Criminal Justice
Criminal Justice
Criminal justice is the study of crime, criminal behavior and the legal system. The criminal justice degree program is designed to explore types of crime, investigation of crimes, prosecution and defense of crimes, courtroom rules and procedures and many other areas involving the American justice system.
As a result of generous donations by our alumni and other contributors, we are able to make financial awards on an annual basis to our most competitive undergraduate students. Students should apply through the university GO system to be considered for available funding. These awards assist our students financially and allow us to acknowledge the hard work of our best and brightest.
What Will I Learn?
Our criminal justice degree programs foster an understanding of criminal justice policy, criminal law and procedure, theories of crime, juvenile justice, as well as ethics and organization management. Our students are prepared to pursue careers in law enforcement, homeland security, law, court administration, corrections and juvenile justice. Graduates also possess the necessary foundation for graduate or law school.
Criminal justice majors are strongly encouraged to consider an internship experience. Internships are a valuable educational tool that provides supervised field study in an agency setting. Students may earn academic credit for approved internship experiences and obtain valuable experience and career insight. Possible internship placements for criminal justice majors include, but are not limited to the following:
- Law enforcement agencies (federal, state and local)
- Federal Bureau of Investigation
- United States Probation and Parole
- Community Corrections and Rehabilitation
- Juvenile Justice
- Prosecutor and Defense Attorney Offices
- Judicial and Court Administration
Student-Centered Education
Our faculty are prominent scholars in their respective areas of expertise. Through lecture, online and seminar courses, faculty strive to cultivate knowledge, understanding and analytical skills in our students. Faculty serve as advisors and mentors for students to better assist them with career planning and degree progress. Student organizations provide valuable opportunities for our students to interact with faculty, professionals in the field and to develop important connections in civic and campus life.
Availability
| Degree Plan | Availability |
|---|---|
| Hattiesburg | |
| Gulf Park, Hattiesburg | |
- Law Enforcement
- Juvenile Justice
- Law
- Homeland Security
- Victim's Services
- Corrections
- Phil Bryant, 1977
Governor, State of Mississippi - Jason Denham, 2003
Resident Agent in Charge, United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF)
- Derryle Smith, 1992
Resident Agent in Charge, United States Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) State of Mississippi - Kelly Smith Adcock, 1991
United States Secret Service, Retired
- Ryan Medeiros, 2015
Officer, United States Probation and Parole - Jacqueline Ledger, 1995
Juvenile Justice Specialist, Mississippi Department of Public Safety