Criminal Justice
Bachelor Degree
The Criminal Justice Program at Gwynedd-Mercy College is dedicated to providing students with the theoretical, practical and professional knowledge needed to succeed in today’s environment in the fields of law enforcement, courts, corrections, probation, parole, private security and related social career services. 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. Gwynedd-Mercy College has recruited faculty members who are professionals in their respective fields within the criminal justice system. All part-time faculty are practicing professionals in the areas in which they teach. Class instruction is therefore as current as the events of that day. The curriculum of the Criminal Justice Program is innovative and demands intensive classroom learning combined with extensive research and required field experience.
One such class is Forensics, in which the nature of physical evidence is defined and the limitations that technology and current knowledge impose on its individualization and characterization are examined. By combining case stories and “hands on” application, this course endeavors to capture the pulse and fervor of forensic science investigations.
In addition, most courses offer an opportunity for field experience and require 120 hours of internship/field practicum. Examples of internship sites have included: the Pottstown Police Department, Lower Salford Township Police Department, Springfield (Montco) Township Police Department, the Montgomery County District Attorneys Office, Laurel House, and the Montgomery County Youth Detention Center.
The faculty of the Gwynedd-Mercy College Criminal Justice Program are professionals in their respective fields within the criminal justice system.
Municipal Police Officer Certification (Act 120)
Students with career goals in local law enforcement have the option of attending the Municipal Police Academy at the Montgomery County Public Safety Training Campus located at 1175 Conshohocken Road, Conshohocken, Pa., 19428. The Academy is certified by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania through the Municipal Police Officers’ Education and Training commission. This training is offered 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.
Assistant D.A. Speaks to Gwynedd-Mercy Students about Criminal Justice Field
Gwynedd Valley, Pa. (August 29, 2008) – First Assistant District Attorney for Montgomery County, Kevin Steele, spoke to students in the criminal justice program at Gwynedd-Mercy College about their futures in the field on Wednesday, Aug. 27. He emphasized the importance of internships because of the vast array of jobs in criminal justice. “Unless you go and have those experiences, you might not be sure what you want to do,” Steele said.
In Steele’s encouragement to the students, he clarified that the jobs in the criminal justice field are not like what everyone sees on law shows on television. “You’re not going to have a crime and a completed investigation and trial in an hour…with commercials!” Steele joked.
Criminal justice program director Walter Zdunowski made sure the students understood the opportunity that they were being given by Steele’s visit. “The D.A.’s office in Montgomery County is the third largest in Pennsylvania,” Zdunowski said to the students. “Yet Mr. Steele is here today to speak with you because he cares about you as future professionals, and we want you to succeed.”
In speaking about his job, Steele said that “bringing justice to a family” and “putting away someone that did something terrible” are aspects of his job that makes his day fly by.
Photo: First Assistant District Attorney for Montgomery County, Kevin Steele, encourages students in the criminal justice program at Gwynedd-Mercy College to get experiences in the field early on. Also pictured is criminal justice program director Walter Zdunowski.
Curriculum Information
MAJOR
Criminal Justice - 54 credits
CRJ 102
Intro to Criminal Justice
3 credits
CRJ 215
Criminology
3 credits
CRJ 225
Juvenile Delinquency
3 credits
CRJ 250
Police & Law Enforcement in America
3 credits
CRJ 301
Intro to Private Security
3 credits
CRJ 310
Intro to Criminal Justice Research
3 credits
CRJ 315
Analysis of Crime & Criminal Justice Data
3 credits
CRJ 325
Criminal Law & Procedures
3 credits
CRJ 370
Corrections
3 credits
CRJ 401
Theories of Crime & Deviance
3 credits
CRJ 405
Criminal Investigations
3 credits
CRJ 410
Courts in America
3 credits
CRJ 435
Criminal Justice Internship
3 credits
CRJ 4000
CRJ Capstone
3 credits
CRJ
CRJ
CRJ
CRJ
Criminal Justice Elective
Criminal Justice Elective
Criminal Justice Elective
Criminal Justice Elective
3 credits
3 credits
3 credits
3 credits
BS requires additional – 9 credits
CIT 102
Hyper & Multi Media
3 credits
BIO 103
Human Anatomy or BIO 114
3 credits
CHM 105
Chemistry & Society
3 credits
GENERAL EDUCATION AND CORE CURRICULUM*
Skills for Exploring – 6 credits for BS
Exploring Society and Global Diversity – 12 credits for BS
Exploring the Natural World, Mathematics and Technology – 9-11 credits for BS
Exploring the Spiritual World – 9 credits for BS
Exploring the Arts and the Imagination – 12 credits for BS
Open Electives - 12-14 credits
* Please contact Ms. Christine McInaw in the Office of Admissions for specific general education course requirements.
Credit Requirement
A minimum of 125 credits is required for the BS degree.
Grade Requirement
The minimum passing grade within the major is C (a grade of C- is not acceptable)
must be four from CRJ 275, 285, 355, 415, 437 or 490
For detailed course descriptions click here.
Alpha Phi Sigma National Criminal Justice Honor Society
To learn more, click here.
Criminal Justice Club
The Gwynedd-Mercy College Criminal Justice Club was formed by GMC students who meet monthly to discuss current criminal cases in our area, mentor one another regarding their studies and plan
fundraising events to support causes in
our community.
Careers in Criminal Justice ATF Agent Criminalist Private Security
Bailiff Criminologist Police Detective
CIA Agent Customs Agent Police Officer
Coast Guard DEA Agent Probation Officer
Compliance Officer FBI Agent Private Investigator
Corrections Officer Forensic Psychology Secret Service
Court Reporter Forensic Science Sheriff
Court Clerk INS Agent US Marshall
Crime Scene Investigation Paralegal