Criminal Justice

The Bachelor of Science (BS) in Criminal Justice at Geneva College applies Christ’s example of forgiveness, integrity, compassion, and redemption to modern issues of crime and punishment. Using a multidisciplinary, hands-on learning format, the criminal justice program allows you to discover your niche. As you learn about the American justice system and human psychology, you learn to lead with ethics and responsibility to deliver restorative justice, and share the light of Jesus.

Develop the knowledge and skills needed to protect and serve the public with a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice at Geneva College.

Real-World Internships

Intern with local law enforcement and criminal justice agencies across the state of Pennsylvania

Mock Crime Scenes

Learn by doing by participating in mock crime scene experience on campus

Multidisciplinary Program

Gain vital critical thinking and communication skills by learning concepts across criminal justice, political science, psychology, sociology, and social services

Experienced Faculty

Engage and learn from faculty with extensive field experience in criminal justice careers

Unique Criminal Justice Courses

Investigations and Procedures

Explore the basic concepts of criminal law and how to perform investigations utilizing critical evidence.

Restorative Justice

Discover an alternative way of administering justice involving the victim, the community, and the offender through a restorative process.

21st Century Policing

Examine the development of police organizations in America, from police roles and tasks to subcultures and the stresses of modern police work.

Criminal Law

Learn the basic concepts of criminal law, both in common law and by statute.

View Example Course Map

Experienced & Accomplished Faculty

Stephanie Schindel

Associate Professor of Psychology and Social Services, Chair, Department of Psychology and Social Services

Anton Leontyev

Assistant Professor of Psychology

Megan Tritt

Associate Professor of Psychology and Social Services

Mildred Johnson

Professor of Criminal Justice

Program Overview
Learning Objectives
Serve and Protect

The mission of the Department of Psychology and Social Services is to provide a learning environment that encourages and challenges students to master the content and skills needed to work with and to serve a diverse community of people in a variety of settings.

This is achieved by integrating and assessing the discipline of criminal justice with a biblical worldview so students are prepared to enter in their field and uphold their Christian values.

The learning objectives for criminal justice majors are:

Students will express a thorough knowledge of how the criminal justice system works in America and be able to describe contemporary practices.
Students will describe the impact of crime and law on society and the concept of justice from varying points of view and from a Christian worldview.
Students will understand the legal concepts and terminology of substantive areas of criminal justice.
Students will have a clear understanding of calling and vocation for themselves and have a plan for pursuing their calling.

Start a nonprofit, become a police officer, or work to uncover the source of crime in your city. Earning a criminal justice degree means you’re prepared to join the workforce upon graduation or enter law school to further your study.

Career Outlook for Criminal Justice Majors

Highly diverse, the field of criminal justice and criminology is vital to the proper functioning of society. As such, communities increasingly seek criminal justice graduates to fill public roles encompassing the maintenance of law and order. Along with consistent career opportunities, pursuing a criminal justice degree offers the unique job satisfaction of serving others in your community.

Increased Salary

Many police departments nationwide offer a salary incentive for having a four-year degree, making your bachelor’s in criminal justice highly valuable.

$66,020

Data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates that the median annual wage for police and detectives is $66,020.

“As a Christian in law enforcement, I was able to show people that they could live a fruitful life if they took the needed steps. People can grab onto real hope when we offer it. It's very special that at Geneva, we're able to teach a Christ-centered redemptive approach that can make a vast difference when it comes to criminal justice.” - Dr. Millie Johnson, Associate Professor of Criminal Justice

Prepare for Criminal Justice Careers such as...

Police Officer
Criminal Profiler
Fraud Investigator
Homicide Detective
Criminal Justice Teacher
Probation and Parole Officer
Federal Agent
Victims Advocate
Youth Correctional Counselor

Further your impact...

Work within the justice system as a paralegal
Serve in government agencies like the FBI or CIA
Lead an organization that works to prevent crime in at-risk youth
Pursue a master’s in behavioral science, criminal administration, or criminology

Tell Me More

Discover more about our Criminal Justice program

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Related Programs

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Psychology

BS Major • Minor

Community Development

BA Major

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