Bachelor of Science in Criminal JusticeSchool of Arts and Sciences
Advocate. Protect. Serve.
If you’re driven by a passion for justice and aspire to a career in public service and safety, a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice degree will equip you to tackle the technical, psychological, and ethical complexities of this dynamic field. Established in the 1970s, Edgewood College’s criminal justice major aims to cultivate ethical leaders committed to social justice, crime prevention, and the protection of human rights. Our emphasis on ethical principles and sociological perspectives distinguishes this program, setting it apart from conventional programs.
Embarking on a degree in criminal justice unlocks a multitude of career paths encompassing law enforcement, corrections, legal professions, victim advocacy, forensic science, homeland security, and social services. Our curriculum is tailored to empower students seeking to leverage their professional roles for societal good, championing justice, public safety, compassionate service, and advocating for the rights of victims and vulnerable populations.
Students in this program can sit for the state certification social work licensing exam when they add the human services concentration. When paired with the criminal justice major, this concentration prepares students to pursue state certification. Upon program completion and passing the state social work exam, students will obtain the state credential of “Certified Social Worker” without having to continue to graduate school.
Madison, WI
On-campus
120
January 21, 2025
Careers within Criminal Justice
$69,160
A bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice prepares you for a variety of career paths. Those marked with an asterisk (*) require a graduate level degree.
- Attorney*
- Crime Victim or Witness Advocate
- Federal Law Enforcement/FBI Agent
- Legal Assistant / Paralegal
- Parole Agent
- Police Officer
- Private Investigator
- Security Manager
- Social Worker
- TSA Agent
Criminal Justice by the Numbers
95%
100%
Criminal Justice Student Spotlight
“Studying criminal justice at Edgewood College has been a dynamic, engaging, and fun experience for me. Through a combination of hands-on learning opportunities, rigorous coursework, and expert faculty guidance, I have gained a solid comprehension of the criminal justice system. The program prepares students for different career paths, whether aspiring to pursue law like me, delve into law enforcement, or seeking a civilian role within the criminal justice system. Faculty members are incredibly supportive, accessible, and well-connected within the criminal justice community.”
Student Organizations
Criminal Justice Association
The Criminal Justice Association (CJA) aims to hold regular meetings to explore diverse topics relating to the field of criminal justice. Every semester, CJA invites speakers to share their insights and experiences in the realm of criminal justice. Their goal is to feature individuals representing various aspects of the field, enabling members to gain valuable insights, and engage in dialogue with them. Serving as a platform for individuals intrigued by this professional trajectory, the Criminal Justice Association strives to facilitate the expansion of knowledge across multifaceted aspects of the field. Additionally, it serves as a forum for establishing connections and fostering relationships with professionals actively engaged in the industry.
Criminal Justice Experiences
Our Commitment to Social Impact
Students intern and volunteer in the community with organizations such as the Catholic Multicultural Center, Domestic Abuse Intervention Services, the Dane County Sheriff’s Department, Journey Mental Health Center, and the Salvation Army. The internship requirement is coupled with the Ethics in Criminal Justice course, which helps students make important connections between the ethical conundrums they read about, and the real-life scenarios encountered in the field of criminal justice professions on a daily basis. The internships also foster valuable and enduring social connections, which can enhance job placement opportunities upon completion of the degree.
Bridging Theory with Practical Application: The Senior Seminar Project
The senior seminar within our criminal justice program represents the pinnacle of your academic journey, blending the knowledge, skills, and theoretical concepts acquired throughout your studies. This culminating experience not only prepares you for a seamless transition into successful careers in the field but also fosters the development of crucial communication, presentation, project management, research, and professional skills vital for success. While students take ownership of their individual projects, the senior seminar encourages collaboration among peers and critical examination of the implications and interconnectedness of their studies.
Criminal Justice Faculty Spotlights
CField@edgewood.edu
SBarnes@edgewood.edu
MKarst@edgewood.edu
Ajay@edgewood.edu
CassandraThompson@edgewood.edu
davis@edgewood.edu
MBeckler@edgewood.edu
PEgan@edgewood.edu
KGuha@edgewood.edu
apal@edgewood.edu
JGillette@edgewood.edu
DKigeya@edgewood.edu
MicTurner@edgewood.edu
Experiential Learning Opportunities
Students majoring in criminal justice benefit from a variety of experiential learning, including tours of organic farms, social service agencies, prisons, jails, community food programs, and housing shelters for teens. Community engagement through partnerships, project collaboration, and faculty initiatives in the diversity of Madison’s community involves students directly in experiencing and shaping the social culture in the state of Wisconsin. Aligned with the core values at Edgewood College, students will have ample opportunities to socialize and engage with the community on campus and beyond.
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