At which campus can I study this program?
Program Description
Students receiving a baccalaureate degree in criminal justice should understand each of the three main components of the criminal justice system and their interrelationships, be able to evaluate critically both current and future crime control policy proposals and criminal justice research, and understand the complexity of the crime phenomenon and its relationship to individual, social, and cultural factors. This major includes study in law enforcement, courts and corrections individually and as components of a system, plus work in theories of crime causation, and crime control policy. Students should expect reading, writing, and critical thinking skills to be rigorously applied and developed throughout the degree program. The Bachelor of Arts degree in Criminal Justice provides a broadly based liberal arts background for the study of crime, justice and the criminal justice system. The Bachelor of Science degree offers an opportunity for educational enrichment in fields not traditionally considered part of the liberal arts. Either degree is excellent preparation for a career in criminal justice, graduate, or professional study, or informed citizenship.
What is Criminal Justice?
Criminal justice is the study of the adult and juvenile justice systems, including law enforcement, the courts, and corrections. It is interdisciplinary and includes understanding the intersections of law, public policy, and behavioral science, in an effort to understand crime as a social problem and improve these systems for the good of society.
You Might Like This Program If...
You have an interest in working in corrections, courts, court administration, law enforcement, and probation and parole. Students completing this course of study are prepared to enter law school and graduate degree programs in more specialized areas. Every student in this degree will participate in an internship at a host agency located in a local, state or federal agency of their choice.
Entrance to Major
In order to be eligible for entrance to this major, a student must:
- attain at least a C (2.00) cumulative grade-point average for all courses taken at the University; and
- have at least third-semester classification.
READ SENATE POLICY 37-30: ENTRANCE TO AND CHANGES IN MAJOR PROGRAMS OF STUDY
Degree Requirements
For the Bachelor of Arts degree in Criminal Justice, a minimum of 120 credits is required:
Requirement | Credits |
---|---|
General Education | 45 |
Electives | 6-10 |
Bachelor of Arts Degree Requirements | 24 |
Requirements for the Major | 48-49 |
4-7 of the 45 credits for General Education are included in the Requirements for the Major. This includes: 0-3 credits of GH courses; 4 credits of GQ courses.
3 of the 24 credits for General Education are included in the Requirements for the Major, General Education, or Electives and 0-12 credits are included in Electives if world language proficiency is demonstrated by examination.
Requirements for the Major
A grade of C or better is required for all courses in the major. To graduate, a student enrolled in the major must earn at least a C grade in each course designated by the major as a C-required course, as specified by Senate Policy 82-44.
Code | Title | Credits |
---|---|---|
Prescribed Courses | ||
Prescribed Courses: Require a grade of C or better | ||
CRIMJ 100 | Introduction to Criminal Justice | 3 |
CRIMJ 210 | Policing in America | 3 |
CRIMJ 220 | Courts and the Prosecution Process | 3 |
CRIMJ 230 | Corrections in America | 3 |
CRIMJ 290 | Introduction to Internship Experience | 2 |
CRIMJ 441 | The Juvenile Justice System | 3 |
CRIMJ 450W | Senior Seminar | 3 |
CRIMJ 495 | Internship in Criminal Justice | 3 |
SOC 12 | Criminology | 3 |
SOC 119N | Race, Ethnicity and Culture | 3-4 |
STAT 200 | Elementary Statistics | 4 |
Additional Courses | ||
Additional Courses: Require a grade of C or better | ||
CRIMJ 250W | Research Methods in Criminal Justice | 3 |
or SOC 207 | Research Methods in Sociology | |
PHIL 103 | Ethics | 3 |
or CRIMJ 465 | Ethics in Criminal Justice | |
Select 9 credits from any 400-level CRIMJ course that does not already fulfill another requirement in the major | 9 |
General Education
Connecting career and curiosity, the General Education curriculum provides the opportunity for students to acquire transferable skills necessary to be successful in the future and to thrive while living in interconnected contexts. General Education aids students in developing intellectual curiosity, a strengthened ability to think, and a deeper sense of aesthetic appreciation. These are requirements for all baccalaureate students and are often partially incorporated into the requirements of a program. For additional information, see the General Education Requirements section of the Bulletin and consult your academic adviser.
The keystone symbol appears next to the title of any course that is designated as a General Education course. Program requirements may also satisfy General Education requirements and vary for each program.
Foundations (grade of C or better is required and Inter-Domain courses do not meet this requirement.)
- Quantification (GQ): 6 credits
- Writing and Speaking (GWS): 9 credits
Breadth in the Knowledge Domains (Inter-Domain courses do not meet this requirement.)
- Arts (GA): 3 credits
- Health and Wellness (GHW): 3 credits
- Humanities (GH): 3 credits
- Social and Behavioral Sciences (GS): 3 credits
- Natural Sciences (GN): 3 credits
Integrative Studies
- Inter-Domain Courses (Inter-Domain): 6 credits
Exploration
- GN, may be completed with Inter-Domain courses: 3 credits
- GA, GH, GN, GS, Inter-Domain courses. This may include 3 credits of World Language course work beyond the 12th credit level or the requirements for the student’s degree program, whichever is higher: 6 credits
University Degree Requirements
First Year Engagement
All students enrolled in a college or the Division of Undergraduate Studies at University Park, and the World Campus are required to take 1 to 3 credits of the First-Year Seminar, as specified by their college First-Year Engagement Plan.
Other Penn State colleges and campuses may require the First-Year Seminar; colleges and campuses that do not require a First-Year Seminar provide students with a first-year engagement experience.
First-year baccalaureate students entering Penn State should consult their academic adviser for these requirements.
Cultures Requirement
6 credits are required and may satisfy other requirements
- United States Cultures: 3 credits
- International Cultures: 3 credits
Writing Across the Curriculum
3 credits required from the college of graduation and likely prescribed as part of major requirements.
Total Minimum Credits
A minimum of 120 degree credits must be earned for a baccalaureate degree. The requirements for some programs may exceed 120 credits. Students should consult with their college or department adviser for information on specific credit requirements.
Quality of Work
Candidates must complete the degree requirements for their major and earn at least a 2.00 grade-point average for all courses completed within their degree program.
Limitations on Source and Time for Credit Acquisition
The college dean or campus chancellor and program faculty may require up to 24 credits of course work in the major to be taken at the location or in the college or program where the degree is earned. Credit used toward degree programs may need to be earned from a particular source or within time constraints (see Senate Policy 83-80). For more information, check the Suggested Academic Plan for your intended program.
B.A. Degree Requirements
World Language (0-12 credits): Student must attain 12th credit level of proficiency in one world language in addition to English. This proficiency must be demonstrated by either examination or course work. See the Placement Policy for Penn State World Language Courses.
B.A. Fields (9 credits): Humanities, Social and Behavioral Sciences, Arts, World Languages, Natural Sciences, Quantification (may not be taken in the area of the student's primary major; world language credits in this category must be in a second world language in addition to English or beyond the 12th credit level of proficiency in the first language). Credits must be selected from the list of approved courses.
World Cultures (0-3 credits): Select 3 credits from approved list. Students may count courses in this category in order to meet other major, minor, elective, or General Education requirements, except for the University Cultural Diversity (US/IL) requirement.
Program Learning Objectives
- Knowledge of the field: Students will demonstrate an understanding about the roles and functions of the central components of the United States criminal justice system.
- Theory: Students will be able to apply major theoretical frameworks to understanding and analyzing the causes and prevention of crime.
- Research: Students will recognize the importance of scientific inquiry and how to use quantitative and qualitative research methods to study issues in the field.
- Ethics: Students will demonstrate the importance of ethics to the field of criminal justice.
- Professionalism: Students will behave professionally and ethically in all academic and professional experiences.
- Diversity and Justice: Students will recognize the roles that race, ethnicity, gender, and social class have in the criminal justice field and the need to be prepared to interact with individuals with diverse backgrounds.
- Communication and Critical Thinking: Students will demonstrate proficiency in writing, oral communication, and critical thinking.
- Preparation: Students will be prepared to either work in the criminal justice field or attend related graduate programs.
Academic Advising
The objectives of the university's academic advising program are to help advisees identify and achieve their academic goals, to promote their intellectual discovery, and to encourage students to take advantage of both in-and out-of class educational opportunities in order that they become self-directed learners and decision makers.
Both advisers and advisees share responsibility for making the advising relationship succeed. By encouraging their advisees to become engaged in their education, to meet their educational goals, and to develop the habit of learning, advisers assume a significant educational role. The advisee's unit of enrollment will provide each advisee with a primary academic adviser, the information needed to plan the chosen program of study, and referrals to other specialized resources.
READ SENATE POLICY 32-00: ADVISING POLICY
Berks
Lauren Martin
Program Chair, Criminal Justice and Associate Professor of Sociology
Gaige 304
Reading, PA 19610
610-396-6214
BKCrimJust@psu.edu
Abington
Lisa Morris
Program Chair
1600 Woodland Road
Abington, PA 19001
215-881-7397
lxv2@psu.edu
Altoona
Mary Ann Probst, Esq.
Program Coordinator/Assistant Teaching Professor
Cypress Building 103
3000 Ivyside Park
Altoona, PA 16601
814-949-5352
map141@psu.edu
Beaver
Mari Pierce, Ph.D.
Professor in Charge & Associate Professor, Criminal Justice
100 University Drive
213 Ross Administration Building
724-773-3549
mpb16@psu.edu
DuBois
Adam Bundy
Academic Advising Manager
214 DEF Building
1 College Place
DuBois, PA 15801
814-375-4763
ajb5294@psu.edu
Fayette
LaVarr W. McBride
Assistant Teaching Professor
Department of Administration of Justice
2201 University Drive
Lemont Furnace, PA 15456
724-430-4240
lwm13@psu.edu
Greater Allegheny
Katherine McLean
Associate Professor, Criminal Justice
109C Main Building
4000 University Drive
McKeesport, PA 15132
kjm47@psu.edu
Sandra Trappen
Assistant Professor, Criminal Justice
104B Main Building
4000 University Drive
McKeesport, PA 15132
slt62@psu.edu
Jennifer Croyle
Assistant Teaching Professor, Pyschology
104D Main Building
4000 University Drive
McKeesport, PA 15132
jmc948@psu.edu
(Internship Advising Only)
Hazleton
Pamela Black
Associate Professor of Administration of Justice
Memorial 105
Hazleton, PA 18202
570-450-3548
pup1@psu.edu
Lehigh Valley
Debra Dreisbach
Lecturer
2809 Saucon Valley Road
Center Valley, PA 18034
610-2895-5000
dad68@psu.edu
New Kensington
Richard Wentling
Assistant Professor, Criminal Justice
3550 7th Street Road
New Kensington, PA 15068
724-334-6761
rwentling@psu.edu
Schuylkill
Ron Kelly
Criminal Justice Program Coordinator
200 University Drive
Schuylkill Haven, PA 17972
570-385-6075
rap179@psu.edu
Shenango
Travis Milburn
Assistant Professor, Criminal Justice
147 Shenango Avenue
Sharon, PA 16146
724-983-2954
twm5527@psu.edu
Wilkes-Barre
Rebecca Sarver
Program Coordinator, Criminal Justice
44 University Drive
Dallas, PA 18612
570-675-9216
rss5718@psu.edu
Suggested Academic Plan
The suggested academic plan(s) listed on this page are the plan(s) that are in effect during the 2024-25 academic year. To access previous years' suggested academic plans, please visit the archive to view the appropriate Undergraduate Bulletin edition.
Criminal Justice, B.A. at Berks Campus
The course series listed below provides only one of the many possible ways to move through this curriculum. The University may make changes in policies, procedures, educational offerings, and requirements at any time. This plan should be used in conjunction with your degree audit (accessible in LionPATH as either an Academic Requirements or What If report). Please consult with a Penn State academic adviser on a regular basis to develop and refine an academic plan that is appropriate for you.
First Year | |||
---|---|---|---|
Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
ENGL 15 or 30H (GWS)‡ | 3 | CAS 100A or 100B (GWS)‡ | 3 |
CRIMJ 100* | 3 | CRIMJ 12* | 3 |
World Language Level 1 | 4 | World Language Level 2 | 4 |
General Education Course (GN or GA or GS) | 3 | General Education Course (GQ)‡ | 3 |
General Education Course (GN or GA or GS) | 3 | General Education Course (GN or GA or GS) | 3 |
First-Year Seminar | 1 | ||
17 | 16 | ||
Second Year | |||
Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
CRIMJ 210* | 3 | ENGL 202A, 202B, 202C, or 202D (GWS)‡ | 3 |
PHIL 103 (GH)*† or CRIMJ 465* | 3 | CRIMJ 220* | 3 |
PSYCH 200 or STAT 200 (GQ)‡ | 4 | CRIMJ 230* | 3 |
World Language Level 3 | 4 | General Education Course (GN) | 3 |
General Education Course (GHW) | 1.5 | General Education Course (Integrative Studies) | 3 |
15.5 | 15 | ||
Third Year | |||
Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
CRIMJ 250W or SOC 207* | 3 | 400 Level CRIMJ Selection* | 3 |
CRIMJ 290* | 3 | Bachelor of Arts Degree Requirement: Knowledge Domain | 3 |
CRIMJ 441* | 3 | Bachelor of Arts Degree Requirement: World Cultures | 3 |
SOC 119N* | 4 | General Education Course (Integrative Studies)* | 3 |
Bachelor of Arts Degree Requirement: Knowledge Domain | 3 | Elective | 3 |
16 | 15 | ||
Fourth Year | |||
Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
CRIMJ 495* | 3 | CRIMJ 450W* | 3 |
400 Level CRIMJ Selection* | 3 | 400 Level CRIMJ Selection* | 3 |
Bachelor of Arts Degree Requirement: Knowledge Domain | 3 | General Education Course (Exploration) | 3 |
General Education Course (Exploration) | 3 | Elective | 3 |
General Education Course (GHW) | 1.5 | Elective | 1 |
13.5 | 13 | ||
Total Credits 121 |
- *
Course requires a grade of C or better for the major
- ‡
Course requires a grade of C or better for General Education
- #
Course is an Entrance to Major requirement
- †
Course satisfies General Education and degree requirement
- 1
For General Education Course notations, please be sure to include three (3) credits of United States (US) Cultures and three (3) credits of International (IL) Cultures. Consult adviser for details.
- 2
The following courses are offered Spring Semester only: ENGL 202B.
University Requirements and General Education Notes:
US and IL are abbreviations used to designate courses that satisfy Cultural Diversity Requirements (United States and International Cultures).
W, M, X, and Y are the suffixes at the end of a course number used to designate courses that satisfy University Writing Across the Curriculum requirement.
General Education includes Foundations (GWS and GQ), Knowledge Domains (GHW, GN, GA, GH, GS) and Integrative Studies (Inter-domain) requirements. N or Q (Honors) is the suffix at the end of a course number used to help identify an Inter-domain course, but the inter-domain attribute is used to fill audit requirements. Foundations courses (GWS and GQ) require a grade of 'C' or better.
Bachelor of Arts Requirements:
Bachelor of Arts students must take 9 credits in Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) Fields (Humanities; Social and Behavioral Sciences; Arts; World Languages [2nd language or beyond the 12th credit level of proficiency in the 1st]; Natural Sciences; Quantification). The B.A. Fields courses may not be taken in the area of the student’s primary major. See your adviser and the Degree Requirements section of this Bulletin.
Bachelor of Arts students must take 3 credits in World Cultures.
See your adviser and the full list of courses approved as World Cultures courses.
Career Paths
Graduates of the Criminal Justice program are prepared to enter the workforce or can continue their graduate education in Master’s and Ph.D. programs, as well as law school. Penn State Altoona Career Services supports and serves students in all areas related to career development and preparation including: Major and Career Exploration Career Decision-Making Preparation of Employment Documents Internship and Job Search Strategies Interview Preparation Preparing for Graduate School Developing your Professional Online Brand Presentations and Workshops.
Contact
Berks
DIVISION OF HUMANITIES, ARTS AND SOCIAL SCIENCES
Gaige Building
Reading, PA 19610
610-396-6214
BKCrimJust@psu.edu
https://berks.psu.edu/academics/baccalaureate-degrees/babs-criminal-justice
Abington
DIVISION OF SOCIAL SCIENCES
1600 Woodland Road
Abington, PA 19001
215-881-7397
lxv2@psu.edu
https://www.abington.psu.edu/academics/majors-at-abington/criminal-justice
Altoona
DIVISION OF EDUCATION, HUMAN DEVELOPMENT, AND SOCIAL SCIENCES
Elm Building 103
3000 Ivyside Park
Altoona, PA 16601
814-949-5756
alg177@psu.edu
https://altoona.psu.edu/academics/bachelors-degrees/criminal-justice
Beaver
100 University Drive
213 Ross Administration Building
Monaca, PA 15061
724-773-3549
mbp16@psu.edu
https://beaver.psu.edu/academics/majors/crimj
DuBois
1 College Place
DuBois, PA 15801
814-375-4703
lvn5194@psu.edu
https://dubois.psu.edu/academics/degrees/crimj
Fayette
2201 University Drive
Lemont Furnace, PA 15456
724-430-4240
lwm13@psu.edu
https://fayette.psu.edu/academics/baccalaureate/criminal-justice
Greater Allegheny
109C Main Building
4000 University Drive
McKeesport, PA 15132
kjm47@psu.edu
https://greaterallegheny.psu.edu/academics/criminal-justice
Hazleton
Memorial 105
Hazleton, PA 18202
570-450-3548
pup1@psu.edu
https://hazleton.psu.edu/criminal-justice
Lehigh Valley
ACADEMIC AFFAIRS
2809 Saucon Valley Road
Center Valley, PA 18034
610-285-5000
dad68@psu.edu
https://lehighvalley.psu.edu/criminal-justice-babs
New Kensington
3550 7th Street Road
New Kensington, PA 15068
724-334-6761
rwentling@psu.edu
https://newkensington.psu.edu/academics/criminal-justice-ba-or-bs
Schuylkill
200 University Drive
Schuylkill Haven, PA 17972
570-385-6075
rap179@psu.edu
https://schuylkill.psu.edu/academics/bacc-degrees/criminal-justice
Shenango
CRIMINAL JUSTICE
147 Shenango Avenue
Sharon, PA 16146
724-983-2954
twm5527@psu.edu
https://shenango.psu.edu/academics/degrees/criminal-justice
Wilkes-Barre
44 University Drive
Dallas, PA 18612
570-675-9216
rss5718@psu.edu
https://wilkesbarre.psu.edu/academics/bachelors/criminal-justice