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Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice
Explore the justice system through coursework in law enforcement, corrections, and policy while preparing for careers in public safety, investigation, advocacy, or graduate study.
Do you see yourself on the front lines of justice?
Maybe you have always been drawn to law enforcement — the idea of serving your community, solving problems, and making a difference when it matters most. Or perhaps you are drawn to the courtroom: the precision of the law, the weight of an argument, the pursuit of a just outcome. Whatever your calling, one thing is clear: the criminal justice system needs the next generation of skilled, ethical, and committed professionals.
At Centenary University, we are here to help you become that professional.
A Degree Built for the Real World
The Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice at Centenary University is not a passive lecture-and-memorize experience. It is an immersive, practitioner-grounded education that combines the theory you need to understand crime with the hands-on skills you need to respond to it.
You will learn from faculty who have lived the careers you are pursuing; e.g., active and retired police officers, corrections professionals, and legal practitioners who bring the street, the courtroom, and the agency into every classroom. Frequent expert guest lecturers add even more real-world perspective.
Our program explores the full landscape of the criminal justice system: the causes and effects of crime, the legal and procedural frameworks that govern it, and the analytical and investigative tools professionals use every day. By the time you graduate, you will not just understand the system; you will be ready to work in it.
Where a Criminal Justice Degree Can Take You
Our graduates pursue careers across all three pillars of the criminal justice system, and far beyond.
Law Enforcement
Serve and protect at the local, county, state, and federal levels. A Centenary Criminal Justice degree prepares you for careers as a:
- Municipal, county, or state police officer
- State trooper or sheriff’s deputy
- Federal law enforcement agent (FBI, DEA, U.S. Marshals, Homeland Security)
- Crime analyst, investigator, or security professional
Courts
If you are drawn to the law, the Criminal Justice program provides a strong foundation for legal and court-related careers, including:
- Paralegal or legal assistant
- Court officer or administrator
- Pre-law preparation for law school and careers as an attorney
- Victim advocate or victims’ services specialist
Corrections & Beyond
The criminal justice system does not end in the courtroom. Our graduates go on to careers in:
- Corrections, probation, and parole
- Juvenile justice and rehabilitation services
- Crime scene processing and investigative support
- Homeland security, emergency management, and government services
Why Centenary?
Learn from Practitioners, Not Just Professors. — Our faculty have worked in the system you want to enter, bringing that experience into every class, every discussion, and every assignment.
Get Real Experience Before You Graduate. — Internship opportunities connect qualified students with law enforcement agencies, legal offices, courts, and corrections facilities, giving you the hands-on training that makes your resume stand out.
Theory Meets Practice. — Every course is designed to connect the academic study of criminal justice to the practical realities of the profession. You will not just read about how the system works, you will practice working within it.
Federal, State, and Local Preparation. — Whether your ambition is to serve your hometown or work at the national level, Centenary prepares you for careers across all levels of government and the criminal justice system.
Expand Your Options: Criminal Justice Minors
Interested in criminal justice but pursuing a different major? Or looking to deepen your Criminal Justice degree, Centenary offers two minors that complement a wide range of academic paths.
Minor in Criminal Justice
A Criminal Justice minor is a powerful addition to degrees in Psychology, Sociology, Political Science, Business, Education, and many others. You will gain a working understanding of the criminal justice system, its institutions, and the social forces that shape it; skills that transfer across industries and careers. Advise with the Department to confirm course requirements and availability.
Minor in Law & Government
Designed for students interested in the law, public service, and civic institutions, the Law & Government minor provides a focused foundation in the legal and governmental systems that shape American society. Core courses include:
- S. Political Systems
- American Constitutional Law
- Legal Research and Writing
- Ethics and the Professional
This minor is an excellent complement for students considering law school, public service, policy work, or careers as paralegals or legal assistants.
| Your future in criminal justice starts here.
We invite you to visit campus, meet our faculty, and see for yourself what sets Centenary apart. Whether you are a high school student mapping out your future, a parent helping your son or daughter find the right fit, or a working professional looking to advance — we are ready to talk. Contact the Criminal Justice Department or the Office of Admissions to schedule a visit, request information, or speak with a current student or faculty member. |
Your Future
Academic Advancement:
Next steps include Police academy/corrections training, MA in Criminal Justice, forensic psychology, homeland security, public administration, social work, or law school.
Career Pathways:
Police Officer, Paralegal, Criminal Investigator, State Trooper, Corrections Officer, Federal Agent, Juvenile Justice Officer
Industry Outlook:
Steady demand in law enforcement, with specialized skills in cybersecurity and forensic fields seeing growth.
Regional employers include
New Jersey State Police; NJ Department of Corrections; county prosecutors; county sheriff offices; municipal police departments; NJ Courts; Port Authority Police; federal agencies with NJ offices; nonprofit reentry agencies.
Salary Outlook:
$45,000 – $75,000
Getting Started
For New Jersey entry-level roles aligned to BA in Criminal Justice, a reasonable starting range is approximately $45,000–$65,000, depending on role, licensure/certification, employer type, and prior experience.
Early Career and Progression
Approx. $75,000 midpoint at about five years, with higher earnings in specialized, licensed, technical, supervisory, or high-demand settings.
Approx. $95,000 average or attainable mid-career benchmark around ten years, especially for advanced credentials, management responsibility, or specialized practice.
*Salary and Outlook Data