Criminal Justice

Bachelor’s

Mike Hess teaching

Criminal justice: More than a career in law enforcement

At many universities, criminal justice often equates to basic police courses. The Bachelor of Science with a major in criminal justice at Trine University offers you a combination of theory and practical experience that prepares you for multiple careers throughout the three sections in the criminal justice system, or for law school.

While many of our graduates have successful careers in law enforcement, there is more to explore.

The degree: Preparation for all careers and levels

The Bachelor of Science with a major in criminal justice program teaches criminal law, psychology and the academic base needed to pursue a career in criminal justice or law school. Our major also has a strong psychology component. Trine currently is one of the only undergraduate programs in the U.S. to specialize in forensic and correctional psychology.

We offer criminal justice concentrations for criminal justice professional and psychology.  These prepare you to start your career path right after graduation and move up the ranks quickly.

The experience: Learn from those working in the field

Our program is a mix of practical knowledge taught by current professionals in the field (lawyers, law enforcement officers - federal, state and local, corrections professionals and administrators) and theory.

The program also has a strong student-to-student support system, the American Criminal Justice Association (ACJA). The ACJA has monthly meetings where professionals in the field speak and recruit, a mentoring program for underclassmen, a yearly symposium, and a handgun competition team that competes nationally.

Trine University also offers a Cold Case Unit that allows students to assist law enforcement in investigations.

The result: Knowledge and skills to succeed in law and enforcement

The criminal justice program provides you with:

  • A broad base of knowledge about human behavior
  • Knowledge in law, history, government and psychology to facilitate entry into advanced careers
  • Experience in the day-to-day requirements of practitioners in their chosen fields through internships
  • Understanding of ethical behavior patterns demanded in professional conduct
  • Skills necessary for good citizenship

 

Additional Information

 

Job opportunities abound in the criminal justice field - not just the traditional police, courts and corrections, but in all avenues of public and private sector.

  • Conservation Officer DNR
  • Case Manager Northeastern Center
  • Allen County Juvenile Center
  • Valparaiso Law School
  • Avé Maria Law School
  • IPFW MPA Program
  • Ball State University Ph.D. Psychology
  • Michigan and Indiana Department of Corrections
  • Federal Law Enforcement—IRS, ATF, Secret Service, Marshals Service
  • State and Local Law Enforcement—ISP, DNR, Excise, City and County Police Officers
  • Department of Corrections (IN and MI), county jails and juvenile detention centers
  • Behavioral and mental health agencies-Bowen Center, Northeastern Center, Madison Center
  • Probation Departments—MI, OH and IN
  • Private sector security and loss prevention
  • Case Managers, counseling and substance abuse
  • Department of Child Services - Case Manager
If you have long-term goals of an MSCJ, start with your bachelor degree and move directly into the Master of Science with a major in criminal justice program with the Accelerated Dual Degree program. Learn more about the Accelerated Dual Degree path.
You can also round out your bachelor in criminal justice with a minor in any number of areas including psychology, pre-law, management, leadership, or communication.
Information about tuition can be found at Cost and Investment.

Program Information

Degree

BS in Criminal Justice

Program Feature

Accelerated Dual Degree

Duration

120 hours

Level

Undergraduate

Campus Location

Angola, IN

School/College

Jannen School of Arts and Science

Careers in Criminal Justice

Elayna Hasty
I wanted to help others who were silently struggling and encourage my friends to stand up for themselves.
Elayna Hasty
General Studies: Pre-law 2024
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Students playing instruments

Trine chamber orchestra presents ‘Folk Dances’

March 31, 2025

The Trine University Chamber Orchestra, directed by Music Department Director Brad Jopek, DMA, will hold its spring concert on Sunday, April 13, at 3 p.m. in the Ryan Concert Hall of the T. Furth Center for Performing Arts.

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