Criminal Justice Department

The mission of the Criminal Justice Department is to provide current and future criminal justice professionals with a comprehensive background and skillset that will enable them to think critically about crime and justice and to be effective decision makers in the criminal justice field. The faculty strives to educate students to be critical thinkers who can communicate their thoughts effectively in an oral and written form, as well as to instill a comprehensive knowledge of the criminal justice system.

These objectives are achieved through a balanced approach in which both theoretical and practical issues of application are addressed. The curriculum is guided by the following needs: comprehensive knowledge of the field of criminal justice (both theoretical and practical), critical analysis, effective communication (oral and written), exposure to human and cultural diversity issues, ethical problem solving, and technology.

Criminal Justice Features

The department is committed to developing and maintaining a curriculum that reflects the changing market forces behind the criminal justice system. The curriculum consists of 21 core credits, 21 criminal justice elective credits, a 3-credit capstone course, and 15 interdisciplinary course credits. Students are required to achieve a grade of C or above in all criminal justice courses.

Students are strongly encouraged to take advantage of the opportunity to participate in internships with government agencies, non-profit organizations, and private criminal justice enterprises. Internships provide an excellent opportunity for the practical application of skills and knowledge obtained in the classroom. Internships are a valuable career-building tool that enhance a student’s resume and demonstrate field experience. A maximum of 12 internship credits may be used to fulfill degree requirements. Internships are available in the summer and during the academic year. To be eligible for an internship, the student must have completed 60 credits and have a minimum 2.0 QPA. The student is responsible for obtaining the required clearances; Pennsylvania State Police Background Check (ACT 34), Child Abuse Clearance (ACT 151), and proof of liability insurance are required before the internship will be approved by the Department Chair. Students whose internship has been approved will be scheduled by the department.

Criminal Justice Academic Advisement

Well-qualified criminal justice students have the opportunity to complete a Master’s in Criminal Justice in two additional semesters and one summer of enrollment beyond their B.S. program. Interested students apply to the program during their junior year, after accumulating 75 credits, and admission to the program would require an Shippensburg University grade point average of 3.2 overall. Students seeking to enroll in the program must also formally commit to completing at least three credits of a criminal justice internship prior to their fourth year.

Criminal Justice Academic Advisement

Students are encouraged to work with their faculty advisors throughout their educational process. Faculty members offer both academic and career advising. Faculty advisement and support goes beyond the scope of scheduling courses. Students can access their advisor’s information by logging into the myShip web portal; advisement information is posted under the My Academics menu.

Criminal Justice Career Possibilities

Completion of this strong and diversified program will enhance the student’s chances for employment and advancement in both public and private organizations within the criminal and juvenile justice system. Criminal justice majors are eagerly recruited by a wide range of public and private sector organizations whose focus is the detection, reduction and correction of criminal behavior. These agencies exist at the local, state, and federal level and are constantly searching for individuals with the communication and analytical skills developed by this comprehensive criminal justice curriculum. Students frequently begin their criminal justice careers with local police departments, courts, or correctional institutions and advance to the state or federal level as they gain experience. For further information, contact the department at crimjust@ship.edu or visit www.ship.edu/Criminal_Justice.

Programs

Major

Criminal Justice, B.S.

Minor

Criminal Justice Minor

Certificate

Victimology and Victim Services Certificate

Courses

Criminal Justice