Criminal Justice (BA, Minor)

Aurora University’s Criminal Justice program is unique because we serve as a resource for career development and improvement in the quality of life in our communities. We are constantly reviewing our curriculum ideas and enhancing our learning tools to maximize opportunities for our students.

We recognize the diversity of our students and offer them the option of customizing their course selections to specialize in what matters to them.

When you study Criminal Justice at AU, you will learn about the interrelationship of the core components of the entire field from police and courts to corrections. Our degree also covers social policy areas involving homeland security and terrorism.

The Criminal Justice program at AU will provide you with a broad academic experience, so that you are prepared for a variety of careers in law enforcement, corrections, probation, parole, homeland security, military, or federal service. AU faculty teach courses that will build your analytical, critical thinking, research, and writing skills.

Through experiences in the field, our students gain knowledge by working alongside agency employees who generally fall under law enforcement, corrections, court and legal services, investigations, or private security. Many of our students opt to complete internships in a variety of federal, state, and local criminal justice agencies as well as some private sector agencies.

You can expand your career opportunities with a double major in Computer Science, Political Science and Public Policy, or Psychology. Even with a second major, you’ll still be able to graduate in four years. If you would like to explore academics beyond your major, you can also minor in Criminal Justice. A secondary area of study allows you to focus on another subject of interest during your college experience.

You can also earn an advanced degree by adding one year of graduate study beyond your undergraduate degree through AU’s accelerated Master of Science in Criminal Justice Plus One program. The extra year of study allows you to choose one of two concentrations: Leadership and Administration or Psychology and the Law. You can also pursue a Criminal Justice online bachelor's degree through AU Online.