Criminal Justice
Program Overview
The Criminal Justice Program at West Liberty University provides students with a solid foundation in theory, research, and ethics. Students learn from experts in law, juvenile delinquency, and corrections.
The program emphasizes communication skills through discussions, presentations, and writing.
A key feature is the required 200-hour internship, offering hands-on experience in law enforcement, corrections, courts, and probation.
With a combination of rigorous coursework, practical experience, and professional networking, students emerge from this program as educated citizens, enlightened thinkers, and profound leaders in the field of criminal justice.
Our 2-Year Criminal Justice Online Completion Program is ideal for students who wish to earn their bachelor’s degree and who have completed introductory-level (associate’s degree) courses at a community college with transferable general studies credits.
Undergraduate Degree
Program Type: Major
Degree: Bachelor of Sciences
College: College of Liberal and Creative Arts
Program Duration: 4 Years
2 Year Online Completion Program
Program Type: Major
Degree: Bachelor of Sciences
College: College of Liberal and Creative Arts
Program Duration: 2 Years
Minors
Courses and Curriculum
It's a Major Thing: Criminal Justice
Criminal Justice student Cody Waggoner tells us what it’s like to be a West Liberty University student in this program!
Careers
Police officers protect lives and property, while detectives investigate crimes. The job is physically demanding, stressful, and often dangerous, with high injury rates. Officers typically work in shifts around the clock.
Education requirements vary from a high school diploma to a college degree, and most must complete academy training. Candidates must be at least 21 and meet strict physical and personal standards.
The median annual wage was $74,910 in May 2023, with employment projected to grow 4% from 2023 to 2033.
Public safety telecommunicators, including 911 operators and fire dispatchers, handle emergency and nonemergency calls, working in public safety answering points (PSAPs). They often work nights, weekends, and holidays under high-pressure conditions.
A high school diploma is typically required, with on-the-job training and, in many areas, certification. The median annual wage was $48,890 in May 2023.
Employment is projected to grow 4% from 2023 to 2033, with about 11,500 openings per year, mainly due to workforce turnover.
Probation officers and correctional treatment specialists help rehabilitate offenders in custody or on probation/parole. They often work full time, travel for meetings, and face stressful or dangerous conditions.
A bachelor’s degree is typically required, along with possible exams. The median annual wage was $61,800 in May 2023.
Employment is projected to grow 4% from 2023 to 2033, with about 7,400 openings per year, mostly due to workforce turnover.
Correctional officers guard inmates in facilities and during transport, while bailiffs maintain courtroom order. The work can be stressful and dangerous, with correctional officers covering all shifts and bailiffs working during court sessions.
A high school diploma is typically required, along with academy and on-the-job training. Some federal agencies may require a bachelor’s degree.
In May 2023, median wages were $53,040 for bailiffs and $53,300 for correctional officers. Employment is projected to decline 6% from 2023 to 2033, but about 31,000 openings per year are expected due to workforce turnover.
Criminal Justice Honor Society
Alpha Phi Sigma, the National Criminal Justice Honor Society, is a society formed to recognize outstanding scholastic achievement in the study of Criminal Justice. (It is not a fraternity or sorority.) Requirements include being a student at West Liberty University, have completed three semesters of study, have completed at least four Criminal Justice courses, maintain a 3.2 overall GPA, and maintain a 3.2 GPA in your Criminal Justice courses. For more information, contact Dr. Keith Bell.
The Hilltop Advantage
Experiential Learning
A key feature of our criminal justice program is the 1-credit CJ 201 Sophomore Seminar. Modeled after military institutions, this course supports sophomores who often lack academic guidance. As a cohort, students engage with professionals in law enforcement, corrections, victim services, investigations, and more. They also complete 3–6 hours of service learning to explore career paths firsthand.
Internships
West Liberty University requires a 200-hour internship as a core requirement, doubling the standard. This hands-on experience, supported by law enforcement and corrections agencies, often leads directly to employment after graduation.
Scholarships
WLU has several scholarships available to assist deserving young men and women in the Criminal Justice program, including the Cory Hewitt Memorial Scholarship, the David T. Javersak College of Liberal and Creative Arts Scholarship, and the Kenneth B. McMillen Social Science Scholarship. Click below for details, applications, and application deadlines.
Next Steps
Request Info
For more information about West Liberty University, simply fill out and submit the form. Tell us a little bit about yourself, and we’ll send you more information. If you have any additional questions, feel free to contact us.
Visit
The journey of a lifetime starts with your first visit to West Liberty, where you will be greeted by a warm and inviting tree-shaded campus full of excitement.
Apply
Apply today and discover how West Liberty University can help you realize your business career aspirations.