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Criminal Justice Sciences

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Overview

Earning a criminal justice degree empowers you to make positive contributions to society.

The field offers plenty of variety that leads to an exciting and engaging career. Professionals enforce laws, protect citizens, rehabilitate offenders, help victims, and develop programs to help prevent crime. 

The criminal justice program at Illinois State examines policing, courts, and corrections. We do this with a social science point of view. As a student, you'll explore human behavior and take an in-depth look at the issues and circumstances that lead to crime. This gives you a well-rounded perspective and prepares you to be a leader for positive change.    

You'll also gain all the skills you need to be successful in your career. We'll teach you how to interview, develop programs, promote community well-being, and analyze crime hotspots.

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Point of Pride

Each year more than 170 students from the Department of Criminal Justice Sciences are placed into internships with federal, state, county, and local agencies, as well as departments around the world. CJS students are consistently chosen for a competitive Washington, D.C., internship program.

Why study Criminal Justice Sciences?

Criminal justice at Illinois State is dedicated to helping you be a force of good in the world. Everything we teach and do focuses on social justice and human rights. We'll train you to be a thoughtful leader who innovates and promotes positive change in the field.

Our program gives you plenty of hands-on experience. Civic engagement is a core value and we are active participants. You'll have opportunities to work with our agency partners in the community. The projects you do will be meaningful and make a real impact. Our internship requirement also lets you take what you learn in the classroom and apply it to the career path that inspires you.

The Illinois State criminal justice faculty will be with you every step of the way on your academic journey. Our students work closely with tenure track faculty on projects, coaching, and mentoring.

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Come see campus and meet with campus representatives either in person or virtually. Optional chances to meet with academic department, honors, and financial aid.

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How to Apply

Applying to Illinois State

Applying by our priority deadline is encouraged for best consideration for your academic program and for scholarships. Start your application today!

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Contact Information

  • Department of Criminal Justice Sciences
  • (309) 438-7626
  • Schroeder 441
  • College of Applied Science and Technology

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