Bachelor of Science
Criminal Justice
There’s so much more to the field of criminal justice than the producers of CSI can show you on TV. But we’ve also got some of that cool tech stuff to teach you too!
JWU’s renowned Criminal Justice program is more than learning law enforcement best practices. You re-think justice. Our faculty will highlight the influences of individual and group dynamics, and will inspire you to apply your ideas in ways that influence today’s society.
This program will prepare you for criminal justice careers by focusing on key elements of the criminal justice system. Through our courses you’ll learn about the role, history and development of law enforcement agencies — including, but not limited to, the role police officers and correctional officers play in the criminal law system.
You’ll be exposed to crime scene analysis techniques and have the opportunity to explore the interdisciplinary nature of the criminal justice field within political science, psychology and sociology courses that allow you to examine the global and domestic criminal justice issues of today.
Our crime lab and crime scene room give you the chance to learn forensic analysis skills in fingerprinting and blood splatter analysis, bullet trajectory research, and collection of crime scene evidence.
Our faculty includes a mix of criminal justice professionals coming from all areas of the criminal justice field. From legislators and policy experts to police captains and detectives. Follow their lead towards careers in law enforcement, the court system, cyber and homeland security industries, counseling, advocacy and many more.
“My motivation for studying criminal justice stems from wanting to help people that the justice system ultimately fails,” shares Cordelia Dechellis '24, who is pursuing JWU’s 3+3 Law Program. Hear Cordelia’s story:
Community Justice Specialization
Students can also learn about a victim-oriented problem-solving model of criminal justice through a Specialization or a Minor in Community Justice.
The curriculum is designed to provide students with a broader understanding and perspective on different approaches to crime management strategies outside of the traditional punitive measures. This opportunity to think differently about justice and criminal behavior is reflective of industry trends toward crime prevention, community building and criminal justice.
Featured Criminal Justice Faculty
Professor and Department Chair
Professor Paul Sylvestre, Ph.D., teaches criminal justice at JWU Providence.
Professor
Prior to coming to JWU, Professor Desmarais accrued 27 years of law enforcement experience across a wide spectrum of positions.
The JWU Advantage
At Johnson & Wales, we know that not all of our criminal justice students aim to follow the same career path. That’s why we’ve designed a program that gives them the JWU Advantage, helping them succeed regardless of which path they choose. Explore the ways our students are prepared for a career after college:
JWU Students Live, Learn and Lead in Washington, D.C.
Imagine participating in an interactive experience in Washington, D.C., where you discover career possibilities in cybersecurity, national security, law, government, international affairs, politics and beyond.
The Washington Center (TWC) provides a range of immersive internship programs and seminars to help students gain insights and experience that aligns with their interests. Criminal Justice major Zachary Bilodeau '21 participated in the National Security Seminar, while Political Science major Amanda Emby '24 joined the Inside Washington seminar.
Assistnant Professor Kevin DeJesus serves as the liaison between JWU and TWC. He sees the program as the perfect place to “cultivate a place for students where they supportively practice what they do.”
Sample Criminal Justice Courses
Occupational Outlook*
Some professions may require additional study, background checks, certifications, licenses, exams and/or experience as required qualifications for employment. Students are responsible for verifying that they can meet the employment requirements of potential employers.
| Occupation | Growth | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Career and Technical Education Teachers | 2% | $61,160 |
| Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement Teachers, postsecondary | 12% | $76,640 |
| Emergency Management Directors | 3% | $76,730 |
| Forensic Science Technicians | 11% | $61,930 |
| Information Security Analysts | 35% | $102,600 |
| Lawyers | 10% | $127,990 |
| Police and Detectives | 3% | $66,020 |
| Private Detectives and Investigators | 6% | $59,380 |
*Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook. Job outlook: 2021-2031. Median salary: 2021.
Explore the full JWU Catalog course listing:
In addition to classes, free elective credit can be applied to a number of options such as Directed Experiential Education (DEE), internship, minor or study abroad. You are encouraged to contact an advisor before scheduling free elective credits.
Beyond the Classroom
“In a state-of-the-art crime lab, students learn how to keep people from getting away with murder.” Read Providence Journal staff writer Amanda Milkovits’ profile of JWU’s Criminal Justice program.
Considering an advanced degree?
Law School: Earn your JD in 6 Years
If you are eligible, you can apply for our 3+3 Law Program to earn a bachelor’s degree from Johnson & Wales University and a juris doctor (JD) degree from Rhode Island’s Roger Williams University School of Law in 6 years.
JWU’s Online Accelerated Master of Science (M.S.) degree
While completing your B.S. degree at JWU, you can also begin work on an online Master’s in Criminal Justice degree through our College of Professional Studies. Students in the online Accelerated Master’s degree program in Criminal Justice increase their expertise in the subject through courses such as Contemporary Criminology and Crime Prevention, and Research and Inquiry.
