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Criminal Justice Administration
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A degree in Criminal Justice Administration at Wayland offers a broad range of career possibilities and experiences. With multiple fields of study within the criminal justice system, our students have opportunities to impact society in numerous ways. Whether serving as advocates and public defenders in court, helping rehabilitate juveniles and adults on probation and parole, or serving as law enforcement personnel at the local, state, or federal level, our graduates impact the daily lives of people all around the world.
Our Criminal Justice Administration students have the opportunity to take classes from a diverse range of faculty, not just in the traditional fields of law and law enforcement, but in social work, counseling, human services, public administration, psychology, and sociology. Our faculty members consist of both current and retired lawyers, judges, assistant district attorneys, military officers, law enforcement officers, politicians, licensed professional counselors, social workers, emergency response personnel, alternative dispute mediators, and public administrators. We also have a full-time Title IX expert who has developed the curriculum for our Special Victims and Investigations Specialization. This unique approach goes beyond a mere understanding of the law and how it applies to criminal offenders and helps prepare students to understand people better as a whole. In that process, our students can begin to see how the criminal justice system can work to bring about positive change in their community and within the broader scope of society.
Learning Opportunities
At Wayland, we believe hands-on experience is vital to a student’s education, which is why we offer practical learning opportunities for our students. Our Criminal Justice Administration majors can take part in mock trials, analyze simulated crime scenes, and participate in a Practicum course, which gives them the opportunity to intern with a local agency in their chosen field. Our students have interned with local law enforcement, judges, lawyers, crisis agencies, and more. In addition to their internship hours, students will conduct job searches, complete mock applications and resumes, and attend a mock interview with their professor as practice for pursuing a career after graduation.
In addition, we recognize that everyone’s circumstances and educational needs are different, which is why we offer the Criminal Justice Administration degree both face-to-face and fully online. Students also have the opportunity to attend evening classes at several of our campuses. With our traditional BA and BS degree options, as well as a BAS degree geared towards working adults, we offer a variety of opportunities for you to complete your educational goals.
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Forensics
Our Forensics Specialization helps prepare students for criminal investigations and crime scene analysis. Forensics majors focus on collecting, processing, and analyzing evidence from a variety of crime scenes and criminal investigations. A double major or minor is recommended as a concentration area (e.g., an Art major/minor for those interested in forensic sketch art; Accounting for those interested in financial fraud investigations; Computer Science or Cyber Security for those interested in cyber forensics, etc.) Students can also double major in Chemistry if they are interested in working in a lab as a forensic scientist.
Career Opportunities
- Crime Scene Investigator
- Forensic Scientist
- Fraud Investigator
- Police Sketch Artist
- Fingerprint Analyst
- Crime Scene Analysis
- Cyber Forensics
- Detective
Sample Courses
- JUAD 3324 鈥� Forensics in Criminal Justice
- JUAD 3308 鈥� Criminal Investigation
- JUAD 3313 鈥� Murder, an Analytical Study
- JUAD 3325 鈥� Forensic Psychology
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Law Enforcement
Geared towards students who wish to work as law enforcement personnel at either the local, state, or federal level, our Law Enforcement Specialization offers a broad range of options. Students can work towards careers in probation, corrections, parole, police departments, homeland security, the FBI, customs, border security, etc. Minors in Psychology, Sociology, and/or Spanish are typically recommended.
Career Opportunities
- State Trooper
- Probation Officer
- FBI Agent
- Deputy US Marshal
- Border Patrol
- Police Officer
- Park Ranger
- Game Warden
- Correctional Officer
Sample Courses
- JUAD 3301 - Police-Community Relations
- JUAD 3309 - Police Report Writing
- JUAD 3331 - Probation, Corrections, Parole
- JUAD 4301 - De-escalation
- SOSC 3315 - Stress Management for Helping Professions
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Legal Studies
This specialization is designed for students who wish to become lawyers, judges, and policy makers by giving students a deeper understanding of the law and helping prepare students for entry-level jobs in legal offices, or pursuit of a graduate degree in Law School. With experienced lawyers, judges, alternative dispute mediators, and former politicians as instructors, students have the opportunity to learn from professionals in the field.
Career Opportunities
- Lawyer
- Judge
- Policy Analyst
- Human Resource Assistant
- Paralegal
- Consumer Protection Specialist
- Victim Assistance Coordinator
Samples Courses
- JUAD 3315 - Preparation for Law School
- JUAD 3326 - Criminal Evidence and Court Procedures
- JUAD 3314 - Psychology and the Law
- JUAD 3319 - American Legal System
- JUAD 4313 - Alternative Dispute Resolution
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Special Victims and Investigations
This specialization is geared towards students who wish to investigate, report, and respond to domestic and sexual violence crimes. Students examine criminal behavior such as sexual assault, human trafficking, stalking, intimate partner violence, child abuse, and juvenile delinquency. By gaining insights into the unique aspects of violent behavior, relationships between violence in society, violence within families, and different professional responses to violence, students will be better equipped for jobs in law enforcement and community agencies.
Career Opportunities
- Special Victims Detective
- Victim Advocate
- Investigator
- Human Trafficking Advocate
- Child Protective Services
- Crisis Center Coordinator
- Family Protective Services
- Domestic Violence Advocate
Sample Courses
- JUAD 3302 - Rape: Investigations of Sexual Assault
- SOSC 3317 - Rape: Perspectives on Sexual Assault
- SOSC 3327 - Domestic Violence
- SOSC 3328 - Human Trafficking
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Students who graduate with a degree in Criminal Justice Administration may also pursue graduate degrees in some of the following areas: Legal Studies, Social Work, Criminal Justice, Law School, Human Services, Counseling, and Forensic Science.
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Find Out More!
Have questions about our Criminal Justice Administration program? Contact one of our Enrollment Coaches today!
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