Criminal Justice Administration

Our Mission

The Mission of the criminal justice department is to teach students the importance of service, to advocate for the rights of victims, and to become lifelong learners.

Overview

Criminal justice students gain theoretical, practical, and professional knowledge needed to be successful in the fields of law enforcement, corrections, courts, probation, parole, private security, and the related service careers. The curriculum is designed to provide students with expert instruction on the most current trends, policies and practices in the field. This is not a “one size fits all” major, but one that encourages each individual to build a personal program for the future, with the assistance of a faculty advisor.

Alvernia has recruited faculty who are professionals in their respective fields within the criminal justice system. In addition to academic accreditation, full-time faculty members have extensive experience in the criminal justice system, and all part-time faculty members are practicing professionals in the field. Class instruction is therefore as current as the events of the day.

The curriculum of the Criminal Justice Administration major is innovative and demands intensive classroom learning combined with extensive research and required field experience. Most courses offer an opportunity for field experience and there is a required field practicum.

Students with career goals in law enforcement have the option of attending the Reading Police Academy to obtain Municipal Police Officer Certification (Act 120) as part of their four-year degree without extended time or expense. Students are eligible to apply for the Academy during their junior year in order to attend in their senior year.