BS in Criminal Justice and Criminology

Georgia Southern's program BS in Criminal Justice and Criminology

The justice system relies on dedicated professionals who serve both victims and the accused. Find your place in this field and prepare to empower your community at all levels with a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Criminal Justice and Criminology from Georgia Southern University.

Locations

  • Statesboro Campus (In Person, Criminal Justice and Criminology Emphasis Only)
  • Armstrong Campus (In Person)
  • Online

Why Major in Criminal Justice and Criminology at Georgia Southern?

  • Focus on cybercrime or criminal justice and criminology.
  • #20: Best Online Criminal Justice Degree Programs of 2024 (Intelligent.com).
  • 124 credit hours to completion.

Explore the intricate workings of the justice system, grapple with the complexities of crime and law and unravel the digital threads of cybercrime with a BS in Criminal Justice and Criminology from Georgia Southern. In this program, you’ll build an understanding of the factors that contribute to criminal behavior, as well as how it impacts victims and communities. Your classes will reflect upon the same challenges professionals tackle every day, including victimology, juvenile justice, gang-related crimes, drugs and society, violence and issues in homeland security.

Award-winning faculty walk you through all aspects of the field as you prepare for a career in victim advocacy, law enforcement, probation and parole, corrections, law, data analysis or digital forensics. 

Ready to Apply?

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What Can You Do With a Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice and Criminology?

A BS in Criminal Justice and Criminology prepares you to serve on the front lines of law enforcement, advocate for justice as an attorney or help victims recover, among many other careers. Regardless of the approach you take to the field, you’ll make a difference in society.

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Median salary in 2022 for police officers and detectives. (BLS)

Total law enforcement jobs in the U.S. in 2022. (BLS)

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Median salary in 2023 for private detectives. (BLS)

Where our graduates work:

  • Andrew & Sanders Law Firm
  • Criminal Justice Coordinating Council
  • Fulton County Public Defender Office
  • Georgia Board of Public Safety
  • Georgia Bureau of Investigation
  • Georgia Department of Corrections
  • Gwinnett County District Attorney’s Office
  • National Center for Victims of Crime

What our graduates do:

  • Computer forensics technician
  • Detective
  • Domestic violence counselor
  • Forensic science technician
  • Homeland security professional
  • Local or state police officer
  • Loss prevention specialist
  • Probation and parole officer
  • Victim advocate

What You’ll Learn

Classes expose you to the full breadth of the justice system, from why individuals commit criminal acts to the laws protecting citizens. You’ll learn about types of crimes, the causes of criminal behavior, juvenile delinquency, victimology and institutions from courts to homeland security and law enforcement agencies.

By the time you graduate, you’ll become a proficient writer, a sharp thinker and an articulate communicator, ready to excel in various justice-oriented careers or further your academic pursuits.

See the Curriculum

Cybercrime Emphasis

The FBI reported a 10% increase in cybercrime incidents between 2022 and 2023. Equipping you to thwart these threats, the cybercrime emphasis covers computer forensics, cyber harassment and stalking, exploitation, cyber terrorism and related topics. Available to students studying on the Armstrong Campus or online.

Explore Cybercrime Courses
What You'll Learn

Build Your Experience

Whether you work with victims, in law enforcement or in the court system, criminal justice is a hands-on job. You’ll have numerous opportunities to put theory into practice at Georgia Southern.

Student Organizations

Get Involved

Get insider advice from professionals in the field, find job opportunities through an annual career fair and meet other criminal justice majors through Georgia Southern’s Justice Studies Club.

Internships

Internships

Get first-hand experience in a courthouse, law enforcement agency, law office, juvenile after-care program or another place where you can see your knowledge at work.

Honors College

Honors College

Challenge yourself in our College Honors program in Criminal Justice and Criminology. You’ll work closely with a faculty mentor on research while taking part in small seminars, gaining access to experiential opportunities and more.

Ashanté Hill, ‘22
“I actually took an investigation class, and we were able to see the actual footage from some gruesome crimes committed in the surrounding area. It was a lot to take in, but I thought this just might actually be something I might want to do. That was the class that really got me thinking I would, in a perfect world, start off in the GBI and then work my way up to the FBI.”
Ashanté Hill, ’22 BS in Criminal Justice and Criminology

Want to Learn More?

Explore essential information about our BS in Criminal Justice and Criminology program, including application details, accreditation status, and licensing disclosures. Gain insight into the program’s credibility and requirements to help you start your journey toward success with the knowledge you need.

Follow these steps to complete the Georgia Southern application: 

  • Create an application account.
  • Complete our online application using the PIN you received after creating your application account.
  • Once complete, pay the $30 application fee or upload a valid fee waiver. Previous Georgia Southern applicants and dual enrollment students do not need to pay the fee.

You can check your application status at My.GeorgiaSouthern.edu/admissions three days after completing your application. This page contains live information about your admission status, including a checklist of missing documents we need to make a decision.

Apply as a First-Year Student Transfer to Georgia Southern

Online students can earn a BS in Criminal Justice and Criminology while studying anywhere in the world. Even if you have a full-time job and family responsibilities or are serving in the military, Georgia Southern’s convenient and accessible online programs let you work toward a degree on your schedule.

Learn More About Online Programs

For All Online Programs

Federal law requires colleges and universities to make certain disclosures to prospective students of these programs. These disclosures include information on the University’s authority to operate outside of Georgia, complaint processes, adverse actions and refunds.

For required disclosures in general with regard to online programs offered by the University, visit the Office of Legal Affairs website.

Alumni Feature

As a student, Gracie McMillan earned Top Secret clearance through an internship with the FBI. Here’s something she’s happy to reveal: “I couldn’t have done what I’m doing now without Georgia Southern.” McMillan, who minored in criminal justice and criminology, is now a cyber and strategic risk analyst at Deloitte.

Read More
Gracie McMillan

Faculty Feature

Chad Posick, a professor in Georgia Southern’s Department of Criminal Justice and Criminology, doesn’t have ESP. But all too often, he’s able to anticipate upticks in criminal activity. “We know that the best predictor of future violence is to have been a victim before,” said Posick. For Savannah’s Violence Intervention Project, he studies victims and violent offenders to mitigate future incidents.

Read More
Chad Posick

Take the Next Step

Whether you see yourself investigating crimes, aiding victims or building policy, a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and criminology from Georgia Southern equips you to uplift your community and society at large. Contact us to learn more.

Contact Us:

Department of Criminal Justice and Criminology

Georgia Southern University
P.O. Box: 8105
Statesboro, GA 30460
Phone: 912-478-8007
Fax: 912-478-4999
Email: cjcrim@georgiasouthern.edu