Are you a born leader with an inquisitive mind and a knack for solving problems? Do you hold yourself and others to high ethical standards? Are you willing to work hard for what you believe in? If so, you can find success through PennWest’s online bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice.
The B.S. in Criminal Justice goes beyond vocational training to enhance your understanding of human behavior and sharpen your knowledge of the major functions and operations of the criminal justice system.
Energetic faculty with extensive career experience will guide you through the fundamentals of law enforcement, courts and corrections. At the same time, they will help you hone your critical thinking as well as oral and written communications skills and gain insight into the value of statistics, research and ethics.
Because our program is delivered 100% online, you can continue to work in your current profession while you complete your degree. You’ll have the opportunity to narrow your focus through coursework in seven different concentrations, and connect with industry professionals through networking events, job shadowing, internship and job fairs and organizational visits.
As you pursue your degree, you will become well-prepared for leadership positions in various justice-related fields or go on for further studies in law or graduate school.
Core courses provide a solid foundation to specific content areas identified by the Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences.
Concentrations that lead to rewarding career opportunities.
Ranked the Most Affordable Bachelor’s program in Crime Scene Investigation and Forensic Science for the 2020-21 in Pennsylvania by Crimesceneinvestigatoredu.org.
Degrees in Criminal Justice fields provide job security and a sense of pride.
120
100% online
Julie Warnick
warnick@pennwest.edu
724-938-5865
Not sure what area of Criminal Justice interests you the most? Opt for our general Criminal Justice concentration. The curriculum includes a broad overview of courses that range from Juvenile Justice and Criminal Law to Correctional Systems, Leadership and Ethics, and more.
In the Introduction to Criminal Justice course, for example, you’ll learn the nature, scope and impact of crime in the United States. It introduces you to the three components of the criminal justice system: law enforcement, courts and corrections and also includes an overview of career opportunities within the criminal justice and security fields.
This renowned program allows you to tailor your program with a wide range of justice electives that align with your interests and career aspirations.
If you want an in-depth education in Criminology, PennWest is the place to be. This concentration in our nationally ranked Criminal Justice program provides you with a strong foundation in this specialized field and sets you up for a rewarding career.
You’ll learn from faculty scholars and skilled professionals with extensive career experience. Their goal is to introduce you to the major functions and operations of the criminal justice field and give you a broader understanding of criminal behavior. Through courses such as Behavioral Analysis of Violent Crime, Victimology, Sex Crime and Predators, and Criminological Theories, you’ll see how classical, psychological, sociological, economic, biological and political theories of crime come into play.
Upon graduation, you’ll be ready to conduct investigations related to suspected violations of federal, state or local laws to prevent or solve crimes.
Cyber crimes know no borders. They are becoming more sophisticated and more frequent. Furthermore, according to the ninth annual “Cost of Cybercrime” study in 2019, the average cost of cybercrime for an organization is $13 million. Today’s criminal justice professionals must be equipped to properly investigate these cases.
When you enroll in our Cyber Forensics concentration, you will get hands-on training in cyber security, computer forensics and cybercrime investigations. Among other things, you’ll learn to use best practices to conduct efficient, high quality forensics investigations, acquire digital evidence through a fundamental understanding of computer operating systems and cutting-edge computer forensic tools, and keep up with the latest industry trends, so you’re ready to respond to new threats as they emerge.
You’ll also have the opportunity to achieve industry-recognized certifications through PennWest’s partnership with achieve industry-recognized certifications through Cal U’s partnership with CompTIA: The IT Industry Association, earning credentials that can enhance your career.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 28% growth in demand for computer forensic examiners between now and 2026, an increase of more than 28,000 jobs.
Physical evidence – from fingerprints and body fluids to firearms marks and computer data – is often the key to solving crime. In PennWest’s innovative Forensic Investigation concentration, you’ll learn to apply your knowledge of forensic science as a crime scene investigator.
Our Forensic Investigations faculty have real-world investigative experience and contribute their professional services to support law enforcement. They will guide you as you learn how to categorize, identify, collect and process physical evidence, maintain the proper “chain of custody” in forensic investigations, and use digital technology and other tools to investigate and analyze crime scenes.
This interdisciplinary program prepares you for certification as a crime scene investigator, analyst, reconstructionist or photographer through the International Association for Identification, the oldest and largest forensic association in the world.
Are you a highly motivated individual with high moral and ethical standards? Do you want to excel as a premier professional in a dynamic and in-demand career? Consider putting your talents to work in the field of homeland security. You will be rewarded both professionally and financially.
Our Homeland Security concentration focuses on the function of the Department of Homeland Security, how it operates with other agencies to prevent terrorists opportunities within our country’s borders and how global aspects of terrorism can be addressed and prevented throughout the world.
Our faculty team of professional practitioners with extensive and respected career experience will share their expertise with you and provide insight into today’s most challenging problems. You’ll have the opportunity to expand your knowledge with a Criminal Justice internship so you can see first-hand the workings of our homeland security system.
Since classes are delivered 100% online in an asynchronous format, you can earn your degree while continuing to work in your current job.
Succeed as a top criminal justice professional with specialized knowledge and in-demand skills or use your knowledge to go on to attend law school. It all starts with an undergraduate degree in Criminal Justice and a concentration in Law and Justice.
You’ll learn under the guidance of highly qualified and dedicated full-time professors who hold Juris Doctor, PhD, and other doctoral degrees. They will introduce you to the major functions and operations of the criminal justice field, examine components of the justice system and understand the legal system in American through the eyes of those working in law enforcement, courts and corrections. You can further enhance your academic knowledge by joining the PennWest Mock Trial Team. As a member of the American Mock Trial Association (AMTA), PennWest participates in invitational and regional mock trial competitions.
As a graduate, you may go on to positions in the courts, in Federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, correctional institutions, probation and parole offices, or in the juvenile justice system.
What Can I Do with a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice?
Follow your passion and you will find success in any number of careers. Some of our alumni work in law enforcement, state police agencies and correctional facilities. Others find employment in related fields such as victim-witness services, rape crisis center, counseling and medical/forensic examiners’ office. Still others head to the military or private security firms, or further their education in graduate school.
PennWest’s three campuses, California, Clarion and Edinboro universities, have been delivering award-winning online programs for more than 20 years. You’ll graduate with a degree from Pennsylvania Western University, completely supported by the expertise and community of learners on our brick-and-mortar campuses.