To inquire about this program:
Dr. MaryAnn Thrush| 423.869.6099 | maryann.thrush@LMUnet.edu
Do you want a career that makes a difference? Do you want to have a positive impact on people's daily lives? Then consider LMU's Criminology and Criminal Justice program. The program provides a comprehensive understanding of the criminal justice system, justice ethics, critical evaluation of criminal justice policy, and theories of crime and victimization. Students gain the knowledge and experience for a career in law enforcement, court administration, corrections, probation and parole, private industry or advanced study in a graduate program or law school.
Click here for the Criminology and Criminal Justice Faculty listing.
Bachelor of Science
Master of Science in Criminal Justice
Small class size translates into more personal interactions with fellow students and your professors. Most classes in the program have 30 or fewer students, which allows faculty to provide you with the individualized attention you need.
To ensure the quality of our curriculum, we've created a Criminal Justice Curriculum Advisory Board, which brings together academics and criminal justice professionals to develop courses that comply with the ACJS academic standards and provide you with diverse educational experiences.
We offer a senior seminar as a capstone course in which students develop an original research project related to their interests in criminal justice. Using the concepts, theories, and skills you've learned in previous classes, you'll apply that knowledge to practical criminal justice issues.
Criminology and Criminal Justice - Four Year Plan
Majors in the program take the following courses:
A minor is also available, which currently requires:
These areas are subject to change.
All criminal justice majors are encouraged to complete a field internship in a local, state, or federal criminal justice agency of their choosing. This real-world experience allows you to apply what you've learned in the classroom, gain valuable work experience, and an opportunity to foster professional contacts, all of which are useful once you begin your career.
Students have completed internships with multiple agencies including:
Graduates of LMU's program are prepared for entry-level careers in:
The Alpha Beta Epsilon Chapter of the American Criminal Justice Association is open to all students interested in criminal justice or legal issues. Along with organizing a number of community service and campus awareness projects, the organization brings guest speakers to campus and coordinates several field trips and social gatherings throughout the year.
Within the coming year, LMU also plans to charter a chapter of Alpha Phi Sigma, the National Criminal Justice Honor Society, which selects criminal justice and pre-law majors who meet the academic eligibility criteria. Membership is a sign of high achievement and an indicator of student success, both of which are important to many employers.
LMU also sponsors a wide variety of student organizations that are open to students. These organizations provide opportunities for community engagement, collaboration, and leadership.