Pennsylvania Colleges Offering Criminal Justice Degrees

For students interested in law enforcement, corrections, courts, or victim advocacy, earning a degree in criminal justice is a crucial step toward building an impactful career. Pennsylvania is home to several institutions that offer criminal justice programs, and Alvernia University’s Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice Administration stands among the best. 
 

Program Highlights 

Alvernia offers the Criminal Justice Administration program on campus and online, giving students the flexibility to pursue their degree in the format that works best for them. 

Key program highlights include:

• Experiential Learning – Students participate in internships, field experiences, and research projects with local and national agencies.
• Flexible Learning Options – The program is offered in a traditional campus setting, entirely online, or hybrid formats.
• Transfer-Friendly – Online students can transfer up to 75 credits, and most courses are offered in 7-week modules.
• Expert Faculty – Professors bring experience from careers in law, the FBI, courts, and corrections, ensuring students learn current practices.
   

The curriculum emphasizes both the practical and theoretical aspects of justice, covering topics such as policing, courts, corrections, cybercrime, victim advocacy, and leadership.
 

Student Opportunities & Support 

Hands-on experience is also built into the program through the required Agency Practicum, where seniors complete 252 hours of fieldwork at a professional site such as a court, probation office, police department, or community agency. Students document their learning through journals, create a professional portfolio, and give a final presentation, ensuring they graduate with both experience and a strong network in the field.

Alvernia students also have the opportunity to join the student-led Criminal Justice Association (CJA) organization. The club explores every area of the justice system, including law enforcement, courts, probation and parole, corrections, victim services, and forensic science. Beyond regular meetings, members participate in community service, organize campus events, take educational trips, and host guest speakers to gain real-world insight into the field.

The Academic Success Center (ASC) at Alvernia University supports students through advising, tutoring, writing help, and accessibility services. The ASC assists with course planning, major changes, and academic coaching. Free resources include peer tutoring, 24/7 online tutoring, study groups, writing support, and workshops on skills like time management and test prep. The office also coordinates accommodations for students with disabilities and offers multilingual support to help all students succeed.
 

Career Outlook for Criminal Justice Graduates

A criminal justice degree opens doors to careers across local, state, and federal systems, as well as in private security and community organizations. Alvernia graduates pursue roles in law enforcement (police officers, detectives, state troopers), community supervision (probation and parole), corrections and rehabilitation, and with federal agencies such as the FBI, DEA, or Department of Homeland Security. Others work in victim advocacy, legal and court services, or private sector security, where demand is growing for corporate investigators and cybersecurity specialists.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects nearly 300,000 new protective service jobs nationwide by 2032, with strong growth in areas like cybersecurity and crime prevention. For students interested in pursuing advanced studies, a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice also provides a strong foundation for graduate study in law, public administration, or criminology.
 

Criminal Justice in Action at Alvernia

If you’re looking for Pennsylvania colleges offering criminal justice degrees, Alvernia University stands out for our commitment to hands-on learning, community engagement, and Franciscan values. At Alvernia, students don’t just study criminal justice; they practice it through internships, service, and real-world scenarios, so they graduate prepared to lead and ensure justice is served.

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