Bachelor of Science
in Criminal Justice

The Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice program at Youngstown State University (YSU) offers both traditional and online degree pathways designed to prepare students for careers spanning from law enforcement officers and federal agents to probation officers, correctional treatment specialists, and security managers. With a depth of study in criminology, corrections, policing, and laws, the program takes you through the critical aspects of the justice system.

Graduate Career-Ready

The Criminal Justice faculty at Youngstown State University recognize that preparation is key to preparing students for diverse career paths within the field. That’s why the program offers multiple focus areas designed to align with students’ interests and career goals:

• Corrections: Focus on applications of corrections theory, systems, and evidence-based best practices/procedures. This focus is instrumental for careers in rehabilitation, reentry, and working in jails, prisons, and community supervision and detention
• Criminology: Concentrate on criminal behavior motivations and theories to prepare for a career as a crime analyst or pursue an advanced degree to teach or work in behavioral analysis or criminal profiling
• Forensics: Dive deeply into the science behind solving crimes, learning about evidence collection, biological and chemical analyses, and forensics’ applications in the Criminal Justice system
• Investigative: Gain insights into the procedural aspects of criminal investigation in the US ideal for individuals considering a career as a detective, investigator, or homeland security agent
• Law/Legal Processes: Enhance your understanding of the constitution, criminal laws, and legal systems which is ideal for thinking about law school post-graduation

Students benefit from a blend of classroom learning, lab-based instruction, and field-based experience. The program is designed to be completed in four years, with flexible delivery options including fully online, in-person, or hybrid formats to support a variety of learning needs and schedules.

Pathways to advance Your Career in Criminal Justice

A criminal justice degree opens up a broad range of career possibilities in various sectors. Potential careers can span from law enforcement officers and federal agents to probation officers, correctional treatment specialists, and security managers.

YSU offers several unique opportunities for students to gain real-world experience or accelerate their education:

• Basic Peace Officer Training Academy: Get hands-on, tactical training to prepare for a career in law enforcement. This academy equips you with the skills and credentials needed to pursue work as a certified police officer in Ohio.
• Accelerated 4+1 Bachelor’s to Master’s Program: Earn both your Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in Criminal Justice in just five years. This option is ideal for students who want to advance into leadership, policy, or research roles.
• 3+3 Law School Pathway with The University of Akron School of Law: Complete your first 91 undergraduate credits at YSU, then begin law school in your senior year. After one year at Akron Law, you’ll receive your bachelor’s degree—leaving just two more years to complete your Juris Doctor and launch your legal career.