylvania campus
- Opportunity to intern with an official law enforcement institution
- Learn from a team of passionate professionals
As a criminal justice major, you can participate in mock crime scenes to gain investigative experience.
Criminal Justice Degree Highlights
Our criminal justice major offers you the best training possible so you begin a successful career in criminal justice or investigation.
Program Highlights:
- Get hands-on training in crime scene investigation
- Explore tracks in the paralegal and pre-law fields
- Earn the program’s 18-credit Cybersecurity Certificate
- Visit criminal justice agencies, career fairs and more
Student Learning Outcomes
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Criminal Justice (BS)
- Students will demonstrate an understanding of the criminal justice system, its agencies, and governmental positions.
- Students will be able to explain the theoretical underpinnings and core concepts of criminal behavior and societal responses to criminal behavior.
- Students will be able to apply criminal justice policy to crime and justice problems.
- Students will be able to analyze and communicate different positions on criminal/social justice issues.
- Students will be able to apply the scientific method to social processes related to the field of criminal justice.
The KU Criminal Justice program curriculum and faculty were essential in providing the foundation needed to cultivate my career with the Pennsylvania State Police. In particular, the critical thinking, research, writing, and leadership skills I developed at KU were indispensable in my success as a criminal investigator.
Jared Christman ‘11, Criminal Investigation Assessment Officer, Pennsylvania State PoliceCriminal Justice Degree FAQ
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What can I do with a criminal justice degree?
A bachelor’s in criminal justice from Kutztown University opens the door to many legal and investigative career opportunities.
Below are some of the career paths you can take as a criminal justice major, along with their national salaries from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (2023):
- Lawyer $145,760
- Police Officer $74,910
- Paralegal $60,970
- Forensic Science Technician $64,940
- Probation Officer $61,800
- Fish and Game Warden $61,120
- Private Detective $49,540
- Correctional Officer $53,300
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What career experience can I get as a criminal justice major?
Kutztown University’s criminal justice major provides you with training and knowledge that prepares you for the world of law, policing and investigation. In fact, students have the opportunity to complete an internship for course credit, but it is not required.
An example would be joining KU’s Criminal Justice Police Academy Internship. The requirements for the CJ Police Academy Internship are:
- Have a cumulative GPA of 3.0
- Complete 105 credit hours
- Complete KU’s offered CRJ 10 and CRJ 101 courses
- Pass a physical readiness test
- Have an interview with and approval of a program coordinator
- Acceptance into an official and eligible police academy
Another way to get career experience before graduation is by adding on the forensic studies minor. An interdisciplinary program, the forensics minor allows students to have further experience in deciphering evidence and broadening their investigative abilities.
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How can you contribute to society with a bachelor's in criminal justice?
By earning a criminal justice degree, countless possibilities open up for you. From protecting your community as a police officer or standing up for the rights of others as a lawyer, you can be a proponent for change in a world that counts on you.