Criminal Justice

Prepare for a rewarding career in criminal justice with programs designed to build your knowledge, sharpen your skills and develop sound professional judgment. Through collaboration across the School of Criminal Justice, you'll gain the foundation needed for ethical decision-making and success in a variety of criminal justice settings.

A student studies at a desk in an office area.

About Criminal Justice

The School of Criminal Justice at Wichita State University prepares students to understand crime, justice, public safety and the systems that serve communities. As one of the oldest criminal justice programs in the country, WSU provides students with a strong foundation in law enforcement, courts, corrections, criminal behavior, ethics, research and justice policy.

Students develop the knowledge, professional judgment and practical skills needed for careers in criminal justice, public service, investigations, law, corrections, victim services, intelligence and related fields.

Undergraduate programs Graduate programs

Criminal Justice undergraduate degree programs

Bachelor of Science (BS) in Criminal Justice

Students may choose between a traditional degree program or an online degree program.

The traditional option is a good fit for students who want an on-campus experience and the opportunity to connect directly with faculty, classmates, advisors and student organizations. Students can explore different areas of the criminal justice system while preparing for a variety of career paths.

The online option provides flexibility for students who may be balancing school with work, family or other responsibilities. It offers the same strong criminal justice foundation in a format that allows students to complete coursework from wherever they are.

View the BS in Criminal Justice degree requirements

In addition to the traditional BS in Criminal Justice degree, we offer two different concentrations.

BS in Criminal Justice - Courts and Law concentration

The Courts and Law concentration is designed for students interested in the legal side of criminal justice. This area focuses on topics such as criminal law, court systems, evidence, victims and the role of legal decision-making in the justice process.

View the Courts and Law concentration degree requirements

BS in Criminal Justice - Criminal Intelligence concentration

The Criminal Intelligence concentration is a good option for students interested in crime analysis, investigations, intelligence gathering and the use of technology in criminal justice. Students are introduced to topics such as digital investigations, open-source intelligence, crime analytics and intelligence-led approaches to public safety.

View the Criminal Intelligence concentration degree requirements

Undergraduate Certificate

View degree requirements for the Undergraduate Certificate in Crime Scene Investigation

Criminal Justice graduate degree programs

Master of Arts (MA) in Criminal Justice

Students can choose to enroll in the traditional MACJ program or in the 100% online MACJ program.

View degree requirements for the MA in Criminal Justice

Graduate Certificate

View degree requirements for the Graduate Certificate in Criminal Intelligence

Criminal Justice Student Association

The Criminal Justice Student Association (CJSA) gives students an opportunity to connect with classmates, faculty and professionals in the field. Through meetings, guest speakers, service activities, tours, and career-focused events, CJSA helps students explore criminal justice careers while building community within the School of Criminal Justice.

CJSA on GroupMe