• To develop in students an understanding and appreciation of the structure and function of the criminal justice system as it applies to adults and juveniles, federal, state, and local criminal laws and procedures, and the relationship of these to the Constitution of the United States.
  • To understand the criminal justice systems of other countries in the world.
  • To apply scientific research techniques and related statistical techniques in the study of crime.
  • To develop an understanding of various theories in criminology, their strengths and weaknesses, and their role in gaining an understanding of crime.
  • To build a base of knowledge regarding the nature of correctional rehabilitation methods and the ways these are applied.

CAREERS:

Students who graduate from Valdosta State University with a degree in criminal justice are prepared for entry-level positions at all levels of the criminal justice system and in the private sector.  Examples of potential careers include:
  • Law Enforcement Officer
  • Probation & Parole Officer
  • Immigration & Customs Enforcement (ICE)
  • U.S. Marshall
  • Warden
  • DEA Agent
  • Arson Investigator
  • ATF Special Agent
  • Border Patrol Agent
  • CIA Agent
  • Corporate Security Specialist
  • Private Investigator
  • Coroner
  • Correctional Officer
  • Secret Service
  • Postal Inspector
  • Domestic Violence Counselor
  • Juvenile Detention Officer
  • Loss Prevention Specialist
  • Narcotics Agent
  • Federal Law Enforcement
  • Air Marshal
  • Court Administrator
  • Correction Specialists
  • Wildlife Officer
  • Detective/Investigator
  • Resident Unit Manager