Forensics investigators, judges and corrections officers are vital to our communities. They ensure our safety and that justice is served fairly in our court systems.
At JCSU, our students get a complete view of the criminal justice system. Regardless of where you see yourself in the system, what you learn in our program will put you on the right track for a successful career serving your fellow citizens.
Our students learn the skills necessary to bag evidence, dust for fingerprints and photograph the crime scene. They also learn about criminology from a legal standpoint, the chain of custody and any fourth amendment issues related to processing crime in a courtroom setting.
As a major in our criminology program, you鈥檒l learn about the three major components of the criminal justice system:
You鈥檒l also have the opportunity to go behind the crime scene tape and network with some very prominent professionals in your field.
Through a practical understanding of every aspect of the criminal justice system, including child abuse, crime scene and white-collar crime, you鈥檒l be fully prepared to enter the workforce.
Your criminology classes will have access to the latest smart technology for an enhanced learning experience.
You鈥檒l also have the opportunity to tour local prisons, police departments and corrections facilities. In these environments, you鈥檒l have the unique opportunity to talk with workers and inmates for a firsthand perspective on the criminal justice system.
JCSU is a private liberal arts university. What this means to you is that your education will broadly cover all areas of study. The diversity of your classes will help you look at 鈥渢he big picture鈥 in any career you choose.
Having a college education will give you the tools to succeed in life. Having a liberal arts education will give you the opportunity to take your success further.
Many universities don鈥檛 offer a degree in criminology, but at JCSU, that鈥檚 just one reason we鈥檙e unique.听
The criminology program is certified by the North Carolina Department of Justice Criminal Justice 听Education and Training Standards Commission and is only one of four four-year institutions in the state to earn that certification. What this means for you is that you'll receive a real-world education that will prepare you to serve your fellow citizens and make a positive impact for your community.
Your professors will help you put criminal justice theory into real-world practice by collaborating in community research projects. Nothing compares to the experience of addressing current issues with the partnership of your professors as you work together to find solutions to community problems.
You鈥檒l receive firsthand experience in your core classes in the criminology major. Learn about forensics and investigations in a mock crime scene or conduct mock trials, where you鈥檒l:
In research methods class, you鈥檒l not only learn about survey development, but also help develop and validate a survey, conduct the surveys in the Charlotte-Mecklenburg community and perform data analysis.
Students in our program even have the opportunity to make a positive impact on the community, even while they鈥檙e still in college. Some have had the opportunity to serve in a group of policy advisers to James Mitchell Jr., president of the听. They studied issues relevant to government policy-making on the national level.
Other students have participated in community research. Working with locals, they learn how to develop surveys, conduct interviews and collect data 鈥 all to better their neighborhood communities.
Through activities like Crime, Justice and Law Week, you鈥檒l be connected to speakers and professionals from highly respected organizations such as the:
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If you choose to become involved in the Criminal Justice Association (a JCSU student organization), you鈥檒l be mentored by professionals and practitioners in the field.
Through our monthly听Lunch and Learn Series, professionals come to campus to provide informal networking and mentoring opportunities. You鈥檒l have the opportunity to network with local:
Your path to a successful career begins the minute you step on campus.
Graduates of JCSU鈥檚 criminology program have found promising careers at the:
Our students have continued their education by pursuing an advanced degree at:
Our students have held internships with: