Degree Awarded
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), Associate of Arts (A.A.), Undergraduate Minor
Program Delivery
On-Campus, Online
Locations Available
Rindge, New Hampshire
Online
If you are interested in law enforcement, criminal law, the court system or social justice, the Criminal Justice major will prepare you for the mental challenge and high stakes problem solving demanded by careers in these fields. You can work in any part of the country, from small towns to capital cities, doing field or office work depending on your goals. Our program will build the foundation for your success in these high demand careers.
Request InformationOn-campus Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice
You will study core concepts of justice and learn about all facets of the justice system. You will develop data collection and analysis skills, as well as speaking, writing and presentation skills. You will apply critical thinking and ethical principles to contemporary issues in the field. Your courses and internship experiences will help you to learn about the complexities of the system and build your intellectual, communication and leadership skills.
Coursework in criminal theory, corrections, court procedure, investigations, and issues of gender and racial justice will prepare you for a wide variety of rewarding careers in law enforcement, security, criminal courts, corrections, crime prevention and social services. When you graduate, you will be well prepared to pursue graduate programs in criminology, criminal justice, security studies or law school.
Online Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice
You are a leader that creates and maintains a safe, structured community. The Criminal Justice program builds upon your expertise and explores the interdisciplinary study of crime, alongside the function of the criminal justice system. Develop analytical skills, and implement knowledge of your research findings and methods in the field.
Combine online and classroom learning, part or full-time study, and six academic terms, to create a flexible and personalized schedule. Knowledge gained from law enforcement and life experience will be recognized. Receive as many as 45 transfer credits for accumulated certifications, professional licenses, on-the-job training, and more. You may also be eligible for grants, loans, and scholarships in the form of financial aid.
As a Franklin Pierce University graduate, you will possess the technical and leadership skills needed to expand your opportunities and push your career to the next level.
- CJ101 Introduction to Criminal Justice
- CJ201 Police Work
- CJ210 Courts and Criminal Procedure
- CJ221 Corrections
- CJ345 Criminology
- CJ470 Senior Criminal Justice Seminar
- SO101 Introduction to Sociology
- SO205 Race and Ethnicity in Society
- SO318 Social Science Research Methods
- SO321 Social Science Computer Skills
You must complete four of the following courses:
- CJ203 Juvenile Justice
- CJ301 Criminal Investigation and Evidence
- CJ310 Community Corrections
- CJ330 Special Topics in Criminal Justice
- CJ340 Gender, Race, and Crime
- CJ400 Rehabilitation of the Offender
- CJ410 Criminal Law
- CJ420 White Collar Crime
- CJ430 Victimology
- CJ495 Internship in Criminal Justice
- CJ499 Independent Study in Criminal Justice
- SO350 Law and Society
**Alternate elective courses in Anthropology, Political Science or Psychology may be substituted by permission of the department.
Combine your Criminal Justice Degree with a Minor
Many minors work well in combination with the criminal justice degree including:
- Accounting
- Environmental Science
- History
- Intelligence and Security Studies
- Management
- Psychology
- Sociology
What You Can Do with a Criminal Justice Degree
A criminal justice degree from Franklin Pierce University equips graduates with a solid understanding of the legal system, criminological theories, and investigative techniques, providing a versatile foundation for a variety of career paths. Graduates may pursue opportunities in law enforcement, corrections, probation, or private security, working at local, state, or federal levels. Additionally, they may find roles in victim advocacy, social services, or policy analysis, contributing to efforts to promote justice and improve communities.
The critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving skills cultivated through the program also prepare graduates for further education in law school or graduate studies in related fields. Overall, a criminal justice degree from Franklin Pierce University opens doors to diverse and meaningful career opportunities within the criminal justice system and beyond.
Samantha Murgo Talks About Choosing Franklin Pierce
Samantha Murgo, '22, Criminal Justice and Human Services major, talks about how she Chose Franklin Pierce University as her school.
John Massaro'18 Talks About his experience at Franklin Pierce University
John Massaro graduated from Franklin Pierce in 2018, and remembers the sense of community and support he felt here at Franklin Pierce University.
What Makes our Criminal Justice Programs Different?
At the undergrad level, Franklin Pierce offers distinct paths to a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree in Criminal Justice:
- Our On-campus BA program for first-time college students provides the core curriculum and flexibility for students to focus in particular areas (corrections, courts, law enforcement, victim services, offender treatment).
- Our Online BA or AA programs designed for working adults—awards credits for experience and can be completed in as little as 18 months
- Undergrads can combine On-campus and Online courses with credits for internships or academy training to complete the BA program in 3 years.
We also offer a minor in Criminal Justice for on-campus undergraduates pursuing other majors.
WHERE CAN MY DEGREE IN CRIMINAL JUSTICE TAKE ME?
Who Should Study Criminal Justice?
You’ll find this major a good fit if you have or want to develop:
- Interest in criminal procedure and investigation
- Steady judgment and decision-making under stress
- Ability to interpret complex laws and regulations
- Clear sense of integrity, honesty and ethics
- Expertise in human rights, victim or child advocacy
CONTACT the admissions team
UNDERGRADUATE ADMISSIONS
(800) 437-0048
admissions@franklinpierce.edu
Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Online Admissions
(800) 325-1090
FPUonline@franklinpierce.edu
Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.- 4:30 p.m.