Impact the World Through Criminal Justice
Criminal Justice Major
The criminal justice field is undergoing rapid transformation, and professionals with character and fresh perspective are needed to guide its future. Azusa Pacific’s BA in Criminal Justice can prepare you to answer the call as an ethical leader empowered to critically examine criminal justice issues, seek creative solutions to problems, and serve and protect others while upholding Christ-centered values.
As advancements in technology and current events reshape the criminal justice landscape, you’ll be equipped with relevant knowledge and skills to positively impact lives and work toward creating a safer and more just society.
“I want to work with young people. I want to address the problems of society for them, because these young people are our future generations—our future officers, doctors, and lawyers.”
Evelyn Gonzalez ’19 is a criminal justice major who hopes to use her future career to address systemic inequalities in the field. Learning in class about school-age children who will face time in the juvenile and criminal justice systems made Evelyn want to be an agent of change for youth.
Ready to begin your journey to become a difference maker? Start the application process.
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Criminal Justice Majors are Equipped for Success
The criminal justice major can equip you for many career pathways. Graduates are qualified to provide leadership in all areas of the field, whether they serve in public, private, or nonprofit organizations or within local, state, or federal agencies.
Faculty-mentors draw on their experiences working in diverse areas of criminal justice. You’ll benefit from their depth and breadth of knowledge, while engaging in real-world contexts, from prisons and police departments to law offices and courtrooms. Opportunities to intern with criminal justice agencies, volunteer with at-risk youth, and hear from visiting professionals provide new ways of integrating and applying what you learn in class.
Deshonna Collier-Goubil, PhD, chair of the Department of Criminal Justice, gave a TEDx talk on reimagining criminal justice from a holistic perspective.
Deshonna Collier-Goubil’s career is rooted in her childhood experiences growing up in South Los Angeles. Get to know her passion for social justice and serving God by being a bridge builder between people and communities in need.
Criminal Justice Careers
Here are just a few of the career options graduates of this major can pursue:
- Community Justice Advocate
- Corrections Officer
- Customs Agent
- Detective
- Federal Agent, U.S. Marshal, or Border Patrol Officer
- Fraud Investigator
- Judge
- Paralegal
- Parole or Probation Officer
- Police Officer
- Prosecutor or Defense Attorney
- Victims Advocate
Still not sure about majoring in criminal justice? Check out our other 60+ majors.