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Criminal Justice Career-Ready: A Q&A with Faculty

Integrating Criminal Justice with Social Sciences

Our criminal justice major is based upon the enforcement of the law, detection of crimes, investigation of crimes, prosecution of offenders and eventual sentencing of individuals convicted in the criminal justice system.

Unlike many other criminal justice programs which are centered in psychology or sociology, Point Park University's criminal justice curriculum is based upon the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act and integrates social sciences, behavioral sciences and humanities as part of its interdisciplinary program.

Our University's Downtown Pittsburgh location makes it easy for judges, prosecutors, defense attorneys and law enforcement officers to teach here. And there is no shortage of invaluable, career-focused internships and observations — from serving at Renewal, Inc., to meeting professionals from local Secret Service and FBI offices.

Tuition Discount for Law Enforcement Professionals

We are offering a 20 percent tuition discount to law enforcement professionals (full or part-time municipal, county or state police and public safety employees) who are accepted into our on-campus B.S. in criminal justice program. Learn more about our tuition discount programs.

Pictured is criminal justice alumnus and Pittsburgh Police Chief Scott Schubert. Photo by Daniel Kelly.

Pittsburgh's Police Chief, Scott Schubert '07 & '10, is a Point Park University graduate.

Courses & Topics

You will receive a well-rounded education through Point Park University's core curriculum and classes in the criminal justice major.

Some of the courses include:

  • Criminology
  • Evolution of Policing
  • Federal Law Enforcement
  • Corrections, Probation and Parole
  • Money Laundering
  • Criminal Profiling
  • Transnational Criminal Activities
  • Forensic Evidence I and II

Faculty bring industry experience to the classroom

Courses are taught by faculty who are passionate, experienced practitioners. The criminal justice program also features an active advisory board comprised of University faculty and working criminal justice professionals who designed the innovative curriculum. 

Meet the faculty
Pictured is criminal justice faculty member Andrew Richards, M.A.
FACULTY SPOTLIGHT
Andrew Richards, M.A.
  • 25 years of criminal investigation experience
  • National fraud subject matter expert
  • Served as a police and public information officer

Career Options

Point Park University's criminal justice program prepares students for positions as professionals in more than 50 career fields related to criminal justice.

These career choices are essential to the functioning of a democratic society because they prevent crime, protect life and property, uphold citizens' rights, safeguard civil rights, enforce laws and maintain social order.

Criminal justice graduates can pursue various career opportunities at the federal, state, county, city and township levels, such as:

  • State and Local Policing
  • Federal Law Enforcement
  • Corrections
  • Judicial System

 

Alumni Success

Learn about where our criminal justice graduates have gone on to build their careers.

More news & features
Pictured is criminal justice alumnus Andrew Gall.
Andrew Gall '07
A criminal justice degree from Point Park put Andrew Gall on the path to becoming chief of detectives for the Beaver County District Attorney's Office.
Pictured is criminal justice alumna Taneka Davis.
Taneka Davis '10
"I enjoyed the talented professors at Point Park and how they were willing to help you with projects and took on a true hands-on approach. They were very nurturing so you never felt like you were just a number in a classroom."

News & Features

Nicole Merrick '16 '17 and Bernie Merrick '18
Friday, May 20, 2022 "There is so much value in Point Park’s criminal justice and intelligence programs. The subject matter is comprehensive, relevant and captivating. The faculty have a wide range of career backgrounds, from working in field operations to being highly-educated scholars. Students have access to endless volunteer, internship and career opportunities."
Joseph Kozarian '15 '22
Monday, April 18, 2022 "I think what sets a degree from Point Park apart from other universities is that the professors have decades of practical experience in criminal justice fields. Additionally, Point Park offers smaller class sizes and professors truly get to know each student."
Ocean City Police Officers Share Summer Opportunities with Criminal Justice and Forensic Science Students
Friday, November 5, 2021 Students in several criminal justice and forensic science classes learned about summer internship and job opportunities available at the Ocean City Police Department as Officers Justin Koser and Yovanny Ramirez visited Point Park University's campus to discuss seasonal openings for police officers, public safety aids and 911 communication operators.