Criminal Justice

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Program TypeMajor, Minor
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Degrees OfferedB.A., B.S.
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SchoolLiffrig Family School of Education and Behavioral Sciences
Prepare to be a force for good in the world through the criminal justice program at Mary. You will gain personal and humanitarian skills to effectively engage and serve your community as you work in law enforcement, the judicial and correctional system, or any other related field.
What You’ll Learn
You’ll explore the major areas of criminal justice, including:
- Juvenile justice
- Criminology
- Law enforcement and law adjudication
- Corrections
- Facility and community corrections
- Homeland security
- Probation and parole
- Private security
- Evaluate different approaches to criminal justice.
You will discover the effectiveness of different approaches to criminal justice, including corrections, rehabilitation, and reform efforts.
- Strengthen communication skills.
Criminal justice professionals need to communicate effectively, in both written and verbal forms, with a wide range of audiences.
- Develop professional ethics and responsibility.
In a field charged with upholding safety and security, it’s essential to conform to the highest standards of professional behavior.
- Gain real-world experience.
You’ll have internship opportunities with local criminal justice organizations and facilities, including with federal, state, local, and private agencies.
Program Information
Please visit our catalog for admission requirements and a full list of our courses.
Featured Faculty

Chad E. Litton, PhD
Director of Criminal Justice Program
I am currently the Director of the Criminal Justice Program. I have also served served as Chair of the Social and Behavioral Science Division, Chair of the Human and Social Science Department, and President of the University of Mary Teaching Faculty Organization. I am the recipient of the 2006-2007 Outstanding Staff and Faculty Award as well as the 2007-2008 and 2016-2017 Regents Award for Teaching. Away from the university, I am an actor and director with Dakota Stage Limited and Capital Shakespeare.