Learn how to help keep communities safe and ensure justice is served as a student in WLC’s interdisciplinary criminal justice program.
Whether you major in criminal justice or study it as a minor, you’ll get a deeper understanding of statutory and constitutional law, the structure and function of criminal justice systems, law and jurisdiction, investigative techniques, crime scene processing, legal report writing, and the impact crime and corrections have on individuals and society at large.
Academic Tracks
We offer three distinct academic tracks within our criminal justice program, allowing you the flexibility to select the track that best aligns with your career aspirations.
Police Science
The police science track is designed for students interested in pursuing a career within law enforcement. You’ll explore criminal law and procedure, investigative skills, juvenile justice, the sociology of crime and deviant behavior, law enforcement operations, victimology, medical terminology, how to interview, interrogate, and negotiate, and the technical skills necessary for legal writing. You’ll receive hands-on practice with law enforcement activities, including fingerprinting, staged homicides and crime-scene processing, and investigative procedure. You’ll graduate prepared for a career in local or federal law enforcement.
Forensic Science
Within the forensic science track you’ll explore many of the concepts and techniques used by criminologists, forensic psychologists, and coroners. You’ll be challenged to apply current research with laboratory techniques designed around the work of toxicologists, forensic technicians, dissection specialists, and crime scene investigators. You’ll graduate prepared to assist in the scientific investigation and processing of a crime scene.
Legal Studies
Explore an array of relevant, real-world topics related to criminal law, corrections, and victim advocacy. Our legal studies track prepares you for future work in corrections, social work, legal assistance, court operations, and protective services. You’ll know the law to apply the law. This focus on the application of law in everyday practice – examining how agencies interpret, apply, and enforce the law – is an integral component of legal studies. You’ll graduate with a deep understanding of the criminal justice system, ready to serve your community.
COMBINED STUDIES, EXPANDED CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
The criminal justice program at WLC is designed to give you the necessary education and skills-based training for success in nearly any criminal justice field; however, the program also pairs well with other exemplary majors at WLC, providing even more pathways to unique and in-demand careers. You can design your education to meet your passions and aspirations so you can be prepared to live your purpose.
For example, selecting the forensic science track of criminal justice and double-majoring with chemistry is an ideal pathway to a career in toxicology. A double-major in criminal justice and computer science can prepare you for a career in computer forensics or data analysis. Or, a double-major in criminal justice and psychology can lead to a rewarding career in victim advocacy or forensic psychology.
