Criminal Justice Major | Troy University

A Criminal Justice Program with Mock Crime Scenes, Internships and More

Immerse yourself in law enforcement and criminal justice agencies through internships and other practical hands-on experiences. TROY's criminal justice curriculum includes hands-on learning in areas such as mock crime scene investigation and forensic image analysis. You'll also benefit from guest speakers who provide in-depth knowledge and insights about the field and expose you to jobs with a criminal justice degree.

Earn a B.S. in Criminal Justice and J.D. in Just Six Years

With TROY's accelerated law program, you can complete both your Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice and a Juris Doctor (J.D.) in just six years. This expedited path is available through our partnerships with law schools, including the Thomas Goode Jones School of Law at Faulkner University, the Cumberland School of Law at Samford University, and the Mississippi College School of Law. By choosing the accelerated law degree path, you'll save time and money on a high-quality legal education and gain a head start on your law career.

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Criminal Justice Curriculum

While specific courses may vary from year to year, your criminal justice courses may include:

Academic Catalog

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Criminal Justice Program Locations

Get the flexibility you need by taking courses online, in class or through a blend of both. For more information about program availability and delivery options, call 1-800-414-5756

Troy Campus

TROY Online

Prepare for In-Demand Jobs with a Criminal Justice Degree

The Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice at TROY provides you with a comprehensive foundation in criminal justice administration, law enforcement, courts, and corrections. You can take specialized criminology courses in areas like criminological theory, terrorism studies, digital forensics and homeland security. This intradisciplinary approach prepares you for the challenges you may face wherever your criminal justice career takes you.

Photo of a Desk with a Laptop and Screen in the background.

Criminal Justice Careers

Be well-positioned for law enforcement careers, national security careers and other jobs with a criminal justice degree thanks to our close relationships with law enforcement agencies, courts, correctional facilities and other criminal justice employers. TROY's program is known to recruiters who visit our classrooms to meet our criminal justice majors.

Faculty Profiles

Halil Akbas, Ph.D.

Dr. Halil Akbas is the Associate Chair and Associate Professor of criminal justice and criminology. His main research interests include the study of policing strategies, immigration, human trafficking and terrorism. Dr. Akbas teaches graduate courses in law enforcement, criminal justice policy, homeland security and more.

334-808-6207 hakbas@troy.edu

L. Sergio Garduno, Ph.D.

Dr. Sergio Garduno is an Assistant Professor of criminal justice and criminology. His main research includes the study of HIV, jails and gangs. Dr. Garduno teaches graduate courses in research methods and criminological theory.

334 808-6781 lgarduno@troy.edu

Soheil Sabriseilabi, Ph.D.

Dr. Soheil Sabriseilabi is an Assistant Professor of sociology and criminology. His main research includes the relationship between religion and crime, and the role of public opinion on legalization of unnatural death. Dr. Sabriseilabi teaches graduate courses in deviant behavior, capital punishment, ethics in criminal justice and more.

334-808-6779 ssabriseilabi@troy.edu

Jolene Vincent, Ph.D.

Dr. Jolene Vincent is an Assistant Professor of sociology and criminology. Her main research includes the study of human trafficking, homicide and serial killings. She teaches graduate courses in criminological theory.

334-808-6782 Jvincent194050@troy.edu

Jeffrey C. Lee, Ph.D.

Jeffrey C. Lee, Ph.D. is a lecturer of criminology at Troy University, Troy, AL. His background includes 5 years with the Florida Department of Corrections, 1 year as a Baker County Deputy Sheriff, 10 years as a Special Agent with the Florida Division of Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco and 4 years as the Director of the Criminal Justice Academy and Dean of Public Safety at St. Johns River State College. Dr. Lee has received twelve awards of commendation and service including the Davis Productivity Award and a nomination for the Medal of Valor. His research interest include tourist policing and victimization, criminal justice education, officer wellness and resiliency.

Gary P. Daniel

Gary Daniel is professor of practice in digital forensics and a retired detective. He teaches graduate courses in crime analysis, cyber forensics, and AI and game forensics.

334-310-1605 gdaniel22372@troy.edu

Suggested Minors for the Criminal Justice Program

Tailor your criminal justice degree with a minor

Customize your bachelor's in criminal justice by choosing one of the following minors that best matches your interests and career goals. By adding a minor to your degree, you'll develop specialized expertise that can expand your career options and make you more competitive.

Digital Forensics Minor

Get hands-on experience with digital evidence analysis, forensic software and investigating cyber crimes like hacking and fraud by complementing your criminal justice major with this minor. Learn More

Homeland Security Minor

Position yourself for national security careers with a minor that gives you an understanding of national security organizations, crisis planning and the evolving landscape of terrorism threats. Learn More

Legal Studies Minor

Build a strong foundation in the principles of law and legal reasoning and prepare for a variety of careers that require critical thinking and an understanding of legal systems. Learn More

Intelligence Minor

Prepare for intelligence careers by taking courses that explore transnational organized crime, gangs, terrorism, human trafficking, cybercrime and more. Learn More

Interdisciplinary Minor in Forensic Science

Enhance your investigative skills and prepare for specialized careers in crime scene investigation, forensic analysis or law enforcement. Learn More

Related Programs

Political Science Social Science Accelerated Law Program

FAQ About the Criminal Justice Program

Learn more about the field of criminal justice and our program.

Is criminal justice a major?

Yes, criminal justice is a major offered at many colleges and universities. As a criminal justice major at TROY, you'll benefit from a comprehensive criminal justice curriculum that covers law enforcement, the court system, corrections, criminology theory and more.

What is the estimated amount for a criminal justice salary?

A criminal justice salary varies widely, depending on your specific role, experience level and geographical location. For example, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports the median annual wage in 2023 was $95,930 for detectives and criminal investigators, $74,910 for police officers and detectives, and $99,200 for all legal occupations.

What can I do with a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice?

With a criminal justice degree, you can pursue careers in various federal and local law enforcement agencies, such as a police officer, FBI or DEA agent. You can also prepare for careers in corrections, such as a probation or correctional officer, or work in homeland security, forensics and roles in the legal system, including paralegal or court administrator.

What courses are included in the bachelor's in criminal justice program?

When you pursue your Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice at TROY, you'll take courses covering criminology, criminal law, policing, corrections, juvenile justice, forensic science, criminal procedure and homeland security.

At TROY, can I specialize in a particular area of the criminal justice field?

Yes, the B.S. in criminal justice program includes four minors: homeland security, digital forensics, intelligence and legal studies. You can also choose an interdisciplinary forensic science minor.

Are there internships included in TROY's criminal justice program?

Yes, the criminal justice program at TROY offers internship or fieldwork opportunities with various law enforcement and homeland security agencies.

Can I pursue a B.S. in criminal justice degree online?

Yes. TROY offers online, on-campus and a hybrid criminal justice program to provide flexibility for students.

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TROY Criminal Justice Program in the News

TROY's Criminal Justice program provides students with the knowledge and expertise needed to succeed in their chosen criminal justice field.

What Can You Do with a Criminal Justice Degree?

For more than 16 years, Troy University's Dr. Halil Akbas worked in law enforcement in his native Turkey. There, he managed national and international projects relating to immigration, human trafficking and border security. After being seriously injured during a terrorist attack in Turkey, he learned first-hand the risks police officers and agents face in the line of duty.