At which campus can I study this program?
PROGRAM CURRENTLY ON HOLD; NOT ACCEPTING NEW STUDENTS
Begin Date of Enrollment Hold: October 5, 2020
Program Description
The Bachelor of Science degree is intended to prepare students for careers in the administration of justice. Two emphases are provided:
- for students interested in entry-level employment in justice agencies;
- for students interested in academic or research positions and who may seek graduate education before beginning employment.
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. Today’s students are tomorrow’s front line protectors and policy makers who balance the philosophies of crime control and due process. To be successful, practitioners, managers, and administrators in the criminal justice field must demonstrate a mastery of interdisciplinary knowledge and skills. Administration of Justice focuses on the interrelated components of the criminal justice system, public and private sector enforcement and investigation, legal systems, correctional treatment, and community services and 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, research and experiential learning which prepare them for ethical leadership, global citizenship and engaged service.
You Might Like This Program If...
- You enjoy communicating with others.
- You are an analytical thinker.
- You are interested in the law and in social issues.
- You are interested in gaining invaluable professional experience through an internship within a criminal justice agency.
- You intend to become a practitioner in one of the traditional areas of criminal justice, such as law enforcement or corrections.
- You will seek employment in a supportive field such as counseling, forensics, data analysis, therapy and rehabilitation.
- You are considering graduate study in Administration of Justice, Public Administration, Legal Studies or other related fields.
- You are looking for an exciting career where no two days are ever the same.
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 Science degree in Administration of Justice, a minimum of 120 credits is required:
| Requirement | Credits |
|---|---|
| General Education | 45 |
| Electives | 14-18 |
| Requirements for the Major | 64-65 |
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.
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 12 | Criminology  | 3 |
| CRIMJ 100 | Introduction to Criminal Justice | 3 |
| CRIMJ 221 | Issues in the American Criminal Justice System | 3 |
| STAT 200 | Elementary Statistics | 4 |
| Additional Courses | ||
| Additional Courses: Require a grade of C or better | ||
| CRIMJ 451 | Race, Crime, and Justice | 3 |
| or CRIMJ 453 | Women and the Criminal Justice System | |
| Select 3-4 credits of the following: 1 | 3-4 | |
| Legal Environment of Business and Social and Ethical Environment of Business | ||
or BA 243 | Social, Legal, and Ethical Environment of Business | |
| Ethics in Criminal Justice | ||
| Ethical Life | ||
| Ethics | ||
| Philosophy of Law | ||
| Business Ethics | ||
or PHIL/STS 107 | Philosophy of Technology | |
| 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 | ||
| 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 | ||
| Emphasis | ||
| Select an emphasis | 15 | |
Field Research: | ||
| Field Research in the Criminal Justice | ||
| Introduction to Internship Experience | ||
| Research Topics | ||
| Internship in Criminal Justice | ||
Research and Policy Analysis: | ||
Select 15 credits with at least 6 at the 400 level of the following: | ||
| American Studies Perspectives | ||
| Drugs and Crime | ||
Any CMPSC | ||
| Introductory Macroeconomic Analysis and Policy | ||
LER 100 | ||
LST 370 | ||
PLSC 2 | ||
| The Bureaucratic State | ||
| Policy Making and Evaluation | ||
| Racial and Ethnic Inequality in America | ||
| Race and Public Policy | ||
| World Population Diversity | ||
| Social Demography | ||
| Supporting Courses and Related Areas | ||
| Supporting Courses and Related Areas: Require a grade of C or better | ||
| Select 12 credits, in consultation with adviser, from University-wide offerings according to student's career plan | 12 | |
- 1
Some of the courses in this category may have prerequisites that are not included in the major.
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.
Program Learning Objectives
Beaver, New Kensington, and Shenango Campuses
- 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).
- Students will be able to apply analysis and evaluation strategies specific to criminal justice/criminology to formulate solutions to criminological problems.
- 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.
- Students will be able to understand and apply theories of criminal and deviant behavior, and the behavior of law.
- Students will be able to read and correctly interpret Criminal Justice research and data.
- Students will be able to understand the relationship between culture, social class and criminal justice.
- Students will be able to communicate criminological issues effectively and deliver written and/or oral presentations.
- 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.
- Students will be able to show professionalism, interact appropriately with colleagues, uphold professional ethical principal, and work ethically, as part of their internships, consistent with professional standards and practices.
Fayette Campus
- Recognize the major components of the Criminal Justice System and describe the purpose of each component (Policing, Courts, Corrections)
- Demonstrate the ability to apply field research methods to the discipline.
- Understand crime and criminal justice theories relevant to criminology.
- Identify current issues relating to crime and criminal justice.
- Understand how the criminal justice system fits within the larger social science field.
Greater Allegheny Campus
- Know Structure: Demonstrate understanding around the history, structure and function of the three branches of criminal justice (Courts, Law Enforcement, Corrections).
- Know Context: Demonstrate understanding around the relationship between culture, social class, race and ethnicity, gender and sexuality and criminal justice involvement.
- 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.
- 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.
- Do Research: Demonstrate ability to formulate research questions, implement basic quantitative and qualitative research methods, collect and analyze limited data.
- Communicate: Demonstrate ability to effectively communicate practical and theoretical criminal justice issues through papers, posters, and oral presentations.
Hazleton Campus
Students should demonstrate an understanding of the following:
- Contemporary criminal justice system, major systems of social control and their policies and practices; victimology; juvenile justice; comparative criminal justice; ethics in criminal justice.
- Women as victims and offenders; race, ethnicity and minority group status in relation to the criminal justice system.
- History, theory, practice and legal environment, development of correctional philosophy, incarceration, diversions, community-based corrections, treatment of offenders, alternatives to incarceration.
- The nature and causes of crime and deviance, typologies, offenders, and victims.
- Criminal law, criminal procedures, prosecution, defense, and court procedures and decision-making.
- History, theory, practice and legal environment of policing, police organization, discretion, and subculture.
- Qualitative and Quantitative methodologies-including statistics-and methods for conducting and analyzing criminal justice research in a manner appropriate for undergraduate degree students.
Schuylkill and Wilkes-Barre Campuses
- 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).
- Students will be able to have developed critical thinking skills to understand and to formulate solutions to problems relating to criminological issues.
- 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.
- Students will be able to understand and apply theories of criminal and deviant behavior, and the behavior of law.
- Students will be able to read and correctly interpret Criminal Justice research and data.
- Students will be able to understand the relationship between culture, social class and criminal justice.
- Students will be able to communicate criminological issues effectively and deliver written and/or oral presentations.
- 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
Beaver
Mari Pierce
Associate Professor of Administration of Justice
Ross Administration Building Office 213
100 University Drive
Monaca, PA 15061
724-773-3549
mpb16@psu.edu
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
New Kensington
Richard Wentling
Assistant Professor, Administration of Justice
3550 Seventh Street Rd.
New Kensington, PA 15068
724-334-6761
rwentling@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
Shenango
Travis Milburn
Assistant Professor
147 Shenango Ave.
Sharon, PA 16146
724-983-2954
twm5527@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.S. at Beaver 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‡ | 3 | CRIMJ 12* | 3 |
| CRIMJ 100* | 3 | CAS 100‡ | 3 |
| General Education Course | 3 | CRIMJ 221* | 3 |
| General Education Course | 3 | General Education Course | 3 |
| Quantification (GQ)‡ | 3 | General Education Course | 3 |
| PSU 8 (if recommended) | 0-1 | Health & Wellness General Education (GHW) | 1.5 |
| 15-16 | 16.5 | ||
| Second Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| CRIMJ selection (300 level or lower)* | 3 | STAT 200 Elementary Statistics (GQ)* ‡ † | 4 |
| Values & Ethics Course* | 3-4 | CRIMJ selection (300 level or lower)* | 3 |
| Consultation with adviser - related area * | 3 | ENGL 202A‡ | 3 |
| General Education Course | 3 | General Education Course | 3 |
| Health & Wellness General Education (GHW) | 1.5 | General Education Course | 3 |
| 13.5-14.5 | 16 | ||
| Third Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| CRIMJ - 400 level* | 3 | CRIMJ - 400 level* | 3 |
| Consultation with adviser - related area* | 3 | General Education Course | 3 |
| Consultation with adviser - related area* | 3 | CRIMJ 451 or 453* | 3 |
| CRIMJ Selection* | 3 | Consultation with adviser - related area* | 3 |
| Elective | 3 | Elective | 3 |
| 15 | 15 | ||
| Fourth Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| CRIMJ 400 level* | 3 | CRIMJ 494* | 5 |
| CRIMJ 290* | 1 | Elective | 3-4 |
| CRIMJ 240W | 4 | CRIMJ 495* | 5 |
| General Education Course | 3 | ||
| Elective | 3 | ||
| 14 | 13-14 | ||
| Total Credits 118-121 | |||
- *
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
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 12 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
Values and Ethics course: Needs 3.0 credits. Course List: BA 243
- 4
Students typically need 12- 18 elective credits
Administration of Justice, B.S. 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 | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| ENGL 15‡ | 3 | CRIMJ 12* | 3 |
| General Education (GQ)‡ | 3 | Consultation with advisor - related area* | 3 |
| CRIMJ 100* | 3 | CAS 100A‡ | 3 |
| General Education Course | 3 | General Education Course | 3 |
| General Education Course | 3 | General Education Course | 3 |
| PSU 8 | 1 | General Education Course (GHW) | 1.5 |
| 16 | 16.5 | ||
| Second Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| STAT 200‡† | 4 | CRIMJ 451 or 453* | 3 |
| Consultation with advisor - related area | 3 | CRIMJ 400-level* | 3 |
| CRIMJ selection | 3 | CRIMJ selection | 3 |
| General Education Course | 3 | ENGL 202A‡ | 3 |
| General Education Course | 3 | General Education Course (GHW) | 1.5 |
| Elective | 3 | ||
| 16 | 16.5 | ||
| Third Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| CRIMJ 400-level* | 3 | CRIMJ 290* | 1 |
| Consultation with advisor - related area* | 3 | CRIMJ 221* | 3 |
| Consultation with advisor - related area* | 3 | CRIMJ 400-level* | 3 |
| General Education Course | 3 | CRIMJ selection* | 3 |
| Elective | 3 | Elective | 3 |
| 15 | 13 | ||
| Fourth Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| CRIMJ 400-level* | 3 | CRIMJ 494 | 4 |
| CRIMJ selection* | 3 | CRIMJ 495 | 3-12 |
| CRIMJ 240W | 4 | Elective | 4 |
| General Education Course | 3 | ||
| General Education Course | 3 | ||
| 16 | 11-20 | ||
| Total Credits 120-129 | |||
- 1
Additional CRIMJ courses: Select 18 credits in CRIMJ courses, with at least 9 credits at the 400-level.
- 2
Major supporting courses: Select 12 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
Values and Ethics course: Needs 3.0 credits. Course List: BA 243
- 4
Students typically need 12- 18 elective credits
Administration of Justice, B.S. 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 | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| ENGL 15‡ | 3 | CRIMJ 12* | 3 |
| General Education (GQ)‡ | 3 | Consultation with advisor - related area* | 3 |
| CRIMJ 100* | 3 | CAS 100A‡ | 3 |
| General Education Course | 3 | General Education Course | 3 |
| General Education Course | 3 | General Education Course | 3 |
| PSU 8 | 1 | General Education Course (GHW) | 1.5 |
| 16 | 16.5 | ||
| Second Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| STAT 200‡† | 4 | CRIMJ 451 or 453* | 3 |
| Consultation with advisor - related area | 3 | CRIMJ 400-level* | 3 |
| CRIMJ selection | 3 | CRIMJ selection | 3 |
| General Education Course | 3 | ENGL 202A‡ | 3 |
| General Education Course | 3 | General Education Course (GHW) | 1.5 |
| Elective | 3 | ||
| 16 | 16.5 | ||
| Third Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| CRIMJ 400-level* | 3 | CRIMJ 290* | 1 |
| Consultation with advisor - related area* | 3 | CRIMJ 221* | 3 |
| Consultation with advisor - related area* | 3 | CRIMJ 400-level* | 3 |
| General Education Course | 3 | CRIMJ selection* | 3 |
| Elective | 3 | Elective | 3 |
| 15 | 13 | ||
| Fourth Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| CRIMJ 400-level* | 3 | CRIMJ 494 | 4 |
| CRIMJ selection* | 3 | CRIMJ 495 | 3-12 |
| CRIMJ 240W | 4 | Elective | 4 |
| General Education Course | 3 | ||
| General Education Course | 3 | ||
| 16 | 11-20 | ||
| Total Credits 120-129 | |||
- *
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.S. 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 | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| PSU 8 | 1 | CRIMJ 12* | 3 |
| ENGL 15, 30H, or ESL 15 (GWS)‡ | 3 | General Education Course | 3 |
| CRIMJ 100* | 3 | General Education Course | 3 |
| General Education Course | 3 | General Education Course (GQ)‡ | 3 |
| General Education Course | 3 | CAS 100, CAS 100A, CAS 100B, or CAS 100C‡ | 3 |
| General Education Course | 3 | ||
| 16 | 15 | ||
| Second Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| CRIMJ 221* | 3 | ENGL 202A, 202B, 202C, or 202D‡ | 3 |
| ECON 104* | 3 | General Education Course | 3 |
| Values and Ethics Course* | 3 | STAT 200*‡† | 4 |
| General Education Course | 3 | General Education Course | 3 |
| CMPSC 203* | 4 | ||
| 12 | 17 | ||
| Third Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| CRIMJ 210* | 3 | CRIMJ 220* | 3 |
| CRIMJ/CRIM 451 or 453* | 3 | CRIMJ 230* | 3 |
| SOC/AFAM 409 or 422* | 3 | CRIMJ additional course - 400-level* | 3 |
| Major supporting course* | 3 | Major supporting course* | 3 |
| General Education Course | 3 | LER 100* | 3 |
| 15 | 15 | ||
| Fourth Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| CRIMJ additional course - 400-level* | 3 | CRIMJ 424W* | 3 |
| Major supporting course* | 3 | CRIMJ 250W* | 3 |
| General Education Course | 3 | Elective | 3 |
| Emphasis course 400-level* | 3 | Elective | 3 |
| Elective | 3 | Elective | 3 |
| 15 | 15 | ||
| Total Credits 120 | |||
- *
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.
Program Notes:
Additional CRIMJ courses: Select 18 credits in CRIMJ courses, with at least 9 credits at the 400-level.
Emphasis courses: Research and Policy Analysis Emphasis B only offered [Select 15 credits, at least 6 at the 400 level from: AMST 491W(3-6), CRIMJ 424W(3), any CMPSC (3), ECON 104 GS(3), LER 100 GS(3), LST 370(3), PLSC 002(3), PLSC 419 US(3), PLSC 490(3), SOC 409 US(3), SOC 419(3), SOC 422(3), or SOC 423(3)]
Major supporting courses: Select 12 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).
Administration of Justice, B.S. 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 | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| ENGL 15‡ | 3 | CRIMJ 12* | 3 |
| General Education (GQ)‡ | 3 | Consultation with advisor - related area* | 3 |
| CRIMJ 100* | 3 | CAS 100A‡ | 3 |
| General Education Course | 3 | General Education Course | 3 |
| General Education Course | 3 | General Education Course | 3 |
| PSU 8 | 1 | General Education Course (GHW) | 1.5 |
| 16 | 16.5 | ||
| Second Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| STAT 200‡† | 4 | CRIMJ 451 or 453* | 3 |
| Consultation with advisor - related area | 3 | CRIMJ 400-level* | 3 |
| CRIMJ selection | 3 | CRIMJ selection | 3 |
| General Education Course | 3 | ENGL 202A‡ | 3 |
| General Education Course | 3 | General Education Course (GHW) | 1.5 |
| Elective | 3 | ||
| 16 | 16.5 | ||
| Third Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| CRIMJ 400-level* | 3 | CRIMJ 290* | 1 |
| Consultation with advisor - related area* | 3 | CRIMJ 221* | 3 |
| Consultation with advisor - related area* | 3 | CRIMJ 400-level* | 3 |
| General Education Course | 3 | CRIMJ selection* | 3 |
| Elective | 3 | Elective | 3 |
| 15 | 13 | ||
| Fourth Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| CRIMJ 400-level* | 3 | CRIMJ 494 | 4 |
| CRIMJ selection* | 3 | CRIMJ 495 | 3-12 |
| CRIMJ 240W | 4 | Elective | 4 |
| General Education Course | 3 | ||
| General Education Course | 3 | ||
| 16 | 11-20 | ||
| Total Credits 120-129 | |||
- *
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 12 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
Values and Ethics course: Needs 3.0 credits. Course List: BA 243
- 4
Students typically need 12- 18 elective credits
Administration of Justice, B.S. at New Kensington 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‡ | 3 | CRIMJ 12* | 3 |
| Quantification (GQ)‡ | 3 | CRIMJ 221* | 3 |
| CRIMJ 100* | 3 | CAS 100A‡ | 3 |
| General Education Course | 3 | General Education Course | 3 |
| General Education Course | 3 | General Education Course | 3 |
| Health & Wellness General Education Course (GHW) | 1.5 | ||
| 15 | 16.5 | ||
| Second Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| Consultation with adviser - related area | 3 | STAT 200‡† | 4 |
| CRIMJ Selection (300 level or lower)* | 3 | CRIMJ Selection (300 level or lower)* | 3 |
| Values and Ethics Course* | 3-4 | ENGL 202A‡ | 3 |
| General Education Course | 3 | General Education Course | 3 |
| Health & Wellness General Education Course | 1.5 | General Education Course | 3 |
| 13.5-14.5 | 16 | ||
| Third Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| CRIMJ 400-level* | 3 | CRIMJ 400-level* | 3 |
| CRIMJ Selection* | 3 | CRIMJ 451 or 453* | 3 |
| Consultation with adviser - related area* | 3 | Consultation with adviser - related area* | 3 |
| Consultation with adviser - related area* | 3 | General Education Course | 3 |
| Elective | 3 | Elective | 3 |
| 15 | 15 | ||
| Fourth Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| CRIMJ 400-level* | 3 | CRIMJ 494 | 5 |
| CRIMJ 240W* | 4 | CRIMJ 495 | 5 |
| CRIMJ 290* | 1 | Elective | 3-4 |
| General Education Course | 3 | ||
| Elective | 3 | ||
| 14 | 13-14 | ||
| Total Credits 118-120 | |||
- *
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.S. 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 | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| ENGL 15 or 30H‡ | 3 | CRIMJ 12* | 3 |
| CRIMJ 100* | 3 | CRIMJ 221* | 3 |
| General Education Course | 3 | General Education Course | 3 |
| General Education Course | 3 | Natural Science (GN) | 3 |
| Quantification (GQ)‡ | 3 | CAS 100‡ | 3 |
| PSU 008 - First Year Seminar | 2 | General Education Course (GHW) | 1.5 |
| 17 | 16.5 | ||
| Second Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| CRIMJ Selection* | 3 | STAT 200 Elementary Statistics (GQ)* ‡ † | 4 |
| Values and Ethics Course* | 3-4 | CRIMJ Selection* | 3 |
| Consultation with adviser - related area * | 3 | ENGL 202 (A,B,C or D): Effective Writing (GWS)‡ | 3 |
| General Education Course (GA, GH, GS) | 3 | General Education Course | 3 |
| General Education Course (GHW) | 1.5 | General Education Course | 3 |
| 13.5-14.5 | 16 | ||
| Third Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| CRIMJ - 400 level* | 3 | CRIMJ - 400 level* | 3 |
| Consultation with adviser - related area* | 3 | General Education Course | 3 |
| Consultation with adviser - related area* | 3 | CRIMJ 451 or 453* | 3 |
| CRIMJ Selection* | 3 | Consultation with adviser - related area* | 3 |
| Elective | 3 | Elective | 3 |
| 15 | 15 | ||
| Fourth Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| CRIMJ 400 level* | 3 | CRIMJ 494* | 5 |
| CRIMJ 290* | 1 | Elective | 3 |
| CRIMJ 240W | 4 | CRIMJ 495* | 5 |
| General Education Course | 3 | ||
| Elective | 3 | ||
| 14 | 13 | ||
| Total Credits 120-121 | |||
- *
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
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) (6 credits).
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.S. at Shenango 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‡ | 3 | CRIMJ 12* | 3 |
| Quantification (GQ)‡ | 3 | CRIMJ 221* | 3 |
| CRIMJ 100* | 3 | CAS 100A‡ | 3 |
| General Education Course | 3 | General Education Course | 3 |
| General Education Course | 3 | General Education Course | 3 |
| PSU 8 (if recommended) | 0-1 | Health & Wellness General Education Course (GHW) | 1.5 |
| 15-16 | 16.5 | ||
| Second Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| Consultation with adviser - related area | 3 | STAT 200‡† | 4 |
| Values and Ethics Course* | 3-4 | CRIMJ Selection (300 level or lower)* | 3 |
| General Education Course | 3 | CRIMJ Selection (300 level or lower)* | 3 |
| General Education Course | 3 | ENGL 202A‡ | 3 |
| Health & Wellness General Education Course | 1.5 | General Education Course | 3 |
| 13.5-14.5 | 16 | ||
| Third Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| CRIMJ 400-level* | 3 | CRIMJ 400-level* | 3 |
| CRIMJ Selection* | 3 | CRIMJ 451 or 453* | 3 |
| Consultation with adviser - related area* | 3 | Consultation with adviser - related area* | 3 |
| Consultation with adviser - related area* | 3 | General Education Course | 3 |
| Elective | 3 | Elective | 3 |
| 15 | 15 | ||
| Fourth Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| CRIMJ 400-level* | 3 | CRIMJ 494 | 5 |
| CRIMJ 240W | 4 | CRIMJ 495 | 5 |
| CRIMJ 290* | 1 | Elective | 3-4 |
| General Education Course | 3 | ||
| Elective | 3 | ||
| 14 | 13-14 | ||
| Total Credits 118-121 | |||
- *
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
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.
Program Notes
As long as two Arts (GA) two Humanities (GH) and two Social Sciences (GS) are taken across the eight semesters, the particular order in which these courses are taken are not relevant. The course series listed above is only one of many possible ways to move through the curriculum.
Academic Advising Notes
A student's career/graduate school plans should be considered in developing an individual academic plan. Be sure to consult an adviser in this department when scheduling courses. Rev/SP07
Administration of Justice, B.S. 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 | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| ENGL 15‡ | 3 | CRIMJ 12* | 3 |
| General Education (GQ)‡ | 3 | Consultation with advisor - related area* | 3 |
| CRIMJ 100* | 3 | CAS 100A‡ | 3 |
| General Education Course | 3 | General Education Course | 3 |
| General Education Course | 3 | General Education Course | 3 |
| PSU 8 | 1 | General Education Course (GHW) | 1.5 |
| 16 | 16.5 | ||
| Second Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| STAT 200‡† | 4 | CRIMJ 451 or 453* | 3 |
| Consultation with advisor - related area | 3 | CRIMJ 400-level* | 3 |
| CRIMJ selection | 3 | CRIMJ selection | 3 |
| General Education Course | 3 | ENGL 202A‡ | 3 |
| General Education Course | 3 | General Education Course (GHW) | 1.5 |
| Elective | 3 | ||
| 16 | 16.5 | ||
| Third Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| CRIMJ 400-level* | 3 | CRIMJ 290* | 1 |
| Consultation with advisor - related area* | 3 | CRIMJ 221* | 3 |
| Consultation with advisor - related area* | 3 | CRIMJ 400-level* | 3 |
| General Education Course | 3 | CRIMJ selection* | 3 |
| Elective | 3 | Elective | 3 |
| 15 | 13 | ||
| Fourth Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| CRIMJ 400-level* | 3 | CRIMJ 494 | 4 |
| CRIMJ selection* | 3 | CRIMJ 495 | 3-12 |
| CRIMJ 240W | 4 | Elective | 4 |
| General Education Course | 3 | ||
| General Education Course | 3 | ||
| 16 | 11-20 | ||
| Total Credits 120-129 | |||
- *
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
Administration of Justice helps students prepare for a challenging career through this unique combination of theory and application, emphasizing the underlying sociological aspects of criminal justice. Graduates of Administration Justice find an array of career opportunities in addition to options for graduate study and continued education.
Careers
Administration of Justice graduates provide 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
Beaver
ADMINISTRATION OF JUSTICE
Ross Administration Building Office 213
100 University Drive
Monaca, PA 15061
724-773-3549
mpb16@psu.edu
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
New Kensington
ADMINISTRATION OF JUSTICE
3550 Seventh Street Rd.
New Kensington, PA 15068
724-334-6761
rwentling@psu.edu
Schuylkill
A-124 200 University Drive
Schuylkill Haven, PA 17972
570-385-6075
rap179@psu.edu
Shenango
CRIMINAL JUSTICE
147 Shenango Ave.
Sharon, PA 16146
724-983-2954
twm5527@psu.edu
Wilkes-Barre
44 University Drive
Dallas, PA 18612
570-675-9255
jjo5358@psu.edu