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New! Point Park University Launches Scholarship Program for High School Students Who Visit Downtown Campus

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.

"Point Park’s small class sizes and experienced professors set you up with a unique chance to gain an excellent comprehension of your field before you even begin your career." – Justin Stengel '21, patrolman, Findlay Township Police Department

  

Q&A with Justin
Pictured is Justin Stengel. Submitted photo.

Fully Online Accelerated Degree Option

Schedule a call with an online admissions counselor Apply now

Point Park’s online programs are offered in a flexible format at an affordable cost. Online courses are 8 weeks long and are always offered asynchronously for your convenience. 

Online students have access to the same great benefits as those on campus:

  • Point Park faculty with real-world experience.
  • Small online class sizes for individualized attention.
  • A full spectrum of University resources.
  • A student success advisor offering support from application to graduation, who will guide you to successfully complete your degree.

Cohorts begin every eight weeks. Apply now!

 

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.

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:

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

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:

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

 

Alumni Success

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

More news & features
Pictured is Mark Thompson. Submitted photo.
Mark Thompson '13
Thompson runs The JASON Project, a nonprofit that supports people in need of assistance navigating the court system.
Pictured is Nicole Merrick. Photo by Nicole Chynoweth.
Nicole Merrick '16 '17
"There is so much value in Point Park’s criminal justice and intelligence programs. The subject matter is comprehensive, relevant and captivating."

News & Features

School of Arts & Sciences, Conservatory of Performing Arts Collaborate to Refresh CSI House
Tuesday, November 14, 2023 A group of theatre production students recently updated the CSI House, Point Park University's on-campus facility in which students stage and investigate crime scenarios as part of their forensic science and criminal justice coursework.
Criminal Justice, Intelligence & National Security and Behavioral Sciences Majors Intern, Work for Alumnus-Led Legal Consulting Nonprofit
Friday, October 13, 2023 "Contributing to The JASON Project's mission helps to give me a sense of satisfaction because I get to help truly make a difference in someone's life."
Hannah Lanham '24
Wednesday, October 4, 2023 "The education I have received at Point Park so far has prepared me tremendously for working in the field. I was able to connect my classroom knowledge to real-life tasks and cases. I experienced a lot of the concepts that I learned in my classes with Dr. Ed Strimlan and applied the skills I developed in the classroom directly to the field."