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Take command of your career.

Experience greater rewards and opportunity with a degree from one of the country’s largest and most highly respected online Criminal Justice programs.

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Unique broader focus on both Criminal and Social Justice

One of the country’s largest programs of its kind, ȺpÎÞÂë’s Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice provides an academic experience that affirms the theories and practical application of the professional administration of fairness, equity, and public protection. The contemporary curriculum develops the knowledge and skills students need to perform tasks and deliver services in careers that promote social justice, ensure public safety and protect vulnerable populations. 

The result is a greater understanding of the real-world issues, policies and procedures that directly impact today’s professionals.  Our progressive curriculum includes topics of:

• Understanding the causal factors of crime
• Use of excessive force
• Criminology/corrections
• Juvenile justice policies
• Domestic violence/mandatory arrest ethical issues
• The revitalization of community-oriented policing
• Balanced focus on social justice for a broader understanding of the modern justice system
• The importance of partnership and building trust between the community and the legal system
• Learning to write effectively for procedural efficiency and career advancement
• Legal and procedural courses taught exclusively by professional attorneys

Join our list of distinguished alumni

Many of our alum hold prominent positions in the various areas of criminal justice.  Some have continued on to Masters Degrees or law school.  We also have more than 50 national police chiefs who have earned their degrees at Lewis, including Phil Cline – former Superintendent of the Chicago Police Force – and Charles H. Ramsey – former Commissioner of the Philadelphia Police Department. You might be next.

Five Reasons Why Police Officers Should Have College Degrees

Higher education was identified in the 2015 President’s Task Force on 21st Century Policing as one of six effective ways to reduce crime and build better relations between police and the communities they serve.

Research has shown police officers with a college degree are:

• Less likely to use violence.
• More focused on problem-oriented policing.
• Better able to relate to the community.
• Better able to identify best practices.
• Make better leaders.

Read the full article here:

100% online option for your convenience

The accelerated program in Criminal Justice is offered in 8-week online sessions and is intended for sworn officers and adults. This will provide the flexibility you need to learn anytime, anywhere with a group of adults who have similar needs and experiences.

An excellent next step for veterans

Your military training will serve you well in the Criminal Justice field. You can start classes while you’re still on active duty. Take advantage of your veterans’ benefits and enroll now.

Why Lewis?

• Experienced faculty with real-world understanding and connections
• Evolving curriculum provides you with the ultra-practical and career-focused knowledge and skills necessary to pursue careers in law enforcement and the legal system
• An ethical framework to help you face the moral challenges that come from a position of power
• Insight into today’s biggest issues in criminal justice – like domestic violence, drug abuse, terrorism and prison overcrowding
• In-depth understanding of our legal system and the sociological aspects of crime

Possible career options include:

• Corrections Officer
• Court Clerk
• DEA Agent
• Deputy Sheriff
• Deputy US Marshal
• Dispatcher
• Forensic Evidence Technician
• Immigration & Customs (ICE) Agent
• Legal Advocate
• Loss Prevention
• Paralegal
• Police Dispatcher
• Police Officer
• Probation or Parole Officer
• Private Investigator
• Security Professional

Take your career even further with our Bachelor's to Master’s in Criminal Justice

Increase your opportunity with a Master’s degree. You can start it as part of your undergraduate curriculum when you enroll in our Bachelor's to Master’s program. As long as you meet the admission requirements, you can enroll in up to 3 graduate courses that will count for both your undergraduate and graduate curriculum, allowing you to complete your graduate degree in as little as one year after graduation with your Bachelor’s degree.

College Transfer Guides

• Harold Washington Community College
• Joliet Junior College
• Moraine Valley Community College
• Triton College

VIEW THE PROGRAM CURRICULUM

For more information contact the Office of Admission at admission@lewisu.edu.

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