Criminal Justice
Why Pursue Criminal Justice?
There will always be a place for law enforcement professionals in our society. In fact, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that law enforcement jobs will grow 5 percent from 2019 to 2029 – which is faster than the average for all occupations. Criminal justice jobs continue to be in demand, and the need for a more educated criminal justice workforce is paramount to the evolution of the profession.
Thanks to highly qualified, personable, and dedicated faculty, Piedmont University’s undergraduate degree in criminal justice offers several unique learning opportunities. These include courses in the criminological explanations of serial killings and a required semester-long internship — providing students with practical knowledge and professional contacts they need to launch a successful career. Or be a launching pad for postgraduate educational opportunities.
How a Piedmont Criminal Justice Degree Helps You
- Launch a career as a police officer, investigator, cybersecurity agent, state or federal agent, along with many other occupations within the Criminal Justice profession.
- Pursue broader opportunities in corrections, homeland security, and private security.
- Learn how the human brain and our shared experiences work so that you may prevent crime before it happens.
Career Opportunities
A Criminal Justice degree from Piedmont opens doors and a wide range of professional pursuits. For instance, our graduates have gone on to build successful careers in:
A degree in Criminal Justice helps with a career in Social Services by providing a strong understanding of the legal system, human behavior, and community resources. It prepares individuals to support at-risk populations, advocate for vulnerable groups, and collaborate with law enforcement and other agencies to improve social outcomes.
A degree in Criminal Justice helps with a career in Legal Research by providing a solid grounding in law, legal procedures, and critical thinking. It equips individuals to analyze case law, statutes, and legal documents effectively.
A degree in Criminal Justice prepares individuals for a career in Law Enforcement by offering in-depth knowledge of criminal law, investigative techniques, and the justice system, essential for protecting communities and enforcing laws effectively.
A degree in Criminal Justice supports a career in Investigations by developing skills in criminal analysis, evidence handling, and investigative procedures essential for solving cases and ensuring justice.
A degree in Criminal Justice prepares you for a career in Crime Scene Investigations by teaching you the legal, ethical, and procedural foundations of evidence collection, criminal law, and investigative techniques. It also develops critical skills in forensic basics, report writing, and courtroom communication essential for processing and presenting crime scene evidence.
A degree in Criminal Justice helps prepare for a career in Probation by providing a deep understanding of rehabilitation practices, criminal behavior, and the legal system, all essential for supporting and supervising individuals on probation.
A degree in Criminal Justice helps with a career in Private Security by providing knowledge in law enforcement procedures, risk assessment, and security management, essential for protecting individuals, property, and assets in private sector settings.
A degree in Criminal Justice supports a career in Consulting by offering expertise in law, risk management, and organizational security, enabling individuals to advise businesses, government agencies, or legal entities on strategies to address security concerns, compliance issues, and criminal justice matters.
A degree in Criminal Justice prepares you for a career in Digital Forensics by providing a strong understanding of legal procedures, cybercrime, and the investigative process. It also equips you with the knowledge to handle digital evidence ethically and effectively within the criminal justice system.
More About Criminal Justice
Learn more about Criminal Justice and the variety of options available to you as a Piedmont student.
As part of Piedmont University’s School of Arts and Sciences, criminal justice students will experience a well-rounded education with a liberal arts background. Students will also be required to complete 14 required courses – including an internship – as well as nine elective courses that pertain to theories and understanding of criminal justice concepts.
At Piedmont, criminal justice faculty members are focused on ensuring you are prepared for a successful career in the field of criminal justice. To that end, professors provide one-on-one access for questions and concerns and are highly involved in helping all students secure internships – and even future employment. Piedmont students have completed internships in Cobb, DeKalb, Hall, Forsyth, and Gwinnett counties (all in Georgia), as well as with the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI), the Georgia Department of Community Supervision (DCS), and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), to name a few. The contacts that you make through these experiences can be invaluable in starting your career on a successful path.
Criminal Justice does not just take into account law enforcement. Our program also studies and teaches you the practical levels of judicial and legal work within the criminal justice industry. Like law enforcement, demand for legal work is also expected to rise as individuals, businesses, and all levels of government require legal services in many areas. And Piedmont will teach you how to access and excel in these roles.
We all want to live in a safe community. Law enforcement organizations are recognizing the need to keep up with the ever changing environment, regardless of location, and are increasingly requiring college coursework as a pre-requisite of employment.
Related Programs
Intrigued by criminal justice? You might also be interested in one of these programs:
Meet our Faculty
Meet our talented faculty with both academic and professional experience in Criminal Justice.
Where do I start?
To begin your journey toward becoming a Criminal Justice student at Piedmont University, you can start by applying today! Or, schedule a campus visit and meet with admissions and financial aid advisors, as well as faculty members in Criminal Justice.