Change lives. Change the world.
Social services, legal and law enforcement careers are in demand in Indiana and across the United States. Earning a degree in criminal justice will prepare you for a range of rewarding careers in which you can protect, serve and advocate for people of all ages and backgrounds.
Expected job growth in social service management (BLS)
Median annual pay for social service managers in Indiana (BLS, 2019)
Median annual pay for police officers in Indiana (BLS, 2019)
At the University of Saint Francis, we approach our criminal justice and criminology major from a restorative justice lens. You will go beyond the traditional coursework and take a deep dive into some of society’s most pressing issues, all with an eye toward protecting the dignity of all citizens and making the world a safer place.
You’ll gain a foundation in criminology and psychology and develop an understanding of courts, corrections and law enforcement careers. You will also explore topics like violence and victimology; and race and ethnic relations. Ultimately, you will develop a thorough understanding of the criminal justice system and learn how to help criminal offenders become productive members of society.
Our program’s social justice mission aligns closely with USF’s Franciscan values. Through meaningful project-based courses, you will directly and positively impact the local community in many ways. For example:
Experience a trial. Observe a 911 dispatch center. Tour a correctional facility. As a criminal justice and criminology major at USF, you’ll get to see the system in action through a range of field trips each semester.
Our Fort Wayne location — Indiana’s second-largest city and the seat of Allen County — gives our students access to criminal justice internships in agencies and organizations such as:
As you prepare to enter a profession committed to social justice, you’ll be glad to know USF offers plenty of opportunities for you to serve others through campus ministries, student groups and service-learning projects. Groups that might especially interest a criminology major include:
I appreciate how this gave me a broad understanding of the field far beyond enforcement or corrections. Because I learned about the entire Criminal Justice system, I feel I have better options for a career.
Dionte Walker ’18
An associate degree in criminal justice and criminology opens you to many entry-level positions. With a bachelor’s degree and experience, you’ll have even more opportunities — and room for advancement in your chosen field. Criminal justice and law enforcement careers you might consider include:
A criminology major can also prepare you for law school — and a career as an attorney.
Our graduates find criminal justice and law enforcement careers in many fields, including government agencies, nonprofit organizations and educational institutions. USF graduates are working in positions such as:
After earning an associate degree, students often choose to continue their studies and earn their bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and criminology. Graduates of the four-year program may consider earning an advanced degree in law, counseling, education or research in the social sciences.
Your first step to becoming a USF Cougar is applying for admission. Our online application makes the process as convenient as possible.
Apply NowWhether you know what you want to see, who you want to meet or are just exploring your options, we will personalize your campus visit to fit your needs.
Visit USFAn academic plan is a general blueprint showing how one might complete the degree, semester by semester. Get an idea on what each semester could look like.