Criminal Justice & Criminology (BA)
Change lives. Change the world.
- Available as
- Major
- Degrees/Options
- Bachelor of Arts
- Length
- 4 years
- Locations
- Fort Wayne
Why Study Criminal Justice and Criminology?
Social services, legal, and law enforcement careers are in demand in Indiana and across the United States. Earning a degree in Criminal Justice and Criminology will prepare you for a range of rewarding careers in which you can protect, serve, and advocate for people of all ages and backgrounds.
$78,240
Median salary for social and community service managers in 2024
BLS.gov
826,800
Number of jobs for criminal investigators, police and detectives
BLS.gov
100%
Career success rate for our Class of 2024 Criminal Justice graduates
Why Saint Francis for a Criminal Justice and Criminology Major?
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 criminal justice, criminology and psychology and develop an understanding of courts, corrections and law enforcement careers. You will also explore topics like violence, victimology and corrections and rehabilitation. 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 component aligns closely with our mission and core values. Through meaningful project-based courses, you will directly and positively impact the local community in many ways. For example:
- During our Drugs and Society course, students provided middle school students with a drug and alcohol educational program on the dangers of substance abuse and peer pressure.
- The program’s student club, Criminologists in Action (CIA), organizes awareness campaigns for domestic violence, sexual assault, impaired driving, suicide prevention and social justice by hosting panel discussions, inviting experts in the field to share their knowledge and resources, fundraising for nonprofit organizations and sponsoring self-defense classes and tie-dye t-shirt events.
Hands-On Learning: Criminal Justice Internships and Field Trips
Experience a trial. Observe a 911 dispatch center. Tour a correctional facility. As a criminal justice and criminology major at Saint Francis, 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:
- Fort Wayne Police Department’s Victim Assistance Program
- Allen County Sheriff’s Department
- Public Defender’s Office
- Prosecuting Attorney’s Office
- Adult and juvenile probation departments
- Allen County Community Corrections
“Saint Francis made me want to build a better life and it gave me the tools to do it. It brought me closer to Christ and taught me to be a dependable and caring leader. It made me want more for myself, for my community and for the world.”
Daniel Thompson ‘24 Residential Services Officer, Allen County Corrections
“I like how the Criminal Justice program connects us to the real world. We’re actually out a lot — seeing the court system in action, touring a residential transition program, and lots of other options that connect us to careers in the field.”
Collin Siratei ’25 Criminal Justice
“The program is really hands-on with mock trials, field trips and other real-life projects. You have an opportunity to meet professionals in every area of the work force from, attorneys to officers to judges etc., and from that you build connections and relationships for your future. This program is really a tight-knit and passionate group of people.”
Matthew Anjorin ’19 Felony Investigator at the Allen County Public Defender’s Office
“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 Criminal Justice
“The Criminal Justice and Criminology program provides a close knit atmosphere where everybody knows everybody and helps each other through the program. The professors make sure student success is their top priority. The program’s workload prepared me for what to expect in the field, so I won’t be surprised by anything as I pursue my goal of a becoming an arson investigator.”
Zach Trocchio ’23 Pursuing firefighter career
“Being a law enforcement officer is one of the hardest things I’ve ever done. The Criminal Justice Program at Saint Francis prepared me for the academic and mental challenges I face on a daily basis. I would not be where I am today without the program or my professors.”
Megan Moreno ’21 Law Enforcement Officer, Fort Wayne Police Department
Campus and Community Involvement
As you prepare to enter a profession committed to social justice, you’ll be glad to know Saint Francis offers plenty of opportunities for you to serve others through campus ministries, student groups and service-learning projects. Groups that might especially interest a criminal justice and criminology major include:
- Criminologists in Action (CIA)
- Social Work Club
- Get Psyched!
What Can You Do With a Criminal Justice and Criminology Degree?
A 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:
- Case manager
- Victim advocate
- Intelligence analyst
- Paralegal
- Police officer (with additional training)
- Lawyer (with completion of law school)
- Security or protective services agent
- Private investigator
- Game warden/park ranger
- Corrections officer
- Probation officer
A criminal justice and criminology major can also prepare you for law school—and a career as an attorney.
Where You’ll Find Our Graduates
Our graduates find criminal justice and law enforcement careers in many fields, including government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and educational institutions. Saint Francis graduates are working in positions such as:
- Trooper, Indiana State Police
- Police officer, Fort Wayne Police Department
- Police officer, Auburn (Indiana) Police Department
- Police officer, Indianapolis Metro Police Department
- Corrections officer, Allen County Community Corrections Residential Services
- Investigator/Paralegal, Allen County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, Domestic Violence Unit
- Deputy sheriff, Steuben County, Indiana
- Investigator, Allen County Public Defender’s Office
- Corrections officer, Pendleton Juvenile Correctional Facility
- Caseworker, Department of Child Services
- Advocate, Stop Child Abuse and Neglect (SCAN)
Graduate School and Other Opportunities
After earning a degree, students may consider earning an advanced degree in law, counseling, education or research in the social sciences.