Degree in Criminal Justice

Criminal Justice

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the criminal justice field and employment is expected to grow 7% from 2020 to 2030, with many job openings projected. Currently, there is an emphasis on academic and hands-on training in a variety of criminal justice related careers. Students choosing our criminal justice program may pursue the career pathway which includes a Certificate, Associate, or Bachelor of Applied Science degree leading to employment opportunities in law enforcement, courts, corrections, and related fields.

Students gain valuable knowledge from full and part time instructors with field experience. Currently, our faculty include professionals experienced in policing, research, crimes scene investigation, and criminal profiling. Part-time faculty include local police officers, emergency managers, probation officers, attorneys, and social service coordinators. Our Simulation Lab and Courtroom provide hands-on learning opportunities in crime scene processing and courtroom procedures. Our capstone experiences include career exploration opportunities that offer invaluable experiential learning.

Our program focuses on each major area of the criminal justice system, including policing, courts, and corrections. We also explore the history of the system, the causes of and responses to crime, and social science research practices to better understand crime and criminality. You can tailor your degree to focus on specific topics, such as victimology, criminal profiling, crime scene processing, emergency management, victim advocacy, and social work.

Bachelor’s Degree Program Information

The Bachelor of Applied Science in Criminal Justice builds upon the Associate of Applied Science in Criminal Justice with an additional 60 credit hours required. To be considered for the Bachelor of Applied Science in Criminal Justice, you must currently have a Grade Point Average (GPA) of 2.0 and maintain a 2.5 GPA throughout the program in core subjects. Additionally, you must be in your last semester of your AAS Degree, or have permission to apply from the Criminal Justice Program Coordinator. This degree is NOT an online degree, with several in-person classes required on the main campus in Parkersburg.

You may apply to the Bachelor’s Degree Program online here.
Applications are processed at the end of each semester. You will receive an official letter from the college once your application has been reviewed. For more information, you may contact the Criminal Justice Program Coordinator.

Criminal Justice Virtual Tour

Certificate

Certificate of Applied Science in Criminal Justice

The Certificate of Applied Science in Criminal Justice gives students an introduction to basic concepts in criminal justice, including the role of police, courts and corrections as well as the basic skills to pursue further education and work in criminal justice.

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Associate

Associate of Applied Science in Criminal Justice

The Associate of Applied Science in Criminal Justice covers various aspects of crime prevention, police and law enforcement functions, criminal law and the courts, the corrections system and root causes of crime. The program is designed to provide students with a basic understanding of the criminal justice system and the skills needed to pursue further education and work in policing, courts, corrections and related fields.

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Bachelor

Bachelor of Applied Science in Criminal Justice

The Bachelor of Applied Science in Criminal Justice will prepare students for a rewarding career, such as police officer, investigator, crime scene technician, correctional officer, probation and parole officer, program specialist and evaluator and other related fields or an advanced degree in criminal justice.

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What can I do with this degree?

Students choosing our criminal justice program may pursue a certificate, associate and/or bachelor’s degree leading to career opportunities in policing, courts, corrections, or related fields. Graduates of the programs are also well-prepared for graduate studies in criminal justice, law, and social work.

In West Virginia, graduates with a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice may also work as a social worker and receive a provisional social work license from the WV Board of Social Work. Graduates who pursue this route are able to take additional courses and receive a full social work license, and many continue on in Master of Social Work degree programs.

Potential Careers

Police Patrol Officer

Police Detective

Crime Scene Technician

Criminal Investigator & Special Agent

Immigration & Customs Inspector

Private Detective & Investigator

Court Administrator

Probation and Parole Officer

Correctional Officer

Criminal Justice Program Specialist

Criminal Justice Program Evaluator

Victim Advocate

Social Worker

TUITION


Estimated rates for the 2023-2024 academic year. Additional course fees may apply and rates are subject to change.

WV & OH Residents
Per Credit Hour$180 - $249
Per Semester$2,160 - $2,988
Fall & Spring Semesters$4,320 - $5,976
Non-Residents
Per Credit Hour$376 - $401
Per Semester$4,512 - $4,812
Fall & Spring Semesters$9,024 - $9,624
High School Students
Per Credit Hour$50
Per Semester$600
Fall & Spring Semesters$1,200

Estimated Costs of Attendance


Estimated total costs of attendance for students, varied based on residential status and living situation.

WV & Ohio Residents Living with Parents
Room & Board$3,600
Transportation$1,500
Tuition & Fees$5,040
Books & Supplies$1,500
Miscellaneous$2,000

Total

$13,640

WV & Ohio Residents NOT Living with Parents
Room & Board$7,200
Transportation$1,500
Tuition & Fees$5,040
Books & Supplies$1,500
Miscellaneous$2,000

Total

$17,240

Non-Residents Living with Parents
Room & Board$3,600
Transportation$1,500
Tuition & Fees$9,792
Books & Supplies$1,500
Miscellaneous$2,000

Total

$18,392

Non-Residents NOT Living with Parents
Room & Board$7,200
Transportation$1,500
Tuition & Fees$9,792
Books & Supplies$1,500
Miscellaneous$2,000

Total

$21,992

Dr. Bobbi Marshall

Dean

Professional Studies Division

Room 1306

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