B.S. in Criminal Justice

Contact Us

Dawn Boynton
Academic Operations Manager
dboynton@plymouth.edu

Joshua Wakeham
Program Coordinator, Criminal Justice; Criminology
Assistant Professor
joshua.wakeham@plymouth.edu

The Department of Criminal Justice at Plymouth State University aims to serve students interested in a variety of careers spanning law enforcement, investigations, court administration, corrections, juvenile services, loss prevention, as well as graduate or law school. Consistent with the general mission of Plymouth State University, the department seeks to produce well-rounded graduates who are equipped to both continue their education and enter the work force. In addition, the department serves the surrounding community, not only by producing high quality graduates well prepared to enter their field, but also by partnering with local and regional agencies to provide academic and research support.

Students in the BS in criminal justice program focus on career preparation. The program includes a heavy emphasis on the criminal justice system itself, and how the branches of the system operate together and independently. Students develop skills in a variety of areas including, but not limited to, problem solving techniques, communication skills, data analysis skills, and technical writing skills, along with an appreciation for ethical and professional behavior in the field. Upon completion of the program, students will be well prepared for a variety of criminal justice careers. Students will also have developed an independent sense of self, with a tolerance toward others and the ability to work in diverse cultures.

Learning Outcomes

• Demonstrate an understanding of criminal law, justice system processes, terminology, and history.
• Apply criminological theory and research methodology to the practice of criminal justice.
• Analyze and evaluate moral and ethical perspectives as related to the field of criminal justice.
• Demonstrate technical competencies, and verbal and written communication skills.
• Describe and evaluate the principles of scientific methodology to become informed consumers of criminal justice research.
• Identify and appraise the presence of biases and prejudices and the role of diversity (racial, ethnic, sexual orientation, gender, socioeconomic, age, disabilities) in the application of justice.

Careers in Criminal Justice

• Airport Security
• ATF Agent
• Border Patrol Agent
• Child Support Agency Worker
• Correctional Officer
• Correctional Treatment Specialist
• Crime Scene Investigator
• Criminal Investigator
• DEA Agent
• FBI Agent
• Homeland Security Officer
• Juvenile Probation/Parole Officer
• Loss Prevention Specialist
• Parole Officer
• Police Officer
• Postal Inspector
• Prison Warden
• Private Investigator
• Private Security Officer
• Probation Officer
• Secret Service Special Agent
• Security Services Specialist
• U.S. Marshall
• Victim Advocate
• Youth Service Worker/Coordinator