Criminal Justice

If you want to pursue a career in law enforcement or social services, you'll need a strong foundation in criminal justice to serve the public with empathy and fairness. LVC can help you excel.

Our Criminal Justice program gives you a well-rounded understanding of the social, psychological, and legal issues that impact the justice system. Earn experience through internships with partners spanning local, state, and federal agencies, including the Department of Homeland Security. Upon graduating, you’ll be ready to succeed in a range of careers related to justice, law enforcement, social services, and more.

You can also tailor your education to your career goals by double-majoring or minoring in related programs like political science, psychology, common law, or global studies.

Need-based departmental scholarships are available.

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Criminal Justice

Learn More About the Program

As a criminal justice major, you’ll learn how to navigate relevant issues in timely, thoughtful, and effective ways, preparing you to successfully take the next step in your career. If the law is your passion, our pre-law advising mentorship program puts you on track to successfully pursue law school.

View Degree Requirements

Learn About Pre-Law Advising

Meet Our Faculty

Kaitlyn Coulter '20 and Dr. Kathryn Whiteley present research

Student-Faculty Research in Criminal Justice

Put Your Investigative Skills to Work

Take a deeper dive into your degree by collaborating on research projects with your professors. Past students have had the opportunity to present their findings at the American Society of Criminology Conference, allowing them to network and gain resume-worthy experience.

Learn About Research

$69,160

median pay for police and detectives, 2022 (Bureau of Labor Statistics)

$63,740

median pay for forensic science technicians, 2022 (Bureau of Labor Statistics)

13%

projected job growth for forensic science technicians, 2022-2032 (Bureau of Labor Statistics)

Career Opportunities

From law enforcement to social work, there are many career paths for criminal justice majors.

Correctional Officer
Counselor
Court Administrator
Crime Analyst
Crime Prevention Professional

Criminal Justice Policy Analyst
Attorney
Paralegal
Law Enforcement Officer
Social Services Executive

In Their Words

A Deep Dive

LVC offers students personal attention and research opportunities. My student-faculty research led to a grant and podcast series.

Sarah Kharalah ’24, Criminal Justice and Psychology

Mentorship

We are committed to providing our students with an engaged, real-world learning experience through a grounded approach to education and research. We support and mentor our students to become graduates who make a positive change in their lives, careers, and community.

Dr. Kathryn Whiteley, Associate Professor of Criminal Justice