Located at the Providence Campus, the objectives of the CJA are to improve criminal justice studies, promote professional, academic, and public awareness of criminal justice issues, and provide a unified voice for students in the criminal justice field.
Probation
Paralegal Activities
Body Guard
Juvenile Services
Community Action Groups
Secret Service Agent
Law Enforcement
Private Security
Criminal Investigator
Corrections Officer
Research
Airport Security Officer
Customs Agent
Court Administrator
Private Investigator
Child Welfare Caseworker
Foreign Service Officer
Private Investigator
Counter Intelligence Agent
Military Officer
Pursue a Law Degree
Related Skills
Written & presentation skills
Research strategies
Ethics and moral values
Quantitative skills
Critical thinking
Knowledge of legal structures
Decision making
Interviewing skills
Skills in research and scientific methodology
Understanding the nature of crimes
Broad understanding of criminal law and the
Ability to identify and analyze social problems criminal justice system and develop solutions
Average Annual Salary
37,500 (law enforcement), $29,000 (customer service)
(National Association of Colleges and Employers, Salary Survey: 2006-2007)
Sources of Information
National Sheriffs Association
1450 Duke St.
Alexandria, VA 22314
(703) 836-7827
American Society of Criminology
1314 Kinnear Rd., Suite 212
(614) 292-2907
Columbus, OH 43212
IRS Criminal Investigation Division
U.S. Treasury Department
1111 Constitution Ave., NW
Washington, DC 20224
(202) 622-5164
National Association of Legal Assistants
1601 South Main, Suite 300
Tulsa, OK 74119
(918) 587-6828
American Correctional Association
8025 Laurel Lakes Court
Laurel, MD 20707
(301) 206-5100
Associations
Criminal Justice associations and resources
National Criminal Justice Association
American Society of Criminology
American Correctional Association
Federal Bureau of Investigation
International Association of Crime Analysts
American Bar Association Career Corner
Association of Corporate Counsel
National Association for Law Placement
Criminal Justice Web Sites
Institute for Law and Justice
FedWorld:govt jobs and information
Government Jobs
Transportation Security Administration
United State Secret Service
Naval Criminal Investigation Service
National Security Agency Careers
Opportunities with the UN & other International jobs
International Civil Service Commission
Police Jobs
Attorney Jobs
Law Jobs
Criminal Justice (Occupational Outlook Handbook)
US Department of Justice
Criminal Justice Resources
Criminal Justice USA
Federal Jobs Digest
Explore
While many colleges and universities offer “quick courses” in select areas of criminal justice, such as basic police courses, Trine University’s program teaches criminal law, psychology, and the academic base to go on to a career in criminal justice or even to law school. The defining feature of the CJ program brings several points to mind. First, the program is not a “Cop Shop” (where only police courses are taught for strictly a career as an entry level police officer) nor is it strictly theoretically based. Trine University is between these two extremes with a wonderful melding of practical knowledge taught by current professionals in the field (judges, lawyers, coroners, law enforcement officers and administrators) and theory which should drive all that we do in the field of criminal justice.
Experience
Secondly, the CJ major has a strong psychology component. We currently are one of the only undergraduate programs in the U.S. to specialize in Forensic and Correctional Psychology. Also offered as a CJ concentration is law enforcement, agency administration, and psychology. All of which allows the student to be prepared to start in their chosen career path after graduation but also move up quickly in the ranks. Further, the CJ program has a strong student to student support system, the American Criminal Justice Association (ACJA).
The ACJA has monthly meetings where professionals in the field speak and recruit. In addition, the ACJA has a mentoring program for underclassmen and a yearly symposium where professionals and students interact. Lastly, the ACJA has a handgun competition team which competes nationally and regionally in matches.
Excel
Finally, the CJ program requires a student to complete an internship within their field of concentration. These internships require the student to perform a whole host of duties in an agency where they ultimately may be employed. Students often choose to complete two internships and may be offered employment while still in school or soon after they graduate.
Contact:
Craig Laker
Chair- Department of Criminal Justice
Psychology & Social Sciences
Trine University
1 University Ave.
Angola, IN 46703
260.665.4862
lakerc@trine.edu
The Criminal Justice Department is dedicated to providing the theoretical, practical and professional knowledge needed in today’s environment to be successful in the fields of law enforcement, corrections, courts, probation, parole, private security, and the related service careers. Emphasis is placed upon preparing the student to enter the professional workplace or continue studies in graduate school. The curriculum is designed to provide students with expert instruction on the most current trends, policies and practices in the field. This is not a “one size fits all” major, but one that provides the variety offered in the course selection to encourage each individual to build a personal program for the future with the assistance of a faculty advisor.
Alvernia has recruited faculty who are professionals in their respective fields within the criminal justice system. In addition to academic accreditation, the full-time faculty have extensive experience in the criminal justice system. All part-time faculty are practicing professionals in the area in which they teach. The strength of the department lies in the philosophy that faculty are, at the present time, working in the specific field of the course they teach. Class instruction is therefore as current as the events of the day. The curriculum of the Criminal Justice Administration major is innovative and demands intensive classroom learning combined with extensive research and required field experience. Most courses offer an opportunity for field experience and there is a required field practicum.
Students with career goals in law enforcement have the option of attending the Reading Police Academy to obtain Municipal Police Officer Certification (Act 120) as part of their four-year degree without extended time or expense. Students are eligible to apply for the Academy during their junior year in order to attend in their senior year.
Criminal Justice Association
Alvernia has an active Criminal Justice Association as a local chapter -Alpha Chi Sigma of the National Criminal Justice Association -Lambda Alpha Epsilon. Membership is open to all criminal justice majors. Dues are paid only once in the student’s career and is priced incrementally for new students. New students who pay their dues at the first CJA meeting receive a free t-shirt.
Saint Thomas More Honor Society
The Saint Thomas More Honor Society is the honors society of the Criminal Justice Department and is open to all criminal justice majors who meet the membership criteria.
The membership criteria is:
Must be a Criminal Justice major.
Must be an active member of the Criminal Justice Association.
Must have attained junior status academically at time of application.
Must have completed 15 credits in Criminal Justice at Alvernia College at the time of application.
Must have a 3.2 Grade Point Average in Criminal Justice in their major and a 3.2 overall GPA at the time of application.
Must attend the banquet in all years of eligibility.
Must attend Division Awards to receive the medallion.
Must demonstrate knowledge of the life of Saint Thomas More as a model and patron for Criminal Justice majors.
Must make one time dues payment at the time of application. ($50.00)
Graduate Studies
Alvernia College offers a Master of Business Administration: Community Service and Economic Leadership. This degree is ideal for executives and future executives, or managers in Criminal Justice and Addiction or Chemical Abuse agencies and organizations. The degree offers a special option in Criminal Justice that includes courses that are appropriate for executive and managerial career paths. Registration and applications are now being processed. Contact Graduate Admissions at 610-796-8296.
Students Speak Out
The reason that I like Alvernia College Criminal Justice is because of the hands-on teaching style of the professors. Every professor has previous experience in the subjects that they teach. The chair of the department is a former FBI agent and my advisor is a former major with the State Police. They give us great insight in the profession with a sense of reality. Our school also offers opportunities that are not available at other schools. Last year my law class sat in on an argument before the United States Supreme Court. My law professor is a sitting Common Pleas Court Judge. I also got to tour the FBI Academy in Virginia and observed training scenarios. The experienced faculty have also made valuable connections for me for an internship and employment. I am glad that I choose Alvernia.
- Jill Ballard, 1999
Hampstead, Maryland
I came to Alvernia College from Camden Catholic High School for the Criminal Justice. After a year I thought that I wanted a big school program so I transferred to a large university in New Jersey. The following year I returned to Alvernia. I found out that the bigger schools do not have the better programs. The quality of the faculty and the variety of the course offerings at Alvernia can’t be beat. Check it out and you will be here in the Fall.
-Tom Simmers, 1999
Cherry Hill, New Jersey
Alvernia is the only college in the region that had what I wanted in Criminal Justice. This fall I will enter the Reading Police Academy as part of my academic program and still remain a full-time college student with my campus position of Senior Resident Assistant. In December I will graduate from the academy with ACT 120 Municipal Police Certification. My internship with the State Police this past summer has put me in a position to be very competitive for employment when I graduate in May. I will have earned my college degree and police certification without any extra time or expense. My position as president of the Criminal Justice Association has also created some very interesting leadership opportunities for me too.
-Wayne Holben, 2000
City, PA
My goal is to enter law school after graduation and I am extremely pleased with the level and variety of pre-law courses that are offered in the Criminal Justice Program. My internship with the Berks County District Attorney was extremely helpful in reinforcing my commitment to graduate school. As president of the Saint Thomas More Honor Society I have formed some valuable friendships that will always be an important part of my college experience. Even though I am a commuter, I would recommend Alvernia CJ no matter how far you have to travel.
-Michele Braun, 2000
Reading, PA
Alvernia College is the school if you plan to enter the field of Criminal Justice. I chose my school very carefully because I knew that my decision would mean being eight hours away from home. Even though I was accepted at several other schools Alvernia offered the best course selection in my comparisons. I was also impressed with the experience level of the professors. I am a junior and can’t believe all of the things that I have learned already. I feel that I am very lucky to have found Alvernia. We have a student faculty ratio that allows for individual attention and small class sizes for focused learning opportunities. Our Criminal Justice Association offers lots of interesting trips, guest speakers, and networking opportunities. I am happy with the decision that I made to go to Alvernia, and can’t wait to get my degree in Criminal Justice so I can start to apply all that I am learning. Oh, don’t forget that at Alvernia, you are an individual with a name, and not just a number.
-Athena Dedes, 2001
Cohasset, Massachusetts
I chose Alvernia Criminal Justice because my high school counselor told me that they had one of the best programs in the state and after my first year I knew that my counselors were right. It makes a big difference being taught by professors who have the real world experience and have done what you want be. I play varsity women’s basketball and enjoy the friendship of my team mates. We are really “family” in the major too. Everyone is very helpful.
-Sarah Newton, 2001
Minersville, Pennsylvania
When I saw the Alvernia College Criminal Justice web page I was very impressed and decided to look into the school. The chief of police at home made some calls for me and informed me that the program was highly regarded by professionals in the field. I decided on Alvernia and it was the right choice for me. Things that we do on a regular basis in class are considered special projects at other schools. In my freshman year I was on a planning committee with the local police chief as part of my Community Policing class. I also enjoy the liberal arts core courses because I am getting a balanced education. The best part is the small class size and individual attention. They told me that Alvernia was a well kept secret in the past but I think that the word is getting out. Next Fall they are opening a new student center and a new residence hall.
-Rob Weldon, 2001
Syracuse, New York
I came to Alvernia College as an undecided student based upon the reputation of the woman’s basketball team. All of my friends on the team kept telling me about CJ and they seemed really enthused about their courses. And the CJ students are always active on trips, programs, guest speakers, or some kind of activity. I became a major at the end of my freshman year and now I want to work with troubled children. The program has a good background to let you go in the direction that interests you. Our classes are interesting and the students are enthusiastic about the major. We have strong school spirit in CJ.
-Erin McDougall, 2001
Media, Pennsylvania
Ever since I participated in the Sheriff’s Youth Ranch at the ages of 11 I have been fascinated by criminal justice and law enforcement. For two years during high school, I was a Law Enforcement Explorer through the local Sheriff’s department. I also participated in the New Jersey State Police Trooper Youth Week after I completed my Junior year of high school. All of these experiences have reinforced my determination to eventually become a New Jersey State Trooper. I chose to come to Alvernia because of the friendly, experienced faculty and the reputation of the Criminal Justice Department. I also wanted to come to a relatively small school where my teachers would know my name and I wouldn’t feel as though I were just another face in the crowd. The people at Alvernia really care and make you feel welcome. The course selection is great too. I have gotten involved as a work study in the Criminal Justice Department, Vice President of the Criminal Justice Association, President of the Resident Student Housing Organization, goalie on the Lacrosse Team, Cross Country Team, and as a student Ambassador. There are lots of opportunities here at Alvernia.
-Jennifer Struck, 2003
Pittsgrove, New Jersey
Criminal Justice Association (CJA)
Located at the Providence Campus, the objectives of the CJA are to improve criminal justice studies, promote professional, academic, and public awareness of criminal justice issues, and provide a unified voice for students in the criminal justice field.
The Criminal Justice program at St. Ambrose provides students with a broad-based course of study designed to provide them with the knowledge and skills necessary for employment in criminal justice and related fields. The program offers courses in law enforcement, corrections, criminological theory, juvenile justice, crime prevention and security, and research methods and statistics.
The various electives available are designed to broaden the students’ knowledge in the field and challenge them to develop intellectually. In addition, the Criminal Justice Bachelor of Arts program and the Master of Criminal Justice program are highly integrated. This enables students desiring to continue their education the opportunity to complete their Master’s degree in one additional year.
NEWS
LAE Jail-n-Bail
On Wednesday November 15, from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm, the Lambda Alpha Epsilon (LAE) American Criminal Justice Association held a Jail and Bail fundraising event at St. Ambrose University. The event helped raise money for the Alpha Beta Chi Chapter members of St. Ambrose to attend the Annual Iowa Governor’s Traffic Safety Conference that will be held in Des Moines on April 10-12, 2007, and it provided financial support for the Safer Foundation Juvenile Program.
We were overwhelmed by SAU faculty, staff, and student commitment to campus community organizations and the Safer Foundation Juvenile Program of the Quad-Cities. The event was a unique opportunity for SAU faculty and staff to create a partnership on a single project, and we believe that we grew as a campus community. SAU support and participation in the LAE Jail-n-Bail helped LAE raised $527.00.
LAE would like to thank everyone for their participation. We are pleased with the proceeds, and we look forward to future fundraising activities that will bridge St. Ambrose organizations with the Quad-Cities community.
For more information on LAE, click on the link to the left.
Master of Criminal Justice
We now offer the Master of Criminal Justice program in Cedar Rapids and Ottumwa, Iowa. Cedar Rapids classes are held at Kirkwood Community College and Ottumwa classes are held at Indian Hills Community College.
For more information on MCJ/graduate program information sessions and events, please go to the following website: http://web.sau.edu/GradStudies/events.htm.
For more information on the Master of Criminal Justice program at St. Ambrose, contact Professor Waylyn McCulloh. He can be reached at 563/333-6078 or by e-mail at McCullohWaylynC@sau.edu.
The Criminal Justice program at St. Ambrose provides students with a broad-based course of study designed to provide them with the knowledge and skills necessary for employment in criminal justice and related fields. The program offers courses in law enforcement, corrections, criminological theory, juvenile justice, crime prevention and security, and research methods and statistics.
The various electives available are designed to broaden the students’ knowledge in the field and challenge them to develop intellectually. In addition, the Criminal Justice Bachelor of Arts program and the Master of Criminal Justice program are highly integrated. This enables students desiring to continue their education the opportunity to complete their Master’s degree in one additional year.
NEWS
LAE Jail-n-Bail
On Wednesday November 15, from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm, the Lambda Alpha Epsilon (LAE) American Criminal Justice Association held a Jail and Bail fundraising event at St. Ambrose University. The event helped raise money for the Alpha Beta Chi Chapter members of St. Ambrose to attend the Annual Iowa Governor’s Traffic Safety Conference that will be held in Des Moines on April 10-12, 2007, and it provided financial support for the Safer Foundation Juvenile Program.
We were overwhelmed by SAU faculty, staff, and student commitment to campus community organizations and the Safer Foundation Juvenile Program of the Quad-Cities. The event was a unique opportunity for SAU faculty and staff to create a partnership on a single project, and we believe that we grew as a campus community. SAU support and participation in the LAE Jail-n-Bail helped LAE raised $527.00.
LAE would like to thank everyone for their participation. We are pleased with the proceeds, and we look forward to future fundraising activities that will bridge St. Ambrose organizations with the Quad-Cities community.
For more information on LAE, click on the link to the left.
Master of Criminal Justice
We now offer the Master of Criminal Justice program in Cedar Rapids and Ottumwa, Iowa. Cedar Rapids classes are held at Kirkwood Community College and Ottumwa classes are held at Indian Hills Community College.
Explore
While many colleges and universities offer “quick courses” in select areas of criminal justice, such as basic police courses, Trine University’s program teaches criminal law, psychology, and the academic base to go on to a career in criminal justice or even to law school. The defining feature of the CJ program brings several points to mind. First, the program is not a “Cop Shop” (where only police courses are taught for strictly a career as an entry level police officer) nor is it strictly theoretically based. Trine University is between these two extremes with a wonderful melding of practical knowledge taught by current professionals in the field (judges, lawyers, coroners, law enforcement officers and administrators) and theory which should drive all that we do in the field of criminal justice.
Experience
Secondly, the CJ major has a strong psychology component. We currently are one of the only undergraduate programs in the U.S. to specialize in Forensic and Correctional Psychology. Also offered as a CJ concentration is law enforcement, agency administration, and psychology. All of which allows the student to be prepared to start in their chosen career path after graduation but also move up quickly in the ranks. Further, the CJ program has a strong student to student support system, the American Criminal Justice Association (ACJA).
The ACJA has monthly meetings where professionals in the field speak and recruit. In addition, the ACJA has a mentoring program for underclassmen and a yearly symposium where professionals and students interact. Lastly, the ACJA has a handgun competition team which competes nationally and regionally in matches.
Excel
Finally, the CJ program requires a student to complete an internship within their field of concentration. These internships require the student to perform a whole host of duties in an agency where they ultimately may be employed. Students often choose to complete two internships and may be offered employment while still in school or soon after they graduate.
Contact:
Craig Laker
Chair- Department of Criminal Justice
Psychology & Social Sciences
Trine University
1 University Ave.
Angola, IN 46703
260.665.4862
lakerc@trine.edu
ACJA Officers
ACJA Constitution
ACJA Meeting Schedule
Join ACJA
ACJA Officers
President
Vice President
Eric Martin Jeff Seplowe
em965783@albany.edu
Judiciary Officer
Crystal Fernandes
Secretary
Jacqueline Bello
Treasurer
Gabby Guilfoyle
ACJA ConstitutionArticle I Name
Article II Purposes
Article III Membership
Article IV Officers
Article V Faculty Advisor Position
Article VI Elections
Article VII Finances
Article VIII Amendments & Ratification
ACJA Meeting ScheduleNext Meeting:
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
8:00 p.m.
Humanities 123
Speaker:
Dr. David Clark, Department of Correctional Services (DOCS) and UAlbany School of Criminal Justice Adjunct Faculty
:
Civil service requirements and strategies to get public service positions. Anyone interested in a government job, including law enforcement, is strongly encouraged to attend.
Join ACJATo join, send an e-mail to Michele Fox at mfox@uamail.albany.edu.
The U.S. Marshals Service has partnered with Southeast, one of only 37 institutions nationwide to provide real-world experience to criminal justice students. Graduates are hired by the agency upon completion of the paid internship program.
The department provides specialized courses that can prepare you for careers in law enforcement and corrections.
An outstanding internship program will provide you with an opportunity to observe professionals in their fields and receive practical job experience.
The Criminal Justice Association sponsors many guest speakers, giving you the opportunity to interact with professionals from many potential employers, including the FBI, ATF, DEA, Community Corrections, the Juvenile Mentor Program, the Southeast Missouri Drug Task Force, Farmington Correctional Center and the Girardot Center for Youth.
Students may continue course work at the graduate level by pursuing the Master of Science in Criminal Justice degree offered at Southeast.
The department is recognized for its participation in national and regional meetings and its scholarly activities.
Southeast students benefit from small classes and a low student-faculty ratio of 17 to 1.