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Major Related Resources Department of Resources Career Resource | Description of MajorThe major in criminal justice provides students with a knowledge of the causes of crime, as well as the workings of the criminal justice system (police, courts, and corrections) and law in society. Courses include topics such as theories of crime, dispute resolution, drugs and crime, child abuse and neglect, gangs, policing, and private security.Skills & Knowledge Developed in this Field of StudyStudents completing a criminal justice major combine a quality liberal arts education with specific knowledge and skills important to most employers. They gain knowledge about interpersonal and organizational behavior. They also learn to critically analyze problems and to develop and test methods to solve those problems through required courses in research methods and statistics. Through internships, students gain specific experience(s) in areas such as policing, courts, and probation that enhance their employment opportunities and make them strong competitors in the job market.Minors and Second Majors that Expand Career Options with this MajorAnthropology, biology, business, chemistry, informatics, journalism, political science, psychology, public and environmental affairs, sociology, and foreign languages.Career OptionsCareers Specific to the Bachelor's DegreeStudents with an undergraduate degree in criminal justice are especially well educated for jobs in policing at the local/state/federal level, probation and parole, and corrections, as well as in the rapidly growing area of private security.Other Career Possibilities with a Bachelor's DegreeStudents graduating with a major in criminal justice have found positions in the social welfare field, in law offices as assistants, in regulatory agencies such as the Environmental Protection Agency and Occupational Health and Safety Administration, and in business.Careers that Normally Require a Graduate DegreeOpportunities for advanced administrative and research positions in criminal justice policy areas are enhanced by graduate education in criminal justice, psychology, and/or public policy. Practice of criminal law requires a law degree. Numerous teaching and research opportunities in this growing field of study are available to graduates of Ph.D. programs in criminal justice.Employment OpportunitiesJob OutlookThe job outlook for the foreseeable future is excellent. Crime is a major domestic policy concern and efforts continue to find effective responses to it. Opportunities in policing are expanding with the passage of the recent Crime Control Act. Probation and parole offices are hiring in response to increasing demands. Private security continues to grow dramatically as well.Salary InformationIn 2000, the average starting salary received by criminal justice majors was $27,318 (College Placement Council Salary Survey). Salaries for criminal justice professionals are, however, becoming increasingly attractive due to the continued growth in both public and private sectors.Potential Career GrowthThe potential for career growth and advancement is especially strong in light of the general growth of job opportunities in the areas described in the "Job Outlook" section.Placement Statistics for IU Graduates with this MajorNot available.High School PreparationStudents need to meet the basic requirements for admission to IU, which include a variety of courses in English, mathematics, social science, and lab science.Special OpportunitiesMajors with a GPA of 3.5 may choose to do an honors thesis in criminal justice. Our highly successful internship program enables students to work in public agencies and private corporations. Several special scholarships are available to criminal justice majors, including one award for a student interested in private security and another, the Isiah Thomas award, for students beginning their senior year who are in need of financial aid. An area certificate in criminal justice may be available to students in other IUB schools who complete our department’s requirements for a major.Noted AlumniThomas W. Wathen, BA '54, CEO, Pinkerton Security & Investigative Services Lou Halkias, BA '72, Special Agent in Charge, Criminal Investigations Division of the Environmental Protection Agency Alicia J. Holland, BA '75, JD '78, Attorney, U.S. Army's Achievement Medal for Civilian Service Tmothy Horty, BA '79, MS '80, Deputy Chief, Indianapolis Police department Victoria Ballinger Howard, BA '85, MA '90, U.S. Probation Officer Suzanne M. Kuzmenka, BA '89, Staff Attorney for the Illinois Coalition Against Sexual Assault | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
