Criminal Justice
- WVU Parkersburg
Overview
Criminal Justice
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the criminal justice field and employment is expected to grow 7% from 2020 to 2030, with many job openings projected. Currently, there is an emphasis on academic and hands-on training in a variety of criminal justice related careers. Students choosing our criminal justice program may pursue the career pathway which includes a Certificate, Associate, or Bachelor of Applied Science degree leading to employment opportunities in law enforcement, courts, corrections, and related fields.
Students gain valuable knowledge from full and part time instructors with field experience. Currently, our faculty include professionals experienced in policing, research, crimes scene investigation, and criminal profiling. Part-time faculty include local police officers, emergency managers, probation officers, attorneys, and social service coordinators. Our Simulation Lab and Courtroom provide hands-on learning opportunities in crime scene processing and courtroom procedures. Our capstone experiences include career exploration opportunities that offer invaluable experiential learning.
Our program focuses on each major area of the criminal justice system, including policing, courts, and corrections. We also explore the history of the system, the causes of and responses to crime, and social science research practices to better understand crime and criminality. You can tailor your degree to focus on specific topics, such as victimology, criminal profiling, crime scene processing, emergency management, victim advocacy, and social work.
Bachelor’s Degree Program Information
The Bachelor of Applied Science in Criminal Justice builds upon the Associate of Applied Science in Criminal Justice with an additional 60 credit hours required. To be considered for the Bachelor of Applied Science in Criminal Justice, you must currently have a Grade Point Average (GPA) of 2.0 and maintain a 2.5 GPA throughout the program in core subjects. Additionally, you must be in your last semester of your AAS Degree, or have permission to apply from the Criminal Justice Program Coordinator. This degree is NOT an online degree, with several in-person classes required on the main campus in Parkersburg.
You may apply to the Bachelor’s Degree Program online here.
Applications are processed at the end of each semester. You will receive an official letter from the college once your application has been reviewed. For more information, you may contact the Criminal Justice Program Coordinator.
Programs
Certificate of Applied Science in Criminal Justice
The Certificate of Applied Science in Criminal Justice gives students an introduction to basic concepts in criminal justice, including the role of police, courts and corrections as well as the basic skills to pursue further education and work in criminal justice.
Associate of Applied Science in Criminal Justice
The Associate of Applied Science in Criminal Justice covers various aspects of crime prevention, police and law enforcement functions, criminal law and the courts, the corrections system and root causes of crime. The program is designed to provide students with a basic understanding of the criminal justice system and the skills needed to pursue further education and work in policing, courts, corrections and related fields.
Bachelor of Applied Science in Criminal Justice
The Bachelor of Applied Science in Criminal Justice will prepare students for a rewarding career, such as police officer, investigator, crime scene technician, correctional officer, probation and parole officer, program specialist and evaluator and other related fields or an advanced degree in criminal justice.
Course Listing
Certificate of Applied Science in Criminal Justice
Associate of Applied Science in Criminal Justice
Bachelor of Applied Science in Criminal Justice
Careers
What Can I Do With This Degree?
Students choosing our criminal justice program may pursue a certificate, associate and/or bachelor’s degree leading to career opportunities in policing, courts, corrections, or related fields. Graduates of the programs are also well-prepared for graduate studies in criminal justice, law, and social work.
In West Virginia, graduates with a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice may also work as a social worker and receive a provisional social work license from the WV Board of Social Work. Graduates who pursue this route are able to take additional courses and receive a full social work license, and many continue on in Master of Social Work degree programs.
Potential Careers
- Police Patrol Officer
- Police Detective
- Crime Scene Technician
- Criminal Investigator & Special Agent
- Immigration & Customs Inspector
- Private Detective & Investigator
- Court Administrator
- Probation and Parole Officer
- Correctional Officer
- Criminal Justice Program Specialist
- Criminal Justice Program Evaluator
- Victim Advocate
- Social Worker
Costs
Tuition
Estimated rates for the 2024-2025 academic year. Additional course fees may apply and rates are subject to change.
*Early College fees may differ per program, for example, in Welding and Cosmetology.
| Residency | Per Credit Hour | Per Semester | Fall & Spring Semesters |
|---|---|---|---|
| WV & OH Residents | $188 – $260 | $2,256 – $3,120 | $4,512 – $6,240 |
| Non-Residents | $376 – $401 | $4,512 – $4,812 | $9,024 – $9,624 |
| High School Students | $50 | $600 | $1,200 |
Estimated Costs Of Attendance
Estimated total costs of attendance for students, varied based on residential status and living situation.
| Category | WV & Ohio Residents Living with Parents | WV & Ohio Residents NOT Living with Parents | Non-Residents Living with Parents | Non-Residents NOT Living with Parents |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Room & Board | $9,144 | $14,544 | $9,144 | $14,544 |
| Transportation | $2,400 | $2,400 | $2,400 | $2,400 |
| Tuition & Fees | $5,783 | $5,783 | $10,506 | $10,506 |
| Books & Supplies | $1,500 | $1,500 | $1,500 | $1,500 |
| Miscellaneous | $1,173 | $2,273 | $1,173 | $2,273 |
| Total | $20,000 | $26,500 | $24,723 | $31,223 |
Request Information
Dr. Bobbi Marshall
Dean (Professional Studies Division)