Criminal justice and criminology are fascinating fields that provide rewarding and enriching career choices in which one can contribute to the betterment of society.
Criminal justice is the study of crime control and the justice system through the lenses of law enforcement, courts and correctional agencies; whereas, criminology is the study of crime and criminal behavior focusing on the causes through the use of scientific methodology.
Both criminal justice and criminology are interdisciplinary fields that draw upon the knowledge bases of sociology, psychology, law, public policy and other related disciplines to develop insights into the causes, control and prevention of criminal behavior. There are myriad of issues plaguing our justice system, and society needs men and women who are willing to make a difference.
- Find out which of our academic programs is right for you.
- Meet some of our current students and hear about their favorite Marshall moments.
- Receive invitations to special events for future students.
- Get help with the application and enrollment process.
Taught by expert faculty, our Department of Criminal Justice and Criminology is one of the largest and most versatile departments in Marshall’s College of Science. Established in 1974, the Criminal Justice and Criminology department is among the oldest in the state of West Virginia, and the first to offer both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Criminal Justice.
As a Criminal Justice major at Marshall, you will prepare for top careers by participating in immersive internship opportunities on the local and state level in West Virginia, Kentucky and Ohio.
After completing your bachelor’s degree, you may choose to further your education through graduate work at the master’s and doctoral levels, increasing your opportunities to teach or work at administrative levels throughout the criminal justice system. If you desire to start graduate school even before finishing your bachelor’s degree, you may be eligible for entry through our Accelerated Master’s Degree in Criminal Justice program.
- State, local or federal law enforcement
- Attorney, Prosecutor or Judge
- Correctional Officer, Administrator or Counselor
- Probation or Parole Officer
- Crime Analyst
- Forensics and Crime Scene Investigator
- Victim Advocate