Criminal Justice
Undergraduate Major & Minor College of Liberal Studies
Bachelor of Arts
Criminal Justice at PLU Transcription
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[video: April’s voice comes in over clips. A shot of a gold statue of Lady Justice. April sits in class taking notes on a computer.April Reyes ‘20, Criminal Justice Minor: when you go up no one tells you what these certain laws mean how it can affect your life with this criminal justice minor I want to know more about the system so that I can kind of take all these different perspectives and try to like put them together says as much
[video: April talks to the camera in PLU’s library.]
April: as it’s important to learn about like the laws and regulations and all these things it’s important to know like how they affect people’s lives
[video: Dr. Gregson sits in front of a wood paneled wall, speaking to the camera.]Dr. Joanna Gregson, Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs: PLU is known for being a service focused institution
[video: Dr. Gregson’s voice continues over clips. Students talk in class. A professor points to a whiteboard at the front of class. Students take notes.]Dr. Gregson: the new criminal justice program will provide us with another excellent route to prepare students at PLU who are interested in careers in policing law Corrections and victim services to meet their goals and serve the public good
[video: Dr. Luther’s voice comes in. A professor teaches in a classroom with a map in the background. A student takes notes.]Dr. Kate Luther, Department Chair of Sociology & Criminal Justice: we are not teaching students about how to investigate a crime scene instead we are teaching students to look at the criminal justice system through a
[video: Dr. Luther speaks to the camera in her office.]Dr. Luther: sociological lens which means looking at inequalities in the system thinking about how different communities are impacted differently by our criminal justice system
[video: Clips resume, Jarel’s voice comes in. Dr. Luther writes on a whiteboard in front of a class. A student takes notes.]Jarel Sanders ‘14, Social Service Specialist, WA Department of Children, Youth, and Families: I think sociology brings a really unique perspective to the criminal justice
[video: Jarel sits in an office speaking to the camera.]Jarel: process because when you understand how all of these different systems impact people’s lives you’re able to compartmentalize how you fit into all
[video: Dr. Luther’s voice comes in over more clips. A couple speaks to an advisor. A historical building in downtown Tacoma. A shot of a Courthouse in Tacoma.]Dr. Luther: part of this new criminal justice program will be a required internship so that not only are we educating our students but instead our students are getting educated by community agencies
[video: Return to Dr. Luther in her office.]Dr. Luther: and that they’re able to bring all of those perspectives into their education here at PLU
[video: Return to Jarel.]Jarel: being able to work off-campus and make those connections in the community like a hundred percent led me to every ounce of stability that I had I was an adult by the time I had
actually picked up a caseload I had four years of being in the office which is unheard of
Dr. Luther: the thing about criminal justice is it’s a major where you can see direct connections to careers and that’s that’s really important we want our students to understand how their major is next to their career and this is a major that gives those extremely clear connections
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About:
Want to make a real difference in your community? PLU’s criminal justice degree sets you up for careers in law, policing, corrections, victim advocacy, and other fields that are ready for fresh voices and new ideas.
In your classes, you’ll investigate theories of criminal offending, how the justice system actually works, and what life is like for those directly impacted — especially crime victims. You’ll also look at the bigger picture throughout sociologically-informed courses, examining how society and its structures shape crime and justice.
This program blends theory with real-world understanding, giving you the knowledge (and the confidence) to step into a career where you can make a difference.
Skills you'll gain from this program:
- Research and Data Analysis — Develop the ability to design and conduct both quantitative and qualitative research projects. You’ll gain hands-on experience with surveys, interviews, and data analysis to answer complex questions about crime and justice.
- Criminological Theory & Critical Thinking — Build a strong foundation in the major theories of criminal behavior and justice. Learn to evaluate policies and practices through a critical lens and apply theoretical perspectives to real-world issues.
- Social Inequality and Justice Systems — Examine how systems of race, class, gender, and power shape both crime and the criminal justice system. This skill prepares you to identify structural inequalities and advocate for evidence-based solutions.
- Applied Field Experience — Through a required internship, gain professional experience in agencies such as courts, law offices, police departments, and advocacy organizations. Apply classroom knowledge to real-world settings and develop career skills.
- Professional Communication & Advocacy — Strengthen your ability to communicate clearly in writing and speech, present research findings, and advocate for individuals and communities within the justice system.
Graduates from the last 5 years: Their jobs
- Forensics Clinician, Sound Mental Health
- Legal Assistant, Ramsaur Law
- Positive Behavior Interventions & Support Specialist, Bellevue School District
- Community Corrections Officer, Washington State Department of Corrections
- Lead Mental Health Technician, Discovery Behavioral Health
- Social Service Specialist, Washington State Department of Social and Health Services
- Emergency Medical Technician, Olympic Ambulance
- Police Officer, Auburn Police Department
Graduates from the last last 5 years: Their graduate programs
- Master of Science in Research Psychology, Seattle Pacific University
- Law School, Seattle University
- Master of Science in Criminal Justice, Boston University
- Master of Science in Criminal Justice, Walden University
- Law School, Gonzaga University
- Master of Business Administration, Pacific Lutheran University
- Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Liberty University
It’s FREE to apply to PLU
When you're ready, we're here. Apply now and fulfill your potential!
Get StartedInternships
2/3 of 2024 Criminal Justice graduates completed an internship in places like juvenile courts, law enforcement agencies, probation offices, and victim advocacy organizations, among other agencies.
The average starting salary of 2024 Criminal Justice graduates.
Hands-On Experience
See how the criminal justice really works in action. Intern with places like juvenile courts, police departments, probation offices, and victim advocacy groups.
Study Abroad
Take your studies global. Earn credit toward your criminal justice degree while spending a semester in Namibia, Trinidad & Tobago, Scotland, New Zealand, and other amazing locations around the world.