Why major in Criminal Justice?
Are you driven to make a positive impact on society? A Criminal Justice degree could be your pathway to a meaningful and impactful career. It offers a deep dive into law enforcement, criminal law, and the complexities of the justice system—preparing you to think critically on key issues like crime prevention, public safety, and social justice and pursue advanced degrees in law and other areas.
The 4+1 Pathway Program offers qualified Criminal Justice majors the opportunity to complete their bachelor’s degree at Abington while earning credits toward a master’s degree in Criminal Justice at nearby Delaware Valley University in Doylestown. Save time and money while enhancing your career options.
You might thrive in the Criminal Justice major if you are...
- An active listener
- A critical thinker and problem solver
- Empathetic and curious
- An effective leader
Criminal Justice Careers
Job Growth
Projected 83,000 openings annually through 2034*
Job Titles and Median Salaries
- Criminal Investigators: $91,000
- Judges and Hearing Officers: $135,000
- Lawyers: $153,000
*Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2024
Career and Professional Development: Setting You Up for Success
From your first day at Penn State Abington, you can access tools provided by the Career and Professional Development team to prepare for the future.
- On-campus networking opportunities
- Internships
- Supports such as resume reviews and mock interviews
Coursework
Courses concentrate on criminal justice policies to reduce crime and delinquency, knowledge about and risk factors of crime and delinquency, and the application of criminological theory for criminal justice policy such as
- Policing in America
- Courts and the Prosecution Process
- The Juvenile Justice System
- Race, Ethnicity, and Culture
- Ethics in Criminal Justice
The Student Experience
Ahjmir Drayton chose to frontload his resume by enrolling in Penn State Abington’s 4+1 accelerated master’s degree in criminal justice, helping him save time and money while advancing his career prospects. Read more about Ahjmir's experience!
