Criminal Justice Major

Criminal Justice Major

Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice
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Make a Difference in the World of Criminal Justice

Achieve justice and public safety with the expertise and experience gained from our bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice.

Explore the multifaceted criminal justice field through a curriculum that emphasizes law enforcement, courts, and corrections. Study contemporary challenges such as white-collar crime, organized crime, and cybersecurity. Our program provides a comprehensive understanding of due process, equal protection, and fairness. We also cover topics like fraud examination, forensic science, and juvenile justice.

Our focus on theory and practice enables you to navigate complex systems of policing, judicial systems, and correctional institutions. Our program prepares students with the skills, knowledge, and experience to succeed in advanced studies and many career paths.

What you will do:

  • Explore the significance of gender, race, ethnicity, culture, and class in the administration of criminal justice in a liberal arts setting.
  • Build practical skills through mock investigations, trials, and scenario-based training.
  • Gain hands-on experience through internships at district courts, correctional facilities, law enforcement agencies, government organizations, securities firms, and social service agencies.
  • Conduct qualitative and quantitative research to study criminal justice trends and inform policy development.
  • Apply ethical and moral reasoning to address complex criminal justice issues.
  • Investigate traditional and contemporary theories of crime causation and evaluate their implications for public policy.

 

Prerequisites and required courses for Criminal Justice Major

Academic Catalog
Explore sample courses in the Criminal Justice program.
CJ-101 Introduction to Criminal Justice
Students learn the historical development, fundamental principles, and legal framework of the criminal justice system in the United States. They examine law enforcement, courts, and corrections and explore criminal behavior and ethical considerations.
3 credits
CJ-103 Evidence Collection and Crime Scene Preservation
A theoretical framework for the practice of evidence collection and crime scene preservation. Students learn protocols for investigation and methods of evidence collection, interpretation, and preservation.
3 credits
CJ-111 Law Enforcement and Society
A theoretical framework for the practice of evidence collection and crime scene preservation. Students learn protocols for investigation and methods of evidence collection, interpretation, and preservation. They also explore documentation and case preparation techniques.
3 credits
CJ-203 Theories of Crime
Prominent theories of crime causation, including biological, psychological, sociological, and cultural explanations. In this course, students also learn the implications of these theories for policy making within the criminal justice system.
3 credits
CJ-205 American Judicial System
An examination of the development of law and the American legal system. Students consider problems related to the law, the organizational hierarchy of the courts, and the role of the courts.
3 credits
CJ-216 Cybercrime
Students learn the technical, social, and legal aspects of cybercrime. They also explore theories, tools, and approaches of preventing and investigating cybercrime.
3 credits
CJ-320 Criminal Procedure
Students learn the basic constitutional rights associated with the investigation, prosecution, and trial of criminal cases. Topics include arrests, lineups, interrogations, searches and seizures, pre-trial proceedings, trial, and sentencing.
3 credits
CJ-333 Terrorism
The development of terrorism as a form of crime. Topics include major terrorist groups and their strategies, tactics, and targets. We also cover jurisdictional issues; anti- and counter-terrorist operations; federal law enforcement; and future trends in terrorism.
3 credits
A man in a suit, embodying professionalism, smiles confidently against a gray background. His tie and lapel pin with an American flag design reflect his commitment to excellence in the field of criminal justice.
Featured Faculty Member

Dr. Stephen A. Morreale

Dr. Stephen A. Morreale is a distinguished member of our faculty, bringing a wealth of experience from his 30-year career in law enforcement, including service as a Special Agent and Assistant Special Agent in Charge with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).

At Worcester State University, he has served as Chair and Full Professor of Criminal Justice, where he is renowned for his teaching excellence and dedication to student success.
In addition to his academic role, Dr. Morreale hosts "The CopDoc Podcast," a platform that delves into police leadership and innovation. Through interviews with thought leaders in policing, academia, and community organizations, the podcast aims to enhance the delivery of police services globally.

Dr. Morreale's unique blend of practical law enforcement experience, academic scholarship, and commitment to advancing the field through dialogue and education significantly enriches our Criminal Justice program.
Meet the Criminal Justice Faculty

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Career opportunities you can pursue with a Criminal Justice degree

What does a Criminal Justice job look like? Explore Criminal Justice Careers...

Criminal Justice Organizations

Criminal Justice Clubs
Alpha Phi Sigma

Criminal Justice Minors

Minor
Homeland Security
Minor
Forensic Science
Criminal Justice student at Worcester State Andro Hannoush
"Studying at Worcester State gave me the core knowledge and discipline needed to navigate through law school and become an attorney."
— Andro Hannoush '15
A person wearing a suit with a blue shirt and striped tie smiles confidently, embodying the integrity of the criminal justice system, in front of a gray background.
"Because of the professors, the staff, my classmates, and my closest friends I was able to gain professional experience through an internship with the U.S. Marshals Service in Washington, D.C. and I was also able to pursue a graduate degree in Counterterrorism."
— Jared K. Richards '19
A man with glasses, a goatee, and short dark hair, dressed in a suit and tie, smiles confidently at the camera against a plain background. His poised demeanor reflects his dedication to criminal justice.
"My professors have been continuously supportive of me and my career, offering advice and letters of recommendation to help achieve my ultimate goal of earning my Ph.D. in Criminology & Justice Studies."
— Christopher Weagle '07

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