As a criminal justice studies major, you examine how criminal law and institutions in law enforcement, courts, and corrections seek to provide justice. You become better prepared to respond to one of the greatest concerns of society – the problem of crime and our system of justice.
A criminal justice studies degree can be applied to a wide range of careers related to criminal justice such as law enforcement, courts, corrections, advocacy, juvenile justice, social work, private and corporate security, crime/intelligence analysis, and more. Here’s a sample of where our criminal justice studies graduates are working:
A criminal justice studies degree prepares you for graduate and professional schools such as law school. Some notable schools our graduates are attending include:
Truman has 3+3 law school pathways agreements with select institutions allowing qualified students to matriculate into law school after completing just 90 credit hours at the undergraduate level. Learn more>
You have the flexibility to select the area of focus that's the best fit for your career aspirations.
Coursework for the criminal justice studies program covers the legal system, criminology, juvenile delinquency, enforcement system, rehabilitation system, and more. Here's a sample of criminal justice studies courses:
Gain a better sense of specific career settings through criminal justice studies internships. Some local agencies include Adair County Prosecutor's Office, Bruce Normile Juvenile Justice Center, and Kirksville Police Department. Summer internships can be completed virtually anywhere including your hometown.
Research topics of special interest and present your findings at Truman's Research Conference as well as state and national conferences.
Explore your options to engage with peers and gain leadership experience by joining Truman's Mock Trial Team and professional organizations.
Observe a part of the judicial system others do not typically get to see by helping host the annual Court of Appeals for the Western District of Missouri on the À¶Ý®ÊÓƵ campus. The cases are appeals from previously held trials in area circuit courts.
As a student in the criminal justice studies program, you learn from professors who are professionals in their fields who have a reputation for offering excellence in academic advising and mentoring.
Criminal Justice Studies Minor
Forensic Science Minor
Legal Studies Minor
Pre-Law Studies