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About the BA in Criminal Justice Degree

Why Study Criminal Justice at Cedarville?

Are you looking to study criminal justice from a distinctly Christian worldview? With Scripture integrated throughout Cedarville's criminal justice program, you will learn that crime and civil disputes are a result of man’s sinful nature, and that his greatest need is for salvation through Jesus Christ. You'll be equipped to serve as a criminal justice professional who administers justice with righteousness in a way that glorifies Christ. When you graduate, you will be fully prepared for graduate school or career positions in a wide range of criminal justice fields.

If you're looking to study criminal justice but don't want it to be your central focus, then Cedarville's criminal justice minor is for you! Courses like Introduction to Criminal Justice and Criminal Investigation will introduce and prepare you for work in criminal justice.

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What Sets Cedarville Apart?

Program Overview

Criminal Justice Program Highlights

Broad Curriculum – You will take a wide spectrum of courses, including law, criminal justice, political science, sociology, psychology, and public sector administration.

Biblical Worldview - With biblical integration in every course, you will be prepared to lead with integrity and honor God in your vocation.

Real-World Experience – A required internship will give you practical experience to prepare for your future.

Experienced Faculty – Your professors will have more than just book knowledge. They are scholar-practitioners, with both high academic credentials and years of real-world criminal justice experience. Dr. Patrick Oliver, the program’s director, has 27 years of law enforcement experience, including as the Chief of Police for Cleveland, Grandview Heights, and Fairborn, Ohio, and is actively involved with agencies such as the Ohio Association of Chiefs of Police, International Association of Chiefs of Police, and the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives (NOBLE).

History and Government

Cedarville's Department of History and Government is biblically grounded, academically rigorous, and ideologically conservative.

What Can You Do With a BA in Criminal Justice?

What can you do with a criminal justice degree? A Bachelor of Arts degree in criminal justice from Cedarville University can lead you to a career as a:

  • Correctional Officer (City, County, State)
  • Court Reporter
  • Crime Scene
  • Examiner Homeland
  • Legal Secretary
  • Paralegal and Legal
  • Assistant Police Officer
  • Detective Private Investigator
  • Probation Officer
  • State Trooper
  • Criminal Intelligence Analyst
  • Park Ranger – Local, State, or National
  • County Deputy Sheriff
  • Loss Prevention Officer

Our graduates are working in positions such as Federal Bureau of Investigation agents, state police officers, sheriff’s office deputies, and correctional officers and some have been commissioned as officers with the U.S. Army or Air Force. Others have gone on to pursue MBAs and law degrees.

Graduate and professional programs and employers welcome Cedarville University graduates each year. It is important to note that some professional career fields you may pursue require additional education, experience, and/or licensure beyond the completion of your Cedarville University undergraduate degree.

Placement Success

We're proud of our successful graduates! 100% of recent graduates from the Department of History and Government were employed or in graduate school within six months of graduation. Check out Cedarville's other placement rates.

Opportunities to Learn Outside the Classroom

Internships — The criminal justice program faculty believes so strongly in the importance of internship experience that they require an internship as part of the program. Criminal justice majors can intern in a variety of related fields to gain vital experience and obtain first-hand knowledge of what working in particular areas of the field may entail. Internships help students decide what career options to pursue, help to build resumes, and provide experience that sets them apart from those they will be competing against in the job market. Our students are required to have an internship in law enforcement, courts, or corrections. Using the Criminal Justice faculty network, every student is placed in a criminal justice agency for a semester.

National Security MinorThe national security minor will prepare you for a career in intelligence analysis. This minor must be combined with a major (in any field) in order to graduate with your bachelor’s degree and be fully prepared for your chosen career path. Course requirements for this minor involve 21 semester hours including 12 hours in a national security internship.

Real-World Exposure — As part of the program, you will take part in ride-alongs with local police departments and visit state prisons. You will also take experience monthly meetings with guest speakers from the criminal justice field.

D.C. Semester — You can join fellow students and a faculty member for a life-changing experience of learning, development, and service in a semester spent in Washington, D.C.

The Center for Political Studies provides a biblical response to political and social issues of our day.

Student Organizations — Student organizations complement your coursework with opportunities to meet and learn from like- minded students and professionals.

  • Alpha Delta Nu provides criminal justice students with the opportunity to enhance their professional development. Members believe that a career in criminal justice is a ministry in a God-ordained institution, which is government.

School Shootings

Dr. Patrick Oliver discusses the increase of school shootings and how to ensure school safety.

Program Curriculum

Building on your core liberal arts and Bible minor courses, you will take core criminal justice courses as well as courses in legal studies and local law enforcement.

Sample Courses

  • Career Planning for Criminal Justice Professional
  • Introduction to Criminal Justice

Program Format and Related Programs

Cedarville offers both graduate and undergraduate programs, with flexible completion options. You may also want to consider these related programs as you consider the degree or program that is a best fit for you.

Program Level and Format

  • Undergraduate
  • Residential
  • 4-Year
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From Our Students:

Job and Grad School Placement

Program Faculty

Photo of Steve Meacham

Steve Meacham

Associate Professor of Criminal Justice

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Photo of Patrick Oliver

Patrick Oliver, PhD

Director of the Criminal Justice Program

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Program News