Criminal Justice
Why Pursue Criminal Justice?
The Criminal Justice program at Piedmont University prepares students to become ethical leaders and informed professionals in one of society’s most essential fields. Through a combination of rigorous academics, faculty mentorship, and practical learning experiences, students develop a comprehensive understanding of the criminal justice system while gaining the knowledge and critical thinking skills needed to serve their communities. Coursework explores policing, criminal investigations, criminology, corrections, victimology, criminal law, the courts, ethics, and public policy, providing students with a broad foundation that prepares them for careers across the criminal justice profession. Small class sizes allow students to work closely with experienced faculty who are committed to helping them achieve their academic and professional goals.
An Education Built on Experience
Learning in the Criminal Justice program extends beyond the classroom through hands-on projects, research opportunities, professional networking, and a required semester-long internship. Students have opportunities to interact with professionals from local, state, and federal agencies while gaining insight into the challenges and responsibilities facing today’s criminal justice system. As part of the Department of Criminal Justice and Forensic Science, students also benefit from unique interdisciplinary opportunities to collaborate with forensic science faculty and students, observe forensic techniques, and participate in experiential learning activities that strengthen their understanding of criminal investigations. These experiences help students connect theory with practice while building the confidence and professionalism expected by employers.
How a Piedmont Criminal Justice Degree Helps You
- Graduates of Piedmont University’s Criminal Justice program are prepared for careers in law enforcement, criminal investigations, corrections, probation and parole, juvenile justice, homeland security, victim advocacy, intelligence analysis, emergency management, private security, and numerous other public service professions.
- The curriculum emphasizes communication, leadership, ethical decision-making, report writing, and problem-solving skills that are valued across the criminal justice field.
- Whether students choose to enter the workforce immediately after graduation or continue their education through graduate or professional school, they leave Piedmont with the knowledge, practical experience, and professional foundation needed to succeed in an evolving criminal justice profession.
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 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 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.
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 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 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 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.
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.