Administration of Justice, B.A.

Program Code: AJAUC_BA

PROGRAM CURRENTLY ON HOLD; NOT ACCEPTING NEW STUDENTS
Begin Date of Enrollment Hold: October 5, 2020

Program Description

The Bachelor of Arts degree in Administration of Justice provides students with a broadly based liberal education focused on the understanding and analysis of justice systems. Having grappled with the many dilemmas and controversies presented by the problems of administering justice in a complex society, graduates of this program are given the background to be educated, thoughtful, and intelligent citizens.

What is Administration of Justice?

As we continue the journey deeper into the twenty-first century, society is facing the serious social problem of effectively addressing crime in a rapidly changing world. Administration of Justice focuses on the inter-related components of the criminal justice system, public and private sector enforcement, legal systems, correctional treatment and community services. Students achieve a liberal arts education, including competency in world language. There is a focus on the development of critical thinking, written and verbal communication skills necessary to be successful leaders in this and related careers. Students engage in classroom instruction, individual study and possible field experience.

You Might Like This Program If...

  • You enjoy communicating with others.
  • You are an analytical thinker.
  • You wish to individualize a concentration of coursework.
  • You intend to become a practitioner in one of the traditional areas of criminal justice, such as law enforcement or corrections.
  • You are looking for an exciting career where no two days are alike.
  • You will seek employment in a human service field such as counseling, therapy or rehabilitation.
  • You are considering graduate study in Administration of Justice, Public Administration, Legal Studies or other related fields.

Entrance to Major

In order to be eligible for entrance to this major, a student must:

  1. attain at least a C (2.00) cumulative grade-point average for all courses taken at the University; and
  2. 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 Administration of Justice, a minimum of 120 credits is required:

Requirement Credits
General Education 45
Electives 11-15
Bachelor of Arts Requirements 24
Requirements for the Major 43-44

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 Bachelor of Arts Requirements 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.

Prescribed Courses
Prescribed Courses: Require a grade of C or better
CRIMJ 12Criminology Keystone/General Education Course3
CRIMJ 100Introduction to Criminal Justice Keystone/General Education Course3
CRIMJ 221Issues in the American Criminal Justice System3
STAT 200Elementary Statistics Keystone/General Education Course4
Additional Courses
Additional Courses: Require a grade of C or better
CRIMJ 451Race, Crime, and Justice3
or CRIMJ 453 Women and the Criminal Justice System
Select 3-4 credits of the following:3-4
Legal Environment of Business
and Social and Ethical Environment of Business
Social, Legal, and Ethical Environment of Business
Ethics in Criminal Justice
Ethical Life Keystone/General Education Course
Ethics Keystone/General Education Course
Philosophy of Law Keystone/General Education Course
Business Ethics Keystone/General Education Course
Philosophy of Technology Keystone/General Education Course
Science, Technology, and Culture
Modern Science, Technology, and Human values
or STS/PHIL 107
Select 18 credits with at least 9 credits in the 400 level of the following:18
Juvenile Delinquency Keystone/General Education Course
Introduction to Law
Introduction to Security and Loss Control
Policing in America
Courts and the Prosecution Process
Corrections in America
Fundamental Techniques of Scientific Criminal Investigation
CRIMJ 241
Independent Studies
Special Topics
CRIMJ 300
Security Administration
Forensic Science I
Criminal Justice and the Community
Gangs and Gang Behavior
Sociology of Deviance
Victimology
Police Administration
The Pennsylvania Court System
Crime, Social Control, and the Legal System
Advanced Criminological Theory
Criminal Careers and the Organization of Crime
Drug Control Policy in Comparative Perspective
Criminal Law and Procedure
Violent Crime in the United States
Victimization
Sexual and Domestic Violence
CRIMJ 424
Organized Crime
Special Offender Types
Alternatives to Incarceration
Offender and Prisoner Rights
Crime and the American Court System
Border Security
The Politics of Terrorism
The Juvenile Justice System
Senior Seminar
History and Function of Criminal Justice Components
Comparative Criminal Justice Systems
Law and Society
Drugs and Drug Policy in the United States
Legal Rights, Duties, Liabilities of Criminal Justice Personnel
Criminal Procedure and Evidence in the Business Community
Seminar, Criminal Justice Agency Administration
CRIMJ 489W
Special Topics
Supporting Courses and Related Areas
Supporting Courses and Related Areas: Require a grade of C or better
Select 6 credits, in consultation with adviser, from University-wide offerings according to student's career plan6

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 Keystone/General Education Course 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

Greater Allegheny Campus

  1. Know Structure: Demonstrate understanding around the history, structure and function of the three branches of criminal justice (Courts, Law Enforcement, Corrections).
  2. Know Context: Demonstrate understanding around the relationship between culture, social class, race and ethnicity, gender and sexuality and criminal justice involvement.
  3. Know and Use Theory: Demonstrate understanding of core theories in criminology and the sociology of deviance and their relevance to different types of offenses and offenders.
  4. Think Critically: Demonstrate ability to solve criminal justice problems through an understanding of context, the identification of appropriate evidence, and appreciation of potential barriers and limitations.
  5. Do Research: Demonstrate ability to formulate research questions, implement basic quantitative and qualitative research methods, collect and analyze limited data.
  6. Communicate: Demonstrate ability to effectively communicate practical and theoretical criminal justice issues through papers, posters, and oral presentations.

Wilkes-Barre Campus

  1. Students will be able to have a basic understanding of the nature of the three branches of the Criminal Justice System (Legal, Law Enforcement, Corrections).
  2. Students will be able to have developed critical thinking skills to understand and to formulate solutions to problems relating to criminological issues.
  3. The students will have developed a core of criminological knowledge and concepts which will help them understand the functioning of and issues relevant to the criminal justice system.
  4. Students will be able to understand and apply theories of criminal and deviant behavior, and the behavior of law.
  5. Students will be able to read and correctly interpret Criminal Justice research and data.
  6. Students will be able to understand the relationship between culture, social class and criminal justice.
  7. Students will be able to communicate criminological issues effectively and deliver written and/or oral presentations.
  8. Students will be able to demonstrate knowledge and application skills regarding the fact that the criminal justice professional must operate in a climate of tolerance and respect where opposing viewpoints can be exchanged openly.

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

DuBois

David Bish
Assistant Teaching Professor and Program Coordinator
1 College Place
DuBois, PA 15801
814-372-3014
drb218@psu.edu   

Fayette

LaVarr McBride
Assistant Teaching Professor in Administration of Justice, Administration of Justice
2201 University Drive
Lemont Furnace, PA 15456
724-430-4240
lwm13@psu.edu

Greater Allegheny

Advising Office
Academic Affairs

101 Frable Building
4000 University Drive
McKeesport, PA 15132
412-675-9140
GA-Academics@lists.psu.edu

Hazleton

Pamela Black
Associate Professor of Administration of Justice
Memorial 105
Hazleton, PA 18202
570-450-3548
pup1@psu.edu

Schuylkill

Ron Kelly
Administration of Justice Program Coordinator
A-124 200 University Drive
Schuylkill Haven, PA 17972
570-385-6075
rap179@psu.edu

Wilkes-Barre

Jeremy Olson
Interim Program Coordinator, Administration of Justice
44 University Drive
Dallas, PA 18612
570-675-9255
jjo5358@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.

Administration of Justice, B.A. at DuBois 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
FallCreditsSpringCredits
ENGL 15, 30H, or ESL 153CRIMJ 12*3
CRIMJ 100*3CAS 100, CAS 100A, CAS 100B, or CAS 100C3
World Language level 14World Language level 24
PSU 81General Education Course (GQ)3
General Education Course3General Education Course3
General Education Course3 
 17 16
Second Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
BA 243 or PHIL 103*3-4ENGL 202A, 202B, 202C, or 202D3
STAT 200*‡†4CRIMJ 221*3
World Language level 34BA Fields Course3
General Education Course3General Education Course3
 General Education Course3
 14-15 15
Third Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
CRIMJ 451 or 453*3CRIMJ Additional Course - any level*3
CRIMJ Additional Course - any level*3CRIMJ Additional Course - any level*3
General Education Course3CRIMJ Additional Course - 400-level*3
General Education Course3BA Fields Course3
General Education Course3BA World Cultures Course3
 15 15
Fourth Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
CRIMJ Additional Course - 400-level*3CRIMJ Additional Course - 400-level*3
Major Supporting Course*3Major Supporting Course*3
BA Fields Course3Elective3
General Education Course3Elective3
Elective3Elective3
 15 15
Total Credits 122-123

Administration of Justice, B.A. at Fayette 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
FallCreditsSpringCredits
ENGL 15 or 30H3CRIMJ 221*3
CRIMJ 100*† 3CRIMJ 12*†3
General Education Course3CAS 1003
World Language Level 0014World Language Level 0024
Quantification (GQ)3General Education Course 3
PSU 81General Education Course (GHW)1.5
 17 17.5
Second Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
STAT 2004CRIMJ 451 or 453*3
Consultation w/Adviser- Support Area*3CRIMJ Selection *3
World Language Level 0034General Education Course 3
General Education Course 3Values and Ethics Course*3
General Education Course3General Education Course (GHW) 1.5
 Elective3
 17 16.5
Third Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
CRIMJ Selection *3CRIMJ 400-Level*3
Consultation w/Adviser- support area*3CRIMJ 400-Level*3
General Education Course 3ENGL 202 (A, B, C, or D) (GWS)3
General Education Course 3Bachelor of Arts Fields 3
Writing Across the Curriculum 3World Cultures 3
 15 15
Fourth Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
CRIMJ 400-Level*3Bachelor of Arts Fields3
CRIMJ 400-Level*3General Education Course3
Bachelor of Arts Fields3General Education Course3
Elective3Elective 3
Elective3 
 15 12
Total Credits 125
*

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

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.

Administration of Justice, B.A. at Greater Allegheny 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
FallCreditsSpringCredits
ENGL 15, 30H, or ESL 153CRIMJ 12*3
CRIMJ 100*3CAS 100, CAS 100A, CAS 100B, or CAS 100C3
World Language level 14World Language level 24
PSU 81General Education Course (GQ)3
General Education Course3General Education Course3
General Education Course3 
 17 16
Second Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
BA 243 or PHIL 103*3-4ENGL 202A, 202B, 202C, or 202D3
CRIMJ 221*3STAT 200*‡†4
World Language level 34BA Fields Course3
General Education Course3General Education Course3
 General Education Course3
 13-14 16
Third Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
CRIMJ 210*3CRIMJ 220*3
CRIMJ 451 or 453*3CRIMJ 230*3
General Education Course3CRIMJ Additional Course - 400-level*3
General Education Course3BA Fields Course3
General Education Course3BA World Cultures Course3
 15 15
Fourth Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
CRIMJ Additional Course - 400-level*3CRIMJ 424W*3
Major Supporting Course*3CRIMJ 250W*3
BA Fields Course3Elective3
General Education Course3Elective3
Elective3Elective3
 15 15
Total Credits 122-123
*

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

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.

Administration of Justice, B.A. at Hazleton 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
FallCreditsSpringCredits
ENGL 15 or 30H‡†3CRIMJ 12*†3
CRIMJ 100*†3CRIMJ 221*3
General Education Course3CAS 100‡†3
General Education Course3World Language Level 234
World Language Level 134General Education Course3
PSU 81General Education Course(GHW)1.5
 17 17.5
Second Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
Consultation with adviser - related area2 *3CRIMJ 451 or 453*3
World Language Level 334CRIMJ Selection1 *3
STAT 200*†4Values and Ethics Course*3-4
General Education Course3General Education Course (GHW)1.5
General Education Course3General Education Course (GN)4
 Elective73
 17 17.5-18.5
Third Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
CRIMJ Selection1 *3CRIMJ 400 level course1 *3
Consultation with adviser - related area2 *3CRIMJ 400 level course1 *3
Writing Across Curriculum*† 3ENGL 202A, 202B, 202C, or 202D‡†3
General Education Course3BA Requirement3
General Education Course3BA Requirement, World Cultures3
 15 15
Fourth Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
CRIMJ 400 level course1 *3BA Requirement3
BA Requirement3General Education Course3
CRIMJ Selection1 *3General Education Course3
Elective43Elective43
Elective43 
 15 12
Total Credits 126-127
*

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

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.

1

Additional CRIMJ courses: Select 18 credits in CRIMJ courses, with at least 9 credits at the 400-level. 

2

 Major supporting courses: Select 6 credits, in consultation with adviser.  Recommended options include psychology courses (e.g., abnormal forensic), HDFS courses (e.g., courses on developmental or family problems), IST or SRA security courses, and/or internship (CRIMJ 495).

3

 Students must complete the 12th credit level in a second language. Credits vary based on skill level.

4

Students typically need 12 - 18 elective credits

Administration of Justice, B.A. at Schuylkill 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
FallCreditsSpringCredits
ENGL 15, 30H, or ESL 153CRIMJ 12*3
CRIMJ 100*3CAS 100, CAS 100A, CAS 100B, or CAS 100C3
World Language level 14World Language level 24
PSU 82General Education Course (GQ)3
General Education Course3General Education Course3
General Education Course3 
 18 16
Second Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
BA 243 or PHIL 103*3-4ENGL 202A, 202B, 202C, or 202D3
STAT 200*‡†4CRIMJ 221*3
World Language level 34BA Fields Course3
General Education Course3General Education Course3
 General Education Course3
 14-15 15
Third Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
CRIMJ 451 or 453*3CRIMJ Additional Course - any level*3
CRIMJ Additional Course - any level*3CRIMJ Additional Course - any level*3
General Education Course3CRIMJ Additional Course - 400-level*3
General Education Course3BA Fields Course3
General Education Course3BA World Cultures Course3
 15 15
Fourth Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
CRIMJ Additional Course - 400-level*3CRIMJ Additional Course - 400-level*3
Major Supporting Course*3Major Supporting Course*3
BA Fields Course3Elective3
General Education Course3Elective3
Elective3Elective3
 15 15
Total Credits 123-124
*

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

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.

Integrative Studies (either Inter-domain or Linked Courses)

Integrative Studies may be completed within the 30 Knowledge Domain credits and must be completed with either Inter-domain or Linked courses, not a combination of both.  For Inter-domain courses, credit may apply to both Knowledge Domain designations but does not reduce the total number of credits within the Knowledge Domains and at least 3 credits of single-domain coursework are required in each of the 5 Knowledge Domains.  Linked courses used for the Integrative Studies requirement must represent two different Knowledge Domains.

Administration of Justice, B.A. at Wilkes-Barre 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
FallCreditsSpringCredits
ENGL 15, 30H, or ESL 153CRIMJ 12*3
CRIMJ 100*3CAS 100, CAS 100A, CAS 100B, or CAS 100C3
World Language level 14World Language level 24
PSU 81General Education Course (GQ)3
General Education Course3General Education Course3
General Education Course3 
 17 16
Second Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
BA 243 or PHIL 103*3-4ENGL 202A, 202B, 202C, or 202D3
STAT 200*‡†4CRIMJ 221*3
World Language level 34BA Fields Course3
General Education Course3General Education Course3
 General Education Course3
 14-15 15
Third Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
CRIMJ 451 or 453*3CRIMJ Additional Course - any level*3
CRIMJ Additional Course - any level*3CRIMJ Additional Course - any level*3
General Education Course3CRIMJ Additional Course - 400-level*3
General Education Course3BA Fields Course3
General Education Course3BA World Cultures Course3
 15 15
Fourth Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
CRIMJ Additional Course - 400-level*3CRIMJ Additional Course - 400-level*3
Major Supporting Course*3Major Supporting Course*3
BA Fields Course3Elective3
General Education Course3Elective3
Elective3Elective3
 15 15
Total Credits 122-123
*

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

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.

Career Paths

This major helps students prepare for a variety of challenging careers through a combination of professional and individualized liberal arts coursework, emphasizing the underlying sociological aspects of criminal justice, in addition to options for graduate study and continued education.

Careers

Graduates in the Administration of Justice program find an array of career opportunities in federal, state, and local law enforcement and correction agencies, probation and parole services, community crime prevention and treatment services, and private sector security. Many opportunities are available in juvenile and drug rehabilitation counseling, recreation programs, forestry settings, and other sites. Career opportunities, which are expanding rapidly, offer a good salary, excellent job security, and extensive possibilities for advancement.

Opportunities for Graduate Studies

The degree also provides you with an excellent opportunity for graduate school, including masters or doctorate programs in law, criminology, human development, psychology, and the social sciences. Students also participate in original research, which provides experience designed to assist you in determining your career goals.

Contact

DuBois

1 College Place
DuBois, PA 15801
814-372-3014
drb218@psu.edu

Fayette

ADMINISTRATION OF JUSTICE
2201 University Drive
Lemont Furnace, PA 15456
724-430-4240
lwm13@psu.edu

Greater Allegheny

101 Frable Building
4000 University Drive
McKeesport, PA 15132
412-675-9140
GA-Academics@lists.psu.edu

Hazleton

Memorial 105
Hazleton, PA 18202
570-450-3548
pup1@psu.edu

Schuylkill

A-124 200 University Drive
Schuylkill Haven, PA 17972
570-385-6075
rap179@psu.edu

Wilkes-Barre

44 University Drive
Dallas, PA 18612
570-675-9255
jjo5358@psu.edu