College of Science, Technology, and Health
Criminology and Criminal Justice (BA)
Earn your bachelors degree in Criminology and Criminal Justice at Lindenwood University in St. Louis, MO.
Bachelor of Arts (BA) offered in On-campus, Online, and Blended formats.
*On-campus format will require some online classes for degree completion.
St. Charles / St. Louis / Online
Criminology and Criminal Justice (BA)
Criminal justice is the academic study of the criminal justice system, including police, courts, and corrections. It analyzes the nature and extent of crime and the reactions of criminal justice agencies to the breaking of the law. If you plan on a career or continuing your studies in a graduate program, criminal justice is the program for you. Careers in criminal justice include law, public administration, law enforcement (local, state, and federal), court systems, corrections agencies, juvenile delinquency, probation and parole, as well as nonprofit community service organizations.
A Criminology and criminal justice degree from Lindenwood University offers plenty of internship opportunities in areas such as police departments, probation/parole facilities, law offices, cybercrime unit, juvenile facilities, and victim assistance programs. There are also ample opportunities for field trips to various criminal justice related institutions and to hear professional speakers representing every major component of criminal justice.
The Lindenwood University St. Louis criminology and criminal justice degree program has an active Criminal Justice Student Association and has a Partnership with St. Louis County and Municipal Police Academy. A bachelor of science in chemistry with an emphasis in forensics is also offered.
Lindenwood University Criminology and Criminal Justice Faculty
Criminology and criminal justice program faculty at Lindenwood University has practical and professional experience within the criminal justice system, and they will pass the knowledge gained with that experience along to you. Every St. Louis criminal justice faculty member is also an academic advisor who will work closely with you to help you select a career path that will suit your interests.
Earning a Degree in Criminology and Criminal Justice at Lindenwood University
The criminology and criminal justice department will prepare you to enter the work force with a generalist bachelor of arts degree, which is an overall survey of criminal justice, or with a specified emphasis in criminal justice.
The criminology and criminal justice bachelor of arts (BA) generalist degree requires 51 credit hours, with 27 hours from the core group and 24 hours from the major elective group. A concentration is also available for law enforcement with a police academy option.
If you would like to continue your education after you have completed your undergraduate studies, Lindenwood offers a master of arts degree in criminal justice.
Earning a Minor in Criminal Justice at Lindenwood University
Lindenwood University offers a minor in criminal justice at Lindenwood University. A minor is simply a secondary academic subject to add to your knowledge, whether it is of professional or personal interest.
The minor in criminal justice requires 18 credit hours. You will study criminology, victimology, criminal justice systems, criminal law, and study a choice of subjects such as policing in America, corrections, criminal minds, and the juvenile justice system.
What You Can Do with a Criminology and Criminal Justice Degree from Lindenwood University
Lindenwood University criminology and criminal justice program graduates typically find careers in police and sheriff’s departments, federal agencies, courts, correctional institutions, probation and parole services, social service agencies, juvenile facilities, and private enterprise. Some students also attend law school to earn their Juris Doctor. There are many career opportunities open to criminal justice graduates and options are not limited to those mentioned.
Contact the Lindenwood University Criminology and Criminal Justice Program
For more information about this St. Louis criminology and criminal justice degree program, contact Pernell Witherspoon, Department Head of the Department of Criminology and Criminal Justice at [email protected] (636) 949-4987 or Billi Patzius, Program Coordinator at [email protected] (636) 949-4511.
The Lindenwood University St. Louis criminology and criminal justice degree program boasts an active Criminal Justice Student Association that organizes events, workshops, and networking opportunities. The program’s partnership with St. Louis County and Municipal Police Academy provides a unique advantage for students interested in law enforcement careers. For students fascinated by the scientific aspects of criminal investigation, the university offers a bachelor of science in chemistry with an emphasis in forensics, demonstrating the interdisciplinary nature of modern criminology and criminal justice education.
Program Details Curriculum
Earning a Degree in Criminology and Criminal Justice at Lindenwood University
The criminology and criminal justice department offers flexible degree options to suit different career aspirations. Students can pursue a generalist bachelor of arts degree, providing a comprehensive overview of criminal justice, or choose a specialized emphasis. This flexibility allows students to tailor their education to their specific interests within the field of criminology and criminal justice.
The criminology and criminal justice bachelor of arts (BA) generalist degree requires 51 credit hours, with 27 hours dedicated to core courses and 24 hours of major electives.
Essential Skills & Insights
Lindenwood University Criminology and Criminal Justice Faculty
The criminology and criminal justice program faculty at Lindenwood University bring a wealth of practical and professional experience from various roles within the criminal justice system. This real-world experience enriches classroom discussions and helps students understand the practical applications of theoretical concepts. Each St. Louis criminal justice faculty member serves as an academic advisor, providing personalized guidance to help students navigate their academic journey and select career paths aligned with their interests and strengths.
Experiential Learning, Real-World Impact
A criminology and criminal justice degree from Lindenwood University opens doors to numerous hands-on learning opportunities through internships across various sectors of the criminal justice system. Students can gain practical experience in police departments, where they work alongside law enforcement professionals and understand day-to-day police operations. The program also offers internships in probation and parole facilities, providing insights into offender rehabilitation and community reintegration. For those interested in legal aspects, internships at law offices help students understand the intersection of law and criminal justice. Modern crime-fighting experience can be gained through placements in cybercrime units, while those passionate about youth justice can intern at juvenile facilities. Additionally, students can work with victim assistance programs, learning to support and advocate for crime victims. These diverse internship opportunities help students bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application in criminology and criminal justice.
The program enriches student learning through carefully planned field trips to criminal justice institutions, including correctional facilities, courthouses, and forensic laboratories. Students regularly hear from professional speakers representing various components of the criminal justice system, from FBI agents and forensic scientists to judges and corrections officers, providing valuable insights into different career paths in criminology and criminal justice.
Careers in Criminology and Criminal Justice (BA)
What You Can Do with a Criminology and Criminal Justice Degree from Lindenwood University
Graduates of Lindenwood University’s criminology and criminal justice program find themselves well-positioned for diverse and rewarding career paths. Many alumni secure positions in local law enforcement, joining police and sheriff’s departments where they apply their comprehensive understanding of criminal justice systems and criminology theories. Federal agencies, including the FBI, DEA, and Homeland Security, also actively recruit our graduates, valuing their strong foundation in both criminology and criminal justice principles.
The program’s graduates excel in various roles within the judicial system, from court administrators to legal assistants, while others find fulfilling careers in correctional institutions, focusing on rehabilitation and offender management. The criminology and criminal justice degree also prepares students for careers in probation and parole services, where they help former offenders reintegrate into society. Social service agencies frequently employ our graduates in roles focusing on crime prevention and community support.
Some graduates choose to pursue law school, leveraging their criminology degree as a strong foundation for legal studies. The analytical and critical thinking skills developed during the program prove invaluable in legal education and practice. Career opportunities extend beyond traditional paths, with graduates finding positions in private security firms, corporate investigation units, and cybercrime prevention teams.
Degree Paths
The criminology and criminal justice department offers flexible degree options to suit different career aspirations. Students can pursue a generalist bachelor of arts degree, providing a comprehensive overview of criminal justice, or choose a specialized emphasis. This flexibility allows students to tailor their education to their specific interests within the field of criminology and criminal justice.
For students interested in advanced studies, Lindenwood offers a master of science degree in criminal justice, providing opportunities for deeper specialization and research in the field.
Earning a Minor in Criminal Justice at Lindenwood University
Lindenwood University offers a comprehensive minor in criminal justice, perfect for students who want to complement their primary degree with knowledge of the criminal justice system. This minor requires 18 credit hours and covers essential topics in criminology, including victimology, criminal justice systems, and criminal law. Students can also choose from elective courses such as policing in America, corrections, criminal minds, and the juvenile justice system, allowing them to focus on areas that align with their interests or career goals.
Emphasis Areas
For those specifically interested in law enforcement, a specialized concentration with a law enforcement with a police academy option is available.
Program Contact
Contact the Lindenwood University Criminology and Criminal Justice Program
For more information about this St. Louis criminology and criminal justice degree program, contact Pernell Witherspoon, Department Head of the Department of Criminology and Criminal Justice at [email protected] (636) 949-4987 or Billi Patzius, Program Coordinator at [email protected] (636) 949-4511.
Contact Info
Dr. Pernell Witherspoon
Professor, Criminal Justice and Criminology Studies
(636) 949-4987
[email protected]
Expert in criminal justice theory and practice, specializing in law enforcement education.
Dr. Billi Patzius
Professor, Criminal Justice and Criminology
(636) 949-4511
[email protected]
Leading authority on criminology and criminal justice degree programs.
Available Degree Options
Health Sciences
Kinesiology
Mathematics, Computer Science, and Information Technology
Natural Sciences
Social and Behavioral Sciences
The Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences offers comprehensive programs that blend theoretical knowledge with practical applications. Our flagship programs in criminology and criminal justice provide students with distinct educational pathways to match their career aspirations. The Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Criminology and Criminal Justice delivers a thorough understanding of both criminology theories and criminal justice systems, while our specialized Law Enforcement Academy Emphasis prepares students for direct entry into law enforcement careers.
For those seeking advanced education, our Master of Science (MS) in Criminal Justice offers two specialized tracks: Administration Emphasis for leadership roles, and Crisis Response Support Emphasis for emergency management positions. These programs highlight the key differences between criminology and criminal justice, with criminology focusing on the study of criminal behavior and crime patterns, while criminal justice emphasizes the practical application of law enforcement and judicial processes.
The department also houses robust Psychology (BS) and Sociology (BA) programs, complementing our criminal justice offerings with valuable insights into human behavior and social dynamics. Our distinguished faculty members bring extensive field experience and academic expertise to the classroom, ensuring students receive both theoretical knowledge and practical insights.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Criminology studies criminal behavior and crime patterns, while criminal justice focuses on law enforcement and judicial processes. Lindenwood’s BA program covers both areas comprehensively.
Students can intern in police departments, probation and parole facilities, law offices, cybercrime units, juvenile facilities, and victim assistance programs, gaining hands-on experience across the criminal justice system.
Graduates work in local and federal law enforcement (FBI, DEA, Homeland Security), corrections, probation and parole, court administration, social services, law school, private security, and cybercrime prevention.
Options include a generalist BA degree (51 credit hours), a Law Enforcement Academy Emphasis, a Master of Science with Administration or Crisis Response tracks, and an 18-credit-hour minor in criminal justice.
The program features faculty with real-world criminal justice experience, partnerships with the St. Louis County Police Academy, field trips to criminal justice institutions, guest speakers from various sectors, and an active Criminal Justice Student Association.