Forensics investigators, judges and corrections officers are vital to our communities. They ensure our safety and that justice is served fairly in our court systems.
At JCSU, our students get a complete view of the criminal justice system. Regardless of where you see yourself in the system, what you learn in our program will put you on the right track for a successful career serving your fellow citizens.
Our students learn the skills necessary to bag evidence, dust for fingerprints and photograph the crime scene. They also learn about criminology from a legal standpoint, the chain of custody and any fourth amendment issues related to processing crime in a courtroom setting.
As a major in our criminology program, you’ll learn about the three major components of the criminal justice system:
You’ll also have the opportunity to go behind the crime scene tape and network with some very prominent professionals in your field.
Through a practical understanding of every aspect of the criminal justice system, including child abuse, crime scene and white-collar crime, you’ll be fully prepared to enter the workforce.
Your criminology classes will have access to the latest smart technology for an enhanced learning experience.
You’ll also have the opportunity to tour local prisons, police departments and corrections facilities. In these environments, you’ll have the unique opportunity to talk with workers and inmates for a firsthand perspective on the criminal justice system.
JCSU is a private liberal arts university. What this means to you is that your education will broadly cover all areas of study. The diversity of your classes will help you look at “the big picture” in any career you choose.
Having a college education will give you the tools to succeed in life. Having a liberal arts education will give you the opportunity to take your success further.
Many universities don’t offer a degree in criminology, but at JCSU, that’s just one reason we’re unique.
The criminology program is certified by the North Carolina Department of Justice Criminal Justice Education and Training Standards Commission and is only one of four four-year institutions in the state to earn that certification. What this means for you is that you'll receive a real-world education that will prepare you to serve your fellow citizens and make a positive impact for your community.
Your professors will help you put criminal justice theory into real-world practice by collaborating in community research projects. Nothing compares to the experience of addressing current issues with the partnership of your professors as you work together to find solutions to community problems.
You’ll receive firsthand experience in your core classes in the criminology major. Learn about forensics and investigations in a mock crime scene or conduct mock trials, where you’ll:
In research methods class, you’ll not only learn about survey development, but also help develop and validate a survey, conduct the surveys in the Charlotte-Mecklenburg community and perform data analysis.
Students in our program even have the opportunity to make a positive impact on the community, even while they’re still in college. Some have had the opportunity to serve in a group of policy advisers to James Mitchell Jr., president of the National League of Cities. They studied issues relevant to government policy-making on the national level.
Other students have participated in community research. Working with locals, they learn how to develop surveys, conduct interviews and collect data — all to better their neighborhood communities.
Through activities like Crime, Justice and Law Week, you’ll be connected to speakers and professionals from highly respected organizations such as the:
• U.S. Department of Homeland Security
• FBI
• Mecklenburg County District Attorney’s Office
• Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Office
• Federal Bureau of Prisons
If you choose to become involved in the Criminal Justice Association (a JCSU student organization), you’ll be mentored by professionals and practitioners in the field.
Through our monthly Lunch and Learn Series, professionals come to campus to provide informal networking and mentoring opportunities. You’ll have the opportunity to network with local:
Your path to a successful career begins the minute you step on campus.
Graduates of JCSU’s criminology program have found promising careers at the:
Our students have continued their education by pursuing an advanced degree at:
Our students have held internships with: