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About this field

Criminal Justice majors study the structure and function of the criminal justice system as it applies to adults and juveniles, focusing on criminal laws on the federal, state, and local level and how they relate to the Constitution of the United States.  Criminal justice students at Valdosta State University study various theories of criminology, learn how to apply scientific research techniques and related statistical techniques to the study of crime and examine how criminal law is applied in the various components of the criminal justice system.

The Valdosta State Difference

Desiring a degree in criminal justice? Seeking flexible degree options? Students in the Valdosta State criminal justice program enjoy small upper-level class size and a close relationship with professors. Students have an opportunity to gain invaluable experience in the field by working on research projects with faculty members, completing internships and participating in study abroad programs. Students who excel academically may be invited to participate in Alpha Phi Sigma, the National Criminal Justice Honor Society.

Students can complete the Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice on campus or fully online. Through the E-Degree online CJ major, courses are offered in two, eight week terms, over 16 weeks, allowing students to complete four (4) courses per term (8 courses in 16 weeks). This allows for an expedited path to graduation.

The BS degree allows students the flexibility to seek entry level positions in local, county, state, and federal criminal justice agencies as well as private corporate security companies. Graduates with the degree are well prepared to pursue graduate education, including law school.

What You'll Learn

Students in the undergraduate criminal justice program have the opportunity to explore all areas of the criminal justice system through a diversity of course topics including: cybercrime, forensic criminology, criminal law, comparative justice systems, sex crimes, terrorism, white collar crime, organized crime, and criminal analysis. Students also have the option of using course electives to minor in other related disciplines. Students who graduate from Valdosta State with a degree in criminal justice are prepared for entry-level positions at all levels of the criminal justice system and in the private sector. Students are well prepared to pursue graduate education as well. Graduates have been successful in securing employment in various criminal justice agencies.

Careers

• ATF Special Agent
• Caseworker
• CIA Agent
• Constable
• Coroner
• Corporate Security Specialist
• Correctional Officer
• Court Administrator
• Detective
• Detention Officer
• Diplomatic Security Service Special Agent

• Juvenile Detention Officer
• Loss Prevention Specialist
• Narcotics Agent
• Police Inspector
• Police Officer
• Postal Inspector
• U.S. Border Patrol Agent
• U.S. Customs Agent
• U.S. Marshal
• Warden