Bachelor of Science
Criminal Justice (3-Year)
Fast-Track Your Future in Criminal Justice
If you’re passionate about making a difference in the world of criminal justice, why wait four years to get started? JWU’s Three-Year Career-Focused Bachelor’s Degree gives you the knowledge, skills and hands-on experience you need to launch your career faster.
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.
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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.
What You’ll Learn
By the time you graduate, you’ll be prepared to:
- Analyze and address modern challenges in the American criminal justice system.
- Evaluate and interpret evidence using investigative theories and forensic techniques.
- Research and propose solutions to pressing legal and societal issues.
- Resolve conflicts effectively using professional policies and procedures.
- Apply ethical decision-making to criminal justice operations in diverse and global contexts.
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Sample Courses
- Introduction to Criminal Justice
- Criminal Investigation
- Homeland Security
- Criminal Law
- Criminalistics with Lab
- Criminal Justice Senior Seminar
- Abnormal Psychology
Explore all courses:
In addition to classes, you may have the opportunity to take free electives. Please confirm courses with an academic advisor before scheduling free elective credits.
Career Possibilities
- Fraud Analyst
- Law Enforcement
- Forensic Crime Lab Technician
- Victim Advocate
- Loss Prevention
- Attorney
- Corporate Security
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.
Featured Faculty
Our professors and instructors are dedicated to the success of our students. Learn more about our expert faculty members.
Professor and Department Chair
Prior to joining academia, Professor Sylvestre served on the Pawtucket Police Department in Rhode Island for 22 years
Professor
Prior to coming to JWU, Professor Desmarais accrued 27 years of law enforcement experience across a wide spectrum of positions.
Assistant Professor
Professor Frazier worked in the patrol, community policing and detective divisions of the Warwick, RI police department for 20 years.
