How can data be used to stop a crime before it starts? When is it appropriate to release certain information about an ongoing case? And what steps should law enforcement take to build relationships with community leaders? Those working in criminal justice find solutions to these questions and more.
The undergraduate degree program in criminal justice is part of the College of Liberal Arts, which is about making connections freely—exploring human achievement, examining the past critically and discovering ways to build upon it, and understanding yourself and our diverse world in order to transform it.
Learn about College of Liberal ArtsThere can be no criminal justice without a commitment to the principles and practices of social justice. Today’s communities require a different approach to law enforcement. The Mount’s program provides a sociological perspective informed by principles of restorative justice and Catholic social teaching. The result is a greater level of professionalism and a better understanding of how to build trust through collaboration.
As a criminal justice major, you’ll study the various aspects of the American justice system, including the police, the courts and the corrections system. Through criminology, you’ll study the making and breaking of laws, and the social reaction that follows. You’ll also discuss violent crime, property crime and “victimless crime,” as well as the social control of crime. In criminal law, you’ll cover legal principles through case studies, looking at the basic elements of crime, crimes against people, property and society in general, and the privileges and defenses of the accused. Our faculty includes working professionals who work closely with students and cover a variety of specializations, ranging from cyber to street crime, as well as issues surrounding guns, drugs and immigration.
A criminal justice degree will open opportunities to various careers such as an intelligence analyst for the FBI working to stop terrorism, a U.S. Marshall apprehending fugitives across the country, or a police detective helping keep criminals off the streets of your town.
Hear from current students and faculty about what it's like to study criminal justice at the Mount.
Want to see a full listing of all criminal justice courses, including a sample course sequence?
See full course listingsMount grads have landed positions at leading agencies and organizations such as:
Pair a criminal justice minor with a political science degree to shape law enforcement policy or to pursue a career as a public information manager, or a cybersecurity degree to become a computer forensics investigator with a government agency.
The sociology and criminal justice double major will cover areas of the justice and corrections system in the United States, allowing you to examine legal principles through studying cases and elements of crime. You’ll learn to apply an understanding of social theory, sociological research and statistical techniques to better to address social processes, social inequality and social change in today’s world. Concluding with a capstone senior seminar, you’ll synthesize writings and research in criminal justice and sociology to develop your own perspective about modern issues.
The double major will prepare you for work in the fields of law enforcement, criminology, government, community relations, social services, research and law. Upon graduation, you’ll be able to pursue a career as a counselor helping underprivileged children create a better life or work as human rights officer or case manager. You could also become a corrections officer or parole officer, or work at the FBI as an interrogator, criminal investigator, or a special agent as you make the world a safer place. You can also pursue graduate school.
