At a glance: Criminal Justice
At a glance: Criminal Justice
Did you know? Employers value the skills fostered by the Criminal Justice major
Criminal Justice Features:
Linsday Nainman Succeeds at Two Seemingly Opposite Majors
Criminal Justice is an interdisciplinary major that focuses on the political, social,and psychological aspects of crime and the criminal justice system. The study of Criminal Justice requires strong research and writing skills. Criminal Justice majors must analyze and synthesize data and effectively explain their conclusions to others. In addition to the research and writing involved in individual courses, each major completes a methodology sequence during the sophomore year and a research paper during the senior year. The Senior Research Paper is done under the direction of two faculty members in related areas of research. Visit the department's web site.
Degrees offered
Students who major in criminal justice receive a bachelor of arts degree. We also offer concentrations in administration of justice or behavioral systems, and an option in forensic criminal justice.
Interdisciplinary Programs
Criminal justice is, by its very nature, an interdisciplinary program. Core coursework draws on political science, sociology and psychology. Additional coursework in geography, biology or business can provide even greater career options.
Distinctive features
- Option or dual major with an emphasis in Forensics Science
- Students participate in regional and national conferences
- Students participate in the National Model United Nations in New York City
- Students participate in the regional and national Mock Trial competitions
- The department hosts nationally recognized speakers
- The department organizes field trips related to subject
- Excellent study abroad and internship opportunities are available
- Departmental orientation is designed to help each student maximize the opportunities afforded by the college experience
- Specific departmental advisors for prelaw, study abroad, and internship programs
- Department hosts an invitational mock trial tournament
Facilities
The department is located in the most historic building on Ohio Northern’s campus, Hill Memorial. Hill houses the latest in instructional technology, a computer laboratory and a welcoming environment for students and faculty alike. Hill Memorial is in the process of a multi-year renovation.
Student organizations
Phi Alpha Delta, Alpha Phi Sigma, Pi Sigma Alpha
Program outcomes
Students are introduced to ONU’s Office of Career Services during their first quarter on campus and are encouraged to work closely with the center throughout their college career in the development of career strategies, résumés and summer employment. Employers value the strong research and communication skills developed by students who major in criminal justice.
Professional placement
Many Northern criminal justice graduates have embarked on successful careers in government, business or secondary education.
Graduate schools
Other ONU criminal justice graduates have gone on to graduate studies in history or museum studies, journalism, law, public administration or political science at institutions such as American University, Case Western Reserve University, College of William and Mary, University of Cincinnati, University of Michigan and The Ohio State University.
