About

A criminal justice degree offers more than the television show “CSI” may lead you to believe. It prepares students to work in the public and private sectors of law enforcement and courts and corrections at all levels of government. It also provides training for careers in community organizations or government positions (elected or appointed).

Appalachian State University’s Criminal Justice (BSCJ) degree has a broad focus and is taught by faculty in the Department of Government and Justice Studies who have diverse expertise. At Appalachian, you will take classes from both sides of the department, including faculty from the pre-professional legal studies concentration and faculty from the public administration undergraduate concentration.

In addition to classes in criminal justice, the program’s strong liberal arts focus emphasizes critical writing, communications and analysis skills. You will be required to complete a writing course that focuses on the writing skills needed in your specific concentration. Students are required to complete an internship to gain practical experience, and the department’s full-time internship coordinator can help you find that perfect host site. 

If you want to continue your education and have a 3.4 GPA or higher, you can complete Appalachian’s Accelerated Master’s Program and receive a Master’s of Public Administration in one extra year.

After Graduation

Employment: Some students begin employment immediately following the completion of their required internship, while others use their internship period to begin the application process with organizations of interest. See right column for a sample of agencies that have hired Criminal Justice alumni.

Graduate schools: Some students continue their education at Appalachian State University or other institutions such as Florida State University and University of Missouri at St. Louis.

Career Exploration website

People

• 

  Alumna Profile: Cashae Cook ’14

  Cook is App State’s diversity, inclusion and community engagement officer. She works in partnership with university offices and student organizations to foster meaningful relationships and build trust with all members of the campus community.

• 

  Student Profile: Bryce Helms

  As a senior, Bryce Helms is the first cadet from the two-year Appalachian Police Officer Development Program to be hired as a full-time member of App State Police.

• 

  Alumnus Profile: Brock Long ’97 ’99

  After 16 years’ experience in homeland security, Long served as FEMA administrator from 2017 to 2019. He holds two degrees from Appalachian: a bachelor's degree in criminal justice and a Master of Public Administration degree.

Related Program

• Criminal Justice (BSCJ) - International Studies

Minors

A minor is required. Popular minors include Chemistry, Geography and Anthropology.

View all minors

Engagement Outside the Classroom

American Correctional Association - The Appalachian Students Chapter of the American Correctional Association was founded in 2003 and works to educate the community about the truth of our justice system.

Global Learning

Appalachian is committed to introducing students to different cultures and teaching them how to live and interact in a global society. In this major, past faculty-led study abroad locations included Cuba and Eastern Europe.

Admission Requirements

There are no admission requirements beyond admission to Appalachian State University.