The Criminal Justice major is designed to provide the theoretical, practical and professional knowledge needed in today's environment 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.
At Alvernia, the emphasis is placed upon preparing students to enter the professional workplace or continue studies in graduate school. This is not a "one size fits all" major, but one that provides the variety offered in the course selection to encourage each individual to build personal programs for the future with the assistance of a faculty advisor.

• Desire to help others
• Appreciation for order
• Integrity
• Strong interpersonal communication ability
• Good vision, physical stamina, manual dexterity
• Leadership skills
• Ability to:
  • React spontaneously or maintain composure under pressure
  • Solve problems or meet deadlines
  • Persuade or influence others

• Security
• Wisdom
• Appreciation for order and justice
• Responsibility
• Thoroughness
• Desire to help people
• Integrity
• Investigative nature

• Working part-time at a police/fire station
• Working in a law office
• Following legal trials
• Reading materials linked to legal and protective services
• Working as a security guard
• Participating on a debate team
  

• Join a debate team
• Enhance communication skills
• Strengthen leadership and teambuilding skills
• Gain internship in law firm