Criminal Justice Degree Programs in Pennsylvania

What does it take to build safer communities and a more just society? Criminal justice professionals play a critical role by addressing issues ranging from cybercrime and human trafficking to rehabilitation and community reintegration. In Pennsylvania, degree programs in this field prepare students with the knowledge, ethical grounding, and leadership skills to take on these challenges.

Alvernia University’s Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice Administration goes a step further, combining theory with real-world practice and community involvement. This unique approach gives graduates the confidence and experience to make an impact in law enforcement, courts, corrections, and beyond.

Program Overview

The Criminal Justice Administration program combines a strong liberal arts foundation with in-depth professional training. Students complete a minimum of 123 credits, including 54–56 liberal arts core credits, community service hours, and 48 credits within the major.

The curriculum emphasizes theory and practice, with required courses including:

Introduction to Criminal Justice
Criminology
Criminal Law
Gender, Race & Crime
Judicial Processes
Juvenile Justice
Ethics in Criminal Justice

Students also complete a supervised field experience with a criminal justice agency, along with reflective journals, a portfolio, and a final presentation. This hands-on requirement allows students to apply classroom learning to real-world situations and build professional networks.

Beyond the Classroom

Alvernia emphasizes hands-on learning through internships, service projects, and immersive experiences. Students gain exposure to the justice system by shadowing with law enforcement, observing courtroom procedures, or touring facilities like the FBI Academy in Quantico, Virginia.

Clubs and organizations, like the Criminal Justice Association (CJA), give students opportunities to network, attend conferences, and engage in service. From volunteering at Safe Berks, a nonprofit supporting victims of domestic violence, to hosting guest speakers, students connect with the community while strengthening their resumes.

Alvernia students consistently demonstrate how classroom learning translates into meaningful impact. Alumni have gone on to careers in law enforcement, corrections, security, and social services, with many advancing to graduate study in criminology, law, or public administration.

Serving Communities Through Education

Alvernia’s criminal justice program mirrors the university’s Franciscan mission of service. Students contribute to over 60,000 hours of community service annually, gaining leadership skills while making a difference in Reading and Berks County. This focus on service, combined with strong academics, makes Alvernia’s program unique among Pennsylvania colleges.

Criminal Justice Career Outlook

With opportunities in both public service and the private sector, criminal justice graduates enter a profession with flexible, meaningful career paths that allow them to contribute to community safety and justice at multiple levels.

Graduates of Alvernia’s program have diverse career options, including:

Law Enforcement – Police officers, detectives, and state troopers serve at local and state levels.
Corrections and Rehabilitation – Specialists work in prisons, probation, and parole systems.
Federal Agencies – Roles in the FBI, DEA, and Homeland Security continue to expand.
Legal and Court Services – Clerks, bailiffs, and victim advocates play vital roles in the justice system.
Private Sector Security – Opportunities grow in cybersecurity, fraud detection, and corporate investigations.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, protective service occupations are projected to add nearly 300,000 jobs nationwide by 2032, with fields like homeland security and cybercrime expanding especially quickly.

Kickstart Your Career

If you’re passionate about justice, service, and creating safer communities, Alvernia University’s criminal justice degree program in Pennsylvania provides the knowledge, experience, and support to help you thrive. With a curriculum rooted in ethics and leadership, hands-on learning opportunities, and strong connections to the field, you’ll graduate prepared to make a meaningful impact in your career and your community.