Interested in studying the many aspects of the criminal justice system? Our program, which is offered to both adult students and traditional undergraduate students, gives an overview of how police departments, court systems and corrections facilities deal with criminal behavior. For our adult learners, the program is offered in an online and evening format. Traditional undergraduate students attend daytime classes on our main campus.
Curriculum
The Criminal Justice program provides students with a comprehensive liberal arts education and overview of the six major fields of criminal justice: law enforcement, corrections, court procedures, criminal investigation, administration and management, and criminal justice research. Our curriculum is designed to create an awareness of the history of the criminal justice system through teaching theories of crime and criminal behavior; issues related to crime prevention and the rehabilitation of offenders; and concepts like the preservation and analysis of evidence.
Student Opportunities and Experience
Courses are offered at the main campus in Orangeburg; at the Columbia at Fort Jackson location, and online. Adult learners may take classes online or in the evening setting, and traditional undergraduate students take classes during the day at the main campus.
Careers and Outcomes
The Criminal Justice degree prepares students to enter a variety of careers including community supervision, law enforcement, court administration, social services, private security, rehabilitation, and counseling. It also provides students a foundation for graduate study in criminal justice, rehabilitation counseling, public administration, criminology and related areas.
Admissions Requirements
Registration for the Criminal Justice major is open to students in both the Center for Professional and Continuing Studies as well as traditional undergraduate students. Daytime classes are for traditional undergraduate students, and evening and online classes are available for continuing studies students.