120
Credit Hours
18
Credit-Hour Minor

Degree

  • Undergraduate Combined Degree https://www.stmarytx.edu/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/crime-scene-tape.jpg
  • Minor https://www.stmarytx.edu/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/crime-scene-tape.jpg
  • Bachelor of Arts https://www.stmarytx.edu/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/crime-scene-tape.jpg

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Criminal Justice Major at St. Mary’s

The Criminal Justice major prepares graduates for a variety of employment opportunities in the private and public sectors. Students study the investigative and administrative practices of law enforcement, courts, and community and correctional institutions. They also explore individual and social factors that contribute to criminal behavior.

Developing critical-thinking and problem-solving skills essential to careers in this field, the Criminal Justice major builds excellent foundations of knowledge for students who want to pursue graduate or law degrees.

Program of Study

Students may pursue a Bachelor of Arts degree in Criminal Justice or a minor in Criminal Justice. Criminal justice is the study of the administration, organization, goals, processes, practices, roles, philosophies and histories of organizations created to prevent and control crime and delinquency.

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  • Degree Plans

    The Criminal Justice program aims to develop students’ critical thinking, problem-solving, communication, and technology skills to help them excel in the criminal justice field.

    Students can pursue:

    Course descriptions

  • Course Highlights

    Students have numerous core major courses, as well as room for electives.

    Course highlights include:

    • Criminal Justice Administration
    • Substantive Criminal Law
    • Ethics in Criminal Justice
    • Legal Topics in Criminal Justice
    Course Catalog
$83,637
Median Annual earnings for Detectives and Criminal Investigators
36
Credit Hours within the Major of Criminal Justice
11-to-1
Student-to-Faculty Ratio

What can I do with a degree in Criminal Justice?

Internship and Career Opportunities

  • Crime Scene Investigations (CSI)
  • Death Scene Investigations
  • Drug testing labs
  • Federal agencies (FBI, ATF, DOJ, Marshall’s office, Department of Defense)
  • Game Wardens
  • Juvenile and adult probation officer
  • Legal Offices
  • Texas DPS, CPS and APS
  • Various police and sheriff’s offices
Christine Nduhura sits in front of the Bell Tower

I want to work within immigration services because of my immigrant background. Our process of obtaining citizenship was so smooth when I came here, but that’s not the case for everyone. I want to help ease the process for others. … That’s why I wanted to study criminal justice. I want to make a difference and the St. Mary’s mission speaks to me.”

Christine Nduhura
Criminal Justice major

Outside the Classroom

Alpha Phi Sigma

As an honor society, Alpha Phi Sigma recognizes academic excellence of Criminal Justice majors. The goals of Alpha Phi Sigma are to honor and promote academic excellence, service, educational leadership and unity. Alpha Phi Sigma is the only Criminal Justice honor society that is a member of the Association of College Honor Societies and affiliated with the Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences.

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Faculty

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We’re eager to hear from you and answer any questions you have! Feel free to reach out to learn more about St. Mary’s University.

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