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.
Certificate
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
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
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.
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
TUITIONEstimated rates for the 2023-2024 academic year. Additional course fees may apply and rates are subject to change. |
|
|---|---|
| Per Credit Hour | $180 - $249 |
| Per Semester | $2,160 - $2,988 |
| Fall & Spring Semesters | $4,320 - $5,976 |
| Per Credit Hour | $376 - $401 |
| Per Semester | $4,512 - $4,812 |
| Fall & Spring Semesters | $9,024 - $9,624 |
| Per Credit Hour | $50 |
| Per Semester | $600 |
| Fall & Spring Semesters | $1,200 |
Estimated Costs of AttendanceEstimated total costs of attendance for students, varied based on residential status and living situation. |
|
| Room & Board | $3,600 |
| Transportation | $1,500 |
| Tuition & Fees | $5,040 |
| Books & Supplies | $1,500 |
| Miscellaneous | $2,000 |
Total | $13,640 |
| Room & Board | $7,200 |
| Transportation | $1,500 |
| Tuition & Fees | $5,040 |
| Books & Supplies | $1,500 |
| Miscellaneous | $2,000 |
Total | $17,240 |
| Room & Board | $3,600 |
| Transportation | $1,500 |
| Tuition & Fees | $9,792 |
| Books & Supplies | $1,500 |
| Miscellaneous | $2,000 |
Total | $18,392 |
| Room & Board | $7,200 |
| Transportation | $1,500 |
| Tuition & Fees | $9,792 |
| Books & Supplies | $1,500 |
| Miscellaneous | $2,000 |
Total | $21,992 |
Dr. Bobbi Marshall
Dean
Professional Studies Division
Room 1306
304-424-8442