Criminal Justice

If you have an interest in why crimes occur and why people commit them, you may want to explore the criminal justice major at Manchester University. The program is designed to provide students with an overview of the origins of criminal behavior, the consequences of crime for society and the legal responses societies develop to combat crime. This interdisciplinary major encourages students to take courses in sociology, social work, psychology and political science. Students are required to complete a practicum that provides the opportunity to apply knowledge learned in the classroom to a workplace setting. Observing and participating in a human services organization exposes students to the social service delivery systems and potential careers.

The major in criminal justice seeks to provide the humanistic foundation for successful careers in areas such as mediation and conflict resolution, juvenile justice, victim assistance, private and public security, law enforcement, substance abuse prevention, or rehabilitation counseling

A minor in criminal justice may complement majors in such areas as social work, management, history, political science, psychology, or sociology, and can serve as an academic foundation for advanced study in law, justice studies, social work, sociology, or public policy.

A two-year Associate of Arts degree is also available with the option of merging into a four-year degree.

Note: The four-year major in criminal justice begins in fall 2011. Previously, criminal justice was offered as a minor only. The “Requirements and Courses” link to the 2010-11 University Catalog lists only requirements for a minor in criminal justice. Contact Professor Brad Yoder or your admissions counselor about major requirements.