Law enforcement, the court system, and corrections all fall under the umbrella of our criminal justice system. If you’ve been wondering how to break into any of these fields — or even if you’ve already started your criminal justice career — there’s no better way to build your future than to earn your bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Monroe University.
At Monroe’s School of Criminal and Social Justice, you’ll earn more than a credential. You’ll learn the skills you need to excel in all areas of criminal justice. Your instructors will be experienced professionals who have distinguished themselves in criminal justice careers of their own. You’ll also put those skills to the test with internships and field work.
Whether you’re looking to begin your career or to advance it further, there’s no limit to what you can do with a criminal justice degree.
Monroe’s CJ degree gives you all the tools you need to be successful.
Cayla Charles
BS Criminal Justice
Why a Major in Criminal Justice?
A bachelor’s degree is essential for many entry-level criminal justice jobs. It’s also the key to advancement in many careers in criminal justice. When employers see that you’ve earned a bachelor’s degree from Monroe, they know you have what it takes to go the distance — no matter which career path you choose.
You’ll have plenty of paths to choose from, too. Careers for Criminal Justice majors include policing, corrections and rehabilitation, social services, private security, criminal court management, and much more.
A Bachelor’s Degree for Criminal Justice gives you more than a quality education. It opens the doors to valuable mentorships, to career paths you never knew existed, and to a community of peers that will sustain you personally and professionally.
Curriculum
Some people might think of criminal justice in two-dimensional terms, such as law and order or crime and punishment. At Monroe University’s fully accredited School of Criminal and Social Justice, we know better — and by the time you earn your Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice, you will too.
As a Criminal Justice major, you’ll gain a true understanding of every dimension of our justice system via comprehensive and nuanced course topics:
Criminal procedure and practice
Criminal investigation methods
Punishment and rehabilitation
Ethical issues in criminal justice
Diversity in the criminal justice system
Sociology, criminology, and victimology
The relationship between communities and the criminal justice system
Your instructors will include both active and retired police officers, corrections officers, attorneys, social workers, psychologists, criminologists, and more — leaders in the field who will show you how to be a leader while serving the community.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice?
You can earn your fully accredited Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice in just eight (8) semesters on campus, which means that you could finish your degree at Monroe in less than three years on Monroe’s accelerated three (3)-semester academic calendar.
Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice Requirements:
120 credits
60 credits of major-related courses
60 credits of general education and related courses
Students are also required to complete an internship in the criminal justice field.
What is the history of our criminal justice system? What are the responsibilities of law enforcement officers, attorneys, court officials, corrections officers, and others who uphold that system? This course explores those questions and more. Criminal Justice students will also gain an understanding of the major elements of statutory offenses — activities that have been declared illegal and punishable by written law — with a specific focus on the New York State penal code.
To apply for a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, candidates must fulfill the following admissions requirements:
Candidates must possess either a high school graduation credential or high school equivalency diploma, or a recognized college associate degree or higher as listed in the transfer admissions policy.
Candidates must also submit a completed application for admission, as well as a personal statement or essay.
Criminal justice candidates also participate in a pre-admission interview.
At Monroe, we pride ourselves on our affordable tuition and fees. We strongly believe that everyone should be able to afford a quality education. Our financial aid office works hard to find you all the scholarships, grants, and loans for which you’re eligible, as well as any potential work-study employment opportunities. We also offer manageable payment plans.
There are many careers in criminal justice, and you can find Monroe graduates in all of them. Below are just a few of the jobs you can get with a criminal justice degree:
Police officer
DEA agent
FBI agent
Court clerk
Criminal investigator
Legal assistant
US customs officer
Corrections officer
Parole officer
Probation officer
Juvenile counselor
Correctional counselor
A Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice means you can further your education for even more career opportunities. Criminal justice majors have gone on to earn Master’s degrees in Criminal Justice, Forensic Psychology, and to attend law schools.
Field experience is built into Monroe’s Criminal Justice program. All Criminal Justice majors complete a rigorous capstone course, where they apply everything they’ve learned to address specific issues and recommend policy solutions. The program also requires students to complete 160 internship hours in settings that include police agencies, correctional facilities, probation offices, and more.
Clubs and honor societies will complement your studies and allow you to build a network of peers who will become your colleagues in the criminal justice field:
Alpha Phi Sigma - The National Criminal Justice Honor Society, dedicated to the constant support and improvement of the criminal justice professions.
PASS - The Police Academy Scholars Program. Prepare yourself for the police academy while you earn your degree.
The Law Society - Explore possibilities in the legal field with valuable field experiences.
The Criminal Justice Club - Learn from visiting experts from all areas of criminal justice, and undertake community initiatives related to the field.
The Civics & Debate Team - Examine landmark legal decisions with vigorous analysis and debate.
Throughout it all, you’ll receive support and mentorship from Monroe’s dedicated faculty.
Discover What You Can Achieve
Maybe you’re already mid-career and looking for a way to advance, or maybe you’re trying to find a place to begin. At Monroe’s School of Criminal and Social Justice, we’ll meet you where you are and then take you to where you want to be.
Find out more about how to get a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice.
