Criminal Justice
About
Careers in the exciting fields of law enforcement, anti-terrorism, criminal lab science, pre-law, customs, asset protection, and juvenile justice are more popular than ever. For these careers, a degree in criminal justice is the perfect route. Criminal justice, Wayne State’s fastest growing major, is designed to provide you with the necessary practical knowledge and skills for rewarding careers in this field. It’s also offered online for those who are already working in the field and wish to obtain a degree. Our major covers the basis for understanding the economic, political, and social environments in which the criminal justice process operates, which means you have the flexibility to apply your degree to a variety of careers.
Percent of recent WSC graduates employed or in graduate school
based on the most recent graduate survey
Our Focus is Results
Wayne State has the keys to your success and offers just what you need to become well prepared for the real world.
Skills Learned
- Criminal law and constitutional rights
- Role and function of police and law enforcement
- Correctional processes and probationary concepts
- Criminology theories and understanding criminal behavior
- Forensic crime scene investigation
- Security and loss prevention
- Introductory Spanish
- Homeland security and the nature of terrorism
- Research methods in social science
- Oral and written communication
- Time management and organization
Possible Careers
- Police officer / sheriff
- Crime scene investigator
- Fraud investigator
- Anti-terrorism agent
- Correctional officer
- Probation/parole officer
- Border patrol agent
- Immigration specialist
- Case manager
- Lawyer / attorney
- Paralegal
- Youth support worker
- Child protection agent
- Private and corporate security
- Emergency management
Employers
- Law enforcement agencies
- Federal agencies
- Anti-terrorism units
- Probation offices
- Correctional facilities
- Security companies
- Child protective services
- Immigration services
- Crime scene labs
- Law firms
- Social services
Outside the Classroom
At Wayne State College, you’ll have opportunities to enhance your education by participating in clubs, organizations, events, and more.
Clubs and Organizations
- Wayne State Criminal Justice Association (WSCJA)
- Alpha Phi Sigma (National Criminal Justice Honor Society)
- Delta Upsilon (American Criminal Justice Association)
- Pi Gamma Mu (International Honor Society in Social Sciences)
Service-Learning
Make a difference in the community while learning skills you can apply toward your future career in criminal justice. Wayne State’s Service-Learning program has received national awards in recognition of outstanding community service, with more than 400 students participating in Service-Learning projects each semester.
Opportunities
- Field trips – Take advantage of these unique learning opportunities beyond the classroom. You’ll get to visit correctional facilities and courts, see police departments, observe parole board hearings, and even interview prison inmates.
- Peer tutoring and mentoring programs – Help fellow students master their courses and improve their skills, be part of a support system for new students, and make new friends - all while gaining valuable experience that will better prepare you for the future.
- Study Abroad - Earn credit toward your degree while experiencing exciting global adventures overseas.
Internships
An internship is not required to graduate with a degree in criminal justice; however, experience is always a plus. You’ll have a chance to work with local agencies to help gain some field experience and earn credit toward your degree. Career Services is also available to help you find the best internship and job opportunities.
