Criminal Justice

Explore the important issues of diversity and ethical decision-making within the criminal justice system.

Criminal Justice (On Campus Program)

Studying criminal justice will take you from traditional law enforcement to modern-day global security.

Understanding the operation of and interactions between components of the criminal justice system in the United States will prepare you for a variety of careers protecting the safety of others.

Criminal Justice is so much more than just policing. You will learn to think in the abstract and apply justice theory to real-life situations. You will also learn the importance of interpreting best practices in the criminal justice field.

The criminal justice major focuses on crime, criminal justice, and society from a broad perspective. Students explore the nature of criminal behavior and its causes while critically evaluating system responses to crime.

Courses in the major emphasize criminological theories and research methods while examining a range of topics related to crime and justice; race, class, and gender disparities; structural and institutional racism; criminalization; punishment and reentry; criminal justice ethics; mental illness; substance abuse; immigration; and the reimagination of criminal justice as a response to crime and deviance.

View major course requirements

View minor course requirements

Why Simpson College for Criminal Justice?

Elijah Keopuhiwa outside police department

Get a Jump Start On A Master's Degree

When you are a junior in the criminal justice program and have a 3.5 GPA or better, you may begin taking courses (up to three) that will give you dual credit in the undergraduate and the Master of Arts in Criminal Justice programs.

If accepted, this advanced standing program is a great option for students who are seriously considering earning a Master’s degree after completing their Bachelor’s degree. You can save tuition costs for one or two semesters and decrease the time required to complete your MACJ.