Criminal Justice
Our Criminal Justice program is designed to provide an understanding of crime and the criminal justice system. The program also offers an excellent background for those wishing to pursue graduate studies or law school. Among its notable features are courses in criminal law, law enforcement administration, criminal investigations, corrections, sociology, juvenile justice, research methods and a semester-long capstone practicum externship.
This is a recommended major for pre-law students.
Profiles
Ashley Burns, '16
Graduate
Ashley graduated with a B.S. in Criminal Justice with an emphasis in Law Enforcement in 2016. She is also a commissioned officer in the military and holds the rank of Second Lieutenant. Ashley has been instrumental in training troops in Colombia, South America as well as building relationship with the military in South Korea. She's currently working as a Project Manager of Security at American Electric Power in Columbus, Ohio while pursuing her MBA.DanielEisenberg, '14
Graduate
Daniel graduated from WVU Tech in 2014 with a B.S. in Criminal Justice. These days, he's putting his skills to work by serving his community as an officer with the police department in Charleston, West Virginia.
Career Profile
Our graduates leave WVU Tech with a thorough background in the concepts of criminal justice and the real-world skills they need to work in a variety of specialties. There are more than 30 federal agencies that employ homeland security personnel, law enforcement officers or investigators - agencies who are looking for the kind of well-trained and competent graduates that come out of our program.
Graduates may also consider pursuing advanced educational opportunities such as law school or a graduate degree in criminal justice, political science, sociology, public administration or related fields.
Careers
WVU Tech criminal justice graduates find rewarding work as:
- Municipal police, county sheriffs and state highway patrol officers
- Correctional officers
- Court
administrators
- Probation officers
- Parole officers
- Juvenile counselors
- Private investigators
Areas of Emphasis
THINGS YOU'LL LEARN
A crucial background in the legal system and corrections with a look at the psychology and sociology behind criminal activity.
Criminal Law
This course focuses on aspects of the American legal and judicial system associated with the violation of law and the process that is utilized to determine a verdict. Topics include the definitions of criminal offenses, rights of the accused, pre-trial procedures, the criminal trial and the appeal process.
Deviant Behavior
Study the processes by which "deviance" is defined in society and the methods of social control used to combat behavior deemed "deviant." You'll gain a critical understanding of society from the perspective of those defined as "outsiders" (criminals, addicts, etc.).
Criminal Investigations
This course covers the aspects of the American legal and judicial system associated with the investigative processes as conducted by law enforcement and forensic science. Learn the role of crime scene investigation, witness interviewing and the investigator's relationship with the prosecution.
