Protecting the public good with purpose

If you are a fierce proponent of upholding the law, are calm in heated situations and you are called to serve others, you have the essential qualities for a criminal justice career. And the criminal justice field isn’t only to respond to crimes, it addresses other societal problems. The discipline draws on history, civics, the law, the Constitution, ethics and logic, all of which you will study at Susquehanna as a criminal justice major.

You also will study psychology and sociology to gain a firm understanding of human behavior and the situations that create criminal behavior. Learning criminal justice theories and practices will enable you to:

  • Analyze and critique complex arguments to reach a conclusion
  • Examine and document criminal behavior patterns using research methods and principles
  • Recognize and address social injustices, including racial and socioeconomic biases, in legal and law enforcement systems
  • Utilize geographic information system (GIS) for crime mapping and other investigation software for crime analysis
  • Communicate and work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders from various backgrounds and perspectives

After graduation, most criminal justice majors work in the justice system, law enforcement or corrections, but you could also work in the private sector or independently as a private investigator, lawyer, paralegal or forensics investigator. Whether you choose a profession where you help to incarcerate criminals or help to rehabilitate them, your career path will be meaningful and rewarding.


95%
of students study abroad
99%
of students receive financial aid

A real-world view of criminal justice 

The Adams Center for Law & Society hosts visiting legal scholars and an extensive library. If you become an Adams Center scholar, you’ll get paid internship opportunities, with hands-on experience with local attorneys, judges and probation offices.

Learn more

Image of students discussing.

Potential careers

  • Legal Researcher or Lawyer
  • Forensic Investigator
  • Advocate for Victims & Restorative Justice
  • Homeland Security
  • Police or Safety Officer

Recent employers

  • Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)
  • U.S. Department of Homeland Security
  • U.S. Department of Defense
  • State Government
  • State Police

Average salary

$90,370

2021 median pay for detective

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics

Studying for a degree in criminal justice

Explore the courses you’ll take on your journey to earning a degree in criminal justice at Susquehanna.


Explore other Programs and Opportunities

See the full list of related programs on the School of Natural and Social Sciences page.


Virtual Tour of Susquehanna University

Click Here for the Accessibility Version

 

Contact Us

Criminal Justice

514 University Ave.
Selinsgrove, Pa. 17870

Get Directions

Location

Steele Hall

Campus Map

Phone & Email

Nick Clark, department head
570-372-4726
clarkn@dektinary.com