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Students interested in reserving your spot at Point Park University for Fall 2023 should pay a tuition deposit by August 1. Paying your deposit allows you to take advantage of class registration and housing options.
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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:

  • Corrections, Probation and Parole
  • Criminology
  • Criminal Profiling
  • Evolution of Policing
  • Federal Law Enforcement
  • Forensic Evidence I and II
  • 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
  • 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 criminal justice alumnus Andrew Gall.
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.
"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