Trooper Ortiz visits with LVC criminal justice students

Criminal Justice

If you want to pursue a career in law enforcement, corrections, or social services, you'll need a strong foundation in criminal justice to serve the public with empathy and fairness. LVC can help you excel with our undergraduate degree program in Criminal Justice. From crime scene investigation to the court system, you’ll earn a degree that prepares you for the diverse careers available at the local, state, and federal levels.

Our Criminal Justice program gives you a well-rounded understanding of the social, psychological, and legal issues that impact the justice system. Earn experience through internships with partners spanning local, state, and federal agencies, including the Department of Homeland Security. Upon graduating, you’ll be ready to succeed in a range of careers related to justice, law enforcement, social services, and more.

You can also tailor your education to your career goals by double-majoring or minoring in related programs like political science, psychology, common law, or global studies.

Need-based departmental scholarships are available.

Learn More About the Criminal Justice Program

As a Criminal Justice major, you’ll gain the knowledge and skills to navigate the justice system and address real-world challenges, from cybercrime to grief counseling and victim advocacy and beyond. Through our comprehensive Criminal Justice degree program, you’ll explore topics such as criminal behavior, the court system, and crime scene investigation, preparing you to make a meaningful impact in the field.

Additionally, if you’re transferring from another institution, we make it easy to apply transfer credits, so you can continue your academic journey seamlessly.

Kaitlyn Coulter '20 and Dr. Kathryn Whiteley present research

Student-Faculty Research in Criminal Justice

Our Criminal Justice undergraduate degree equips you with the practical knowledge and theoretical understanding you need to thrive, no matter where your ambitions take you.

Put Your Investigative Skills to Work

Take a deeper dive into your degree by collaborating on research projects with your professors. Past students have had the opportunity to present their findings at the American Society of Criminology Conference, allowing them to network and gain resume-worthy experience.

$69,160
median pay for police and detectives, 2022 (Bureau of Labor Statistics)
$63,740
median pay for forensic science technicians, 2022 (Bureau of Labor Statistics)
13%
projected job growth for forensic science technicians, 2022-2032 (Bureau of Labor Statistics)

In Their Words

LVC offers students personal attention and research opportunities. My student-faculty research led to a grant and podcast series.
Sarah Kharalah ’24, Criminal Justice and Psychology
We are committed to providing our students with an engaged, real-world learning experience through a grounded approach to education and research. We support and mentor our students to become graduates who make a positive change in their lives, careers, and community.
Dr. Kathryn Whiteley, Associate Professor of Criminal Justice

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