Bachelor of Science (B.S.)

Criminal Justice

Offered both on campus and 100% online, the Bachelor of Science in criminal justice at McNeese is a convenient and flexible degree option with a curriculum that is well rounded and multidisciplinary.

Program Highlights

Why Become a Criminal Justice Major at McNeese?

With a broad mix of courses and emphasis on evidence-based practices, the Bachelor of Science degree in criminal justice is designed to help you understand the complex nature of the American criminal justice system. As a criminal justice major, you will study topics including crime and jurisdiction, serial killers, criminology, forensic science, corrections, ethics and administration and management. You also have the option to minor in Terrorism, Preparedness, and Security.

Online bachelor’s degree in criminal justice

Through a partnership with LSU-Eunice and SOWELA, McNeese offers all criminal justice course work online, so you can access class information and assignments when and where you choose. This unique online degree format allows you to complete the program in an accelerated time frame. Alternatively, you can take one or two online classes during each of two 7-week sessions offered each fall and spring semester to earn your bachelor’s degree in the traditional 4-year period.

At a Glance

Degree Type: Bachelor of Science (B.S.)

Program Length: 4 years (120 credit hours)

Availability: in person, hybrid, online

Criminal Justice is offered 100% Online.

Program Overview

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Program overview

Explore More for Criminal Justice Majors

With a focus on experiential learning, the bachelor’s degree in criminal justice at McNeese offers small class sizes, affordable tuition rates and more for undergraduate students.

Financial Aid and Scholarships:

Private scholarships, such as the Chief Sam Ivey Criminal Justice Scholarship, can help you pay for college and reduce the amount of debt you have at graduation. Learn more from the Office of Financial Aid.

Applied Learning:

Explore your interests while completing up to three internships at social science-related agencies and local organizations such as law enforcement offices, juvenile justice centers and district attorney’s offices.

Experienced Faculty:

In addition to sharing their expertise and passion with undergraduate students at McNeese, program faculty who are experienced in law enforcement, military service and juvenile justice actively serve the community as expert witnesses, consultants, trainers and more. The bachelor’s degree program also relies on the support of adjunct faculty who are practitioners in the criminal justice system.

Community Partnerships:

As a criminal justice major, you’ll benefit from McNeese’s extensive and formal relationship with governmental agencies, businesses and industries that protect and improve public safety in Southwest Louisiana, including Calcasieu Parish sheriffs, Lake Charles police officers, representatives from the Office of Juvenile Justice Services and the casino security industry.

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Careers and Opportunities

What Can You Do with a Criminal Justice Degree?

Criminal justice encompasses many different fields, including social services, law, business and education. With a criminal justice degree from McNeese, you may qualify for a variety of jobs in fields such as law enforcement, probation and parole, military service and private investigation. You can also continue your education with a graduate degree to help you earn higher salaries or promotions to leadership positions such as sheriff, chief of police or marshal.

Graduate Schools or Programs

Master of Science in Criminal Justice
Master of Arts in Urban Studies
Master of Social Work
Master of Science in Forensic Science
Master of Public Administration
Master of Public Affairs

Potential Job Titles or Employers

Paralegal or Legal Assistant
Court Reporter
Probation or Parole Officer
Crime Scene Investigator
Juvenile Justice Specialist
Police Officer or Detective
Correctional Treatment Specialist
Forensic Science Technician
Private Detective or Investigator

Police Officer Training

The first program of its kind in Louisiana, McNeese’s Police Officer Standards Training course allows you to become a certified police officer while earning 12 credit hours toward your bachelor’s degree in criminal justice. After completing the program at the Calcasieu Parish Regional Law Enforcement Training Academy, you may serve as a reserve officer while completing a community-based internship.

Career Fair

What jobs are available for a criminal justice degree? Attend the McNeese Career Fair and talk with potential employers, including the St. Nicholas Center for Children, Office of Juvenile Justice, Louisiana Methodist Children’s Home, Department of Children and Family Services, City of Sulphur, Carlyss Fire Department and the Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office.

Service Learning

As an undergraduate student, you may have opportunities to gain professional experience while serving organizations in the local community. For example, criminal justice majors have worked directly with local public and private agencies in the criminal justice system, conducting policy analysis, addressing litigation matters and more.