Our criminal justice program observes the criminal and civil justice systems and their associated professions from several different perspectives — anthropological, economical, historical, philosophical, psychological and sociological.
Overview
Centered primarily in the social and behavioral sciences, the program combines a liberal arts education, in-depth study in your area of interest and supervised fieldwork. We also offer an online degree completion program for those with appropriate transfer credit.
The optional internship gives you the opportunity to apply classroom learning in real-world settings, and enables you to make contact with working professionals — and possible employers. Add a forensic science minor — or double-major in criminal justice and psychology, sociology or political science — to more fully prepare for career or graduate school plans. Choose evening or online options to fit coursework around your work or family schedule. Excel and you can work as a peer adviser or undergraduate assistant in certain courses, and you may be eligible to join Alpha Delta Omega, the public justice honor society.
Curriculum
Bachelor of Arts
Outcomes
- Enhanced skills in oral and written communication, analytical ability, critical thinking, computer and information literacy, and self-directed learning
- Ability to relate theory to the practices, policies and processes of the systems in criminal justice
- Broad understanding of the policies and processes of the systems and institutions in the criminal justice field and the social problems criminal justice institutions are intended to solve
- Ability to examine various social problems from both historical and contemporary perspectives and the role of criminal justice institutions in dealing with such social problems
Career Opportunities
- Law
- Law enforcement
- Court administration
- Social work
- Institutional corrections
- Child welfare
- Private security
- Mediation
The flexibility of the criminal justice program allowed me to explore multiple aspects of the field to find what I was genuinely passionate about.
Program Resources
The Oswego Guarantee
- Timely course offerings
- High touch connections to alumni
- Small student to faculty ratio
- Limited room & board increases each year
Where Our Students Have Interned
- Forensic Medical Services
- New York State Police
- Onondaga County District Attorney Office
- U.S. Customs
- U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration
- U.S. Secret Service
- U.S. Marshals Service
Internships
Learn what it's like to work in a professional setting while still in school.
Research
Apply the knowledge you learn in the classroom to research in the field and laboratory.
Get Involved
The Criminal Justice Department offers many ways to get involved on campus outside of academics. Join the Criminal Justice Club, attend a guest lecture, or become a peer advisor and help your fellow classmates through out their college career.