Centenary University is committed to a quality liberal arts career-oriented education to engage students in learning and prepare them for satisfying careers, successful lives, career advancement, community service, and lifelong intellectual pursuits. Responding to the needs of the criminal justice community, and in an effort to provide you with a quality education and prepare you for a successful career in the criminal justice system, the University established this innovative, practitioner-based program.
The program is interdisciplinary and explores the causes and effects of crime, and the analytical, investigatory and technology-based responses to it. A theoretical understanding of the causes and results of crime is covered. The criminal justice classroom experience combines an understanding of theory with a hands-on practical application of current criminal justice best practices.
The Bachelor of Arts degree in Criminal Justice prepares students for employment in any of the three primary components of the criminal justice system:
Additionally, students will be well prepared for employment in related criminal justice fields such as Victims Services, Crime Scene Processing, Security Services and Investigations, Crime Analysis, Probation, Parole, Police Misconduct, Homeland Security, Paralegal and Legal Assistant Studies, and a wide variety of careers in and around government services.
Criminal justice courses are taught by faculty members that have experience working in the criminal justice system, and expert guest lecturers are frequently used.
Internships are encouraged for Criminal Justice majors meeting the requirements in their junior and/or senior years of study. Internships offer real-life learning and often lead to job opportunities upon graduation.
Criminal Justice students are encouraged to complete a minor in Law and Government. This minor is appropriate for anyone wishing to work in the criminal justice system. Comprised of 16 credits, it can be taken within the Criminal Justice major via elective credits; without taking any extra courses.
Program highlights: