Criminal Justice Studies Major (BS)
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.
Career Paths
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:
- Americorps
- Bardol Law Firm
- Missouri Department of Corrections Office of Probation & Parole
- Missouri Highway Patrol
- Missouri National Guard
- National Association of Insurance Commissioners
- Oklahoma Army National Guard
- Peace Corps
- Teach for America
- Total Quality Logistics
- US Army
- UTC Aerospace Systems
Preparation for Graduate/Professional School
A criminal justice studies degree prepares you for graduate and professional schools such as law school. Some notable schools our graduates are attending include:
- University of Missouri – Columbia
- Penn State University
- University of Arkansas
- University of Missouri – Kansas City
- Southern Illinois University – Edwardsville
- Webster University
- St. Mary’s University
- University of Colorado – Denver
- Boston University
- DePaul University
- Washburn University
Law School Pathways
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.
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Areas of Study
You have the flexibility to select the area of focus that's the best fit for your career aspirations.
- Law and Society
- Criminological Theory and Research
- Criminal Justice Institutions
- Forensic Investigation
Featured Courses
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:
Opportunities and Experiences
Internships
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
Research topics of special interest and present your findings at Truman's Research Conference as well as state and national conferences.
Student Organizations
Explore your options to engage with peers and gain leadership experience by joining Truman's Mock Trial Team and professional organizations.
Campus Events
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 Truman campus. The cases are appeals from previously held trials in area circuit courts.
Supportive Learning Environment
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.