Criminal Justice Major

With a Christian liberal arts focus, this interdisciplinary major provides students with many opportunities to study law, psychology, sociology, public administration and much more. Students explore every aspect of crime, the law and the justice system as they complete this degree.

Those who serve in the field of criminal justice don’t necessarily have to wear a gun or arrest criminals. There are many other career options, such as combining interviewing skills with spreadsheet analysis expertise to do research; educating the public about crime; building relationships with the citizens of local neighborhoods and mobilizing the public to help fight crime; advocating for legislation to help keep dangerous repeat offenders off the streets; and gathering and analyzing information to solve criminal justice problems.

Department of Social Work and Criminal Justice

Practical Experience

As they gain knowledge, students have many opportunities to use what they learn and practice their skills. Each year, Olivet social work and criminal justice majors invest more than 20,000 clock hours serving with various agencies.

In addition to completing one or two field placements, many criminal justice students are actively involved with Olivet’s ROTC Roaring Tiger Battalion to put their knowledge to work.

Recognized Excellence

Olivet’s programs follow the standards set by the professional organization for criminal justice, the Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences (ACJS).

Quality Assurance

The criminal justice program at Olivet Nazarene University prepares students for success in their chosen careers. Graduates excel in the workforce with the completion of additional training for certification through organizations such as the Illinois State Police Academy. Employers have underscored the value of an Olivet education in the workplace, specifically because of the integrity and skills in communication and problem solving that graduates demonstrate. Alumni continue to report on the excellent job offers and promotions that they receive.