Three-Year Degree
Two individuals in lab coats examine evidence markers on the floor of a room, one using a device and the other crouched near an item.
A Johnson & Wales University student stands on campus in front of brick academic buildings and a tree-lined walkway. She wears a blue sweater and jeans.
A person in a lab coat and gloves carefully handles a small container while working at a laboratory bench.

Fast-Track Your Future in Criminal Justice

Criminal justice is more than law enforcement — it’s about understanding people, policies and the social factors that shape the justice system. Our program takes an interdisciplinary approach, blending courses in political science, psychology and sociology to give you a deeper understanding of crime, law and human behavior.

You’ll build critical skills in communication, problem-solving and ethical reasoning, essential for navigating complex legal issues and advancing in your career. The curriculum is designed to develop your leadership, analytical thinking and appreciation for diversity, preparing you to work in law enforcement, corrections, legal services, public policy and beyond.

Step beyond the textbook and into the Crime Lab and Crime Scene Room, where you’ll analyze forensic evidence, including fingerprints, blood spatter and bullet trajectories. Learn investigative techniques from faculty with real-world experience — former policy experts, legislators, police captains and detectives — who will mentor you and connect you with industry professionals.

This program follows the same rigorous academic path as our four-year degree, but with a structured approach that saves you time and tuition while helping you get into the field sooner.

Three-Year Curriculum

Credits
Major Courses
CJS1002Introduction to Criminal Justice3
CJS1090Law Enforcement3
CJS2040Corrections3
CJS2050Criminology3
CJS3075Criminal Investigation3
CJS3850Homeland Security3
CJS4045Criminalistics with Lab3
CJS4080Criminal Justice Senior Seminar3
LAW3015Criminal Procedure3
LAW3025Criminal Law3
Major Electives
Choose two from the following: 6
Criminal Courts
Juvenile Justice
Criminal Justice Ethics
Community Policing
Victimology
Comparative Criminal Justice
Cyber Crimes
Offender Assessment and Case Management
Advanced Topics in Criminal Justice
Advanced Topics in Criminalistics with Lab
Serial Killers
Community Justice
Restorative Justice
Race, Crime and Justice
Cultural Awareness and Diversity in Criminal Justice
Change and Innovation in Law Enforcement
Race, Politics and Power in America
Applied/Experiential Learning
Students in this program are required to complete 600 hours of Work Integrated Learning.
Related Professional Studies
PSYC1001Introductory Psychology3
PSYC2002Abnormal Psychology3
RSCH2050Workshop in Acquiring Social Research Skills3
SOC3060Deviant Behavior3
University Core Experience
Communicating9
Rhetoric & Composition I
Rhetoric & Composition II
Communication Skills
Connecting6
Two courses with the Connecting attribute (ECNG), one at the 2000 level, one at the 4000 level
Experiencing6
American Government
Additional course with the Experiencing attribute (EEXP) in a different discipline
Measuring6
A Survey of College Mathematics (or higher, based on student’s placement)
Statistics I
Exploring3
Choose one from the following:
Introduction to Life Science
Introduction to Exercise Physiology
Anatomy and Physiology
Interacting6
Sociology I
Additional course with the Interacting attribute (EINT) in a different discipline
A&S Electives6
Two courses with the Arts & Sciences elective attribute (EASC)
Total Credits90.0

Real-World Experience Through Work-Integrated Learning

At JWU, your learning extends beyond the classroom. Through Work-Integrated Learning, you’ll apply your knowledge to internships, research projects, part-time jobs, volunteer work and more — gaining hands-on experience that builds your resume. Our Experiential Education & Career Services team will guide you in securing valuable professional opportunities.

Three-Year Degrees in the News

Faculty Contact

Paul Sylvestre, Ph.D.
Professor and Department Chair
401-598-2214
paul.sylvestre@jwu.edu