Criminal Justice

Protect the Innocent and Maintain Public Order With a Degree in Criminal Justice

Criminal Justice majors learn to identify patterns of criminal behavior and understand the different facets of the criminal justice system.

Study the processes for rehabilitation and treatments for those who have committed crimes and learn about the law and judicial philosophy.

Why earn your Criminal Justice degree at St. Edward’s?

Whether you aspire to become a police officer, investigator, probation officer or attorney, one thing is certain: The advantages of your St. Edward’s education will prepare you to succeed. You’ll find opportunities in and outside the classroom to learn, give back and achieve your goals. And your mentors will support you every step of the way.

Build relationships with your professors.

You’ll learn in small classes taught by award-winning professors who make a point of getting to know you and becoming your trusted advisors. They’ll help you identify and focus on your goals, and provide guidance and insight during and after your college years.

Gain skills with experiential learning.

Participate in a mock trial and learn about the jury trial system by staging a trial for a fictional case.

Engage with local experts.

Hear from guest speakers such as Austin attorneys, law enforcement officers and counselors who will share discussions on real-world experiences and provide insight on careers in a field that are vital to society.

Join student organizations focused on Criminal Justice.

The St. Edward’s Criminal Justice Club is a chapter of the American Criminal Justice Association, Lambda Alpha Epsilon-Beta Phi Zeta. The club meets twice a month to hear guest speakers, go on field trips, offer community service and complete training together.

Reap the rewards of Austin.

Gain access to internship opportunities with organizations and entities across the Austin-area catering to the educational needs of Criminal Justice majors, such as Sobering Center Austin, the Austin Police Department, the Travis County Sheriff’s Office and the Travis County District Attorney’s Office.

What do our graduates do?

Criminal Justice majors go on to a variety of careers and graduate schools from St. Edward’s. Here’s a sample.

Officers in the Austin and Dallas Police Department
Investigator for the Travis County Medical Examiner’s Office
Intelligence analyst for the U.S. Department of Justice
Investigator for the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services
Law students at The University of Texas at Austin and the University of Houston Law Center
Juvenile Probation Officer
Correctional Officer at TDCJ
Program Services at Travis County Juvenile Court

Explore Details About a Degree in Criminal Justice

Major Requirements: The BA in Criminal Justice requires 33 hours of core criminal justice major courses, which include a combination of foundation courses about the criminal justice system, corrections, law enforcement, theory, research methods, and statistics. Students then select 15 hours of upper level courses that align with their interests, i.e. Victimology, Drugs and Crime, Juvenile Justice, etc.

General Education Requirements: The degree requires 54 hours of general education courses that students complete over four years in addition to their major courses and electives.

View and download the full degree plan for the major (PDF).

A few examples of courses students in this major take:

American Court System – The history, structure, law and mechanics of criminal prosecution and adjudication in the United States.
Crime, Justice, & Diversity - This course examines and critically analyzes the reflexive relationship and observed disparities between social constructions of race, ethnicity, gender, crime and justice.
Mock Trial – Explores effective advocacy, appropriate professional conduct, and trial preparation. Students have the opportunity to participate in direct and cross examination of witnesses, opening statements, closing arguments, and the introduction of evidentiary exhibits.

What You Will Learn

This is a field that engages both the head and the heart: You will learn the law, how to process information, make smart decisions, people skills and the empathy contribute to something greater than yourself.

Experiential Learning

In Mock Trial, you’ll learn about the jury trial system by staging a trial for a fictional case. Each student in your class will act as both a lawyer and a witness. You’ll learn how to present opening statements and closing arguments, direct and cross-examinations of witnesses, and introduction of evidentiary exhibits. The class will introduce you to legal reasoning and argument in the context of trial advocacy.

In Victimology, you’ll complete the Texas Victim Assistance Training, a statewide educational program that trains new victim advocates in the basics of service delivery. Then, you’ll have the option to complete an additional 30 hours of more specialized credits in victim service training. Or, you can volunteer 20 hours with an organization that provides service and education for crime victims. Students have worked with Mothers Against Drunk Driving, Austin Police Department Victim Services, and the SAFE Alliance. In these settings, you’ll see real-world applications of what you’ve learned in class. This training background also can make you a more attractive candidate for future jobs and internships.

Internships

Internships help you understand professional work conditions and how the material you’ve learned in class looks in the real world. Students have interned with these organizations:

Sobering Center Austin
Juvenile Probation
Austin Police Department
Travis County Sheriff’s Office
Travis County District Attorney’s Office
Criminal Defense Attorney
Women’s Storybook Project of Texas - Nonprofit working with incarcerated mothers

Student Organizations

Alpha Phi Sigma is the national criminal justice honor society.

Phi Alpha Delta, the pre-law organization, meets weekly to listen to guest speakers, learn about the law school admission process, participate in mentorship programs, do service work and learn about internships. The club also has a mock trial team that competes in events hosted by the American Mock Trial Association and Phi Alpha Delta. The team has traveled to Washington, D.C., to compete.

Students who are interested in doing work related to the criminal justice system can expand their knowledge and experience by getting a minor in Criminal Justice. A minor in Criminal Justice is particularly helpful for students who are interested in pursuing criminal investigations and enforcement.

Required Courses for a Minor in Criminal Justice, General (18 hours):