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Criminal Justice and Criminology

Whether you want to work in law enforcement, courts and corrections, or private security, La Roche University prepares you for a career in one of today's high-demand fields.

The Criminal Justice and Criminology major studies the causes of crime and criminal deviance, the treatment of offenders, and management of the systems that ensure safety and stability in society. The program focus on three dimensions of development:

  • The knowledge of law, science and human behavior
  • Skills in analytical thinking, computer technology and communications
  • Professionalism through an ethical perspective and multicultural understanding 

Additionally you'll develop skills as a criminal investigator, cyber investigator and researcher.

Expert Faculty

Criminal Justice and Criminology professors possess a combination of strong academic credentials and extensive practical experience in every area of the criminal justice field.

Faculty includes current and former members of the FBI, police, prosecution agencies, courts and correctional agencies.

The department chair is a retired Special Agent of the FBI and a recognized expert in the areas of crime, national security and security.

Real-World Experience

Our CSI student laboratory allows you to put theory into action through the investigation of realistic, simulated scenes based on actual crimes.

Through the major’s internship program, you’ll also be able to work with criminal justice professionals in the areas of policing, criminal analysis and private security.

Take a virtual tour of campus to see our CSI lab.

Optional Minor

The major incorporates enough elective hours to give students the ability to complete a minor. Popular combinations with criminal justice include academic disciplines such as:

  • Psychology
  • Computer Security and Forensics
  • Natural Sciences

Criminal Justice Club

The La Roche Criminal Justice Club provides a social and professional outlet for you to network and meet other students. Recent events include a tour of the Pittsburgh FBI office, a state correctional facility and a club-sponsored trip to Washington, D.C.

What Can You Do With Your Degree?

A degree in criminal justice and criminology prepares students for countless careers. The choices include:

  • Federal, state and municipal law enforcement
  • Probation, parole and pretrial services
  • Victim’s assistance officers or coordinators
  • Correctional officers or counselors
  • Investigators for state/federal licensing or regulatory agencies
  • Security positions with federal government agencies, such as the CIA
  • Positions with the police, security and intelligence branches of the various components of the U.S. Armed Forces 

The rigor of La Roche’s program also provides exceptional academic preparation for graduate or law school. Numerous graduates have completed or are currently attending law schools throughout the country.

Scholarships

In addition to La Roche’s merit-based scholarships, we offer annual and endowed scholarships, thanks to our generous donors.

Coach Scott Lang Memorial Endowed Scholarship

  • This scholarship provides an annual award to a currently enrolled full-time student in any of the following majors: child and family studies, criminal justice and criminology, elementary education and English education.
  • Applicants must have a minimum 2.75 GPA and demonstrate financial need
  • Essay and two letters of recommendation are required
  • Renewable award

Apply for Scholarship