Available fully online or in a hybrid format.
Whether you鈥檙e looking to start a new career in criminal justice or want to advance in your current role, we see you studying criminal justice at 51黑料.
Employers are continually and actively seeking graduates from schools like 51黑料 to join their ranks. While many criminal justice programs focus on what happens after a crime has been committed, our Crime Science flexible curriculum is unique because it is a behavioral-based program.
This program is available through a hybrid format; that means you can choose between a completely online, on-campus evening courses, or combination of formats so you can work on your degree in whichever way fits your busy schedule.
Throughout your journey, you鈥檒l participate in multiple field experiences including a 220-hour experience in your final year, enabling you to apply what you have learned and, often, to secure your future employment. Your studies here will prepare you for a rewarding career in any area of the criminal justice system, from child welfare to corrections to security and beyond.
Coming to Cedar Crest with some previous credits under your belt?
We see how hard you worked for your previous credits, so that鈥檚 why we鈥檝e developed a generous transfer credit policy. Our transfer counselors will help you make sure you can finish strong.
Our interns and alumnae/i are well-known in the criminal justice community, locally and nationally, for their high ethical standards and behavioral-based knowledge. Our graduates are currently working in mental health referral and evaluation, adult probation, child welfare services and more.
Considering a career in psychology, forensic science, or social work? Adding a major or minor in criminal justice can strengthen your resume and allow you to more deeply understand human behavior.
Program Highlights
- Flexible Program Options: This program is available fully online or through a hybrid format where you take some evening courses on-campus鈥攂oth of which allow you to pursue a degree while managing your busy life.
- Generous Transfer Credit Policy: We鈥檝e developed a generous transfer credit policy to help make sure you get the most out of the work you鈥檝e completed at your previous institution. You worked hard for your previous credits, so we鈥檒l make sure your schooling stays on track.
- Experienced faculty: All of our courses are taught by credentialed faculty. Our professors have more than 50 years of experience in the criminal justice field. They have literally seen it all鈥nd they鈥檝e specifically designed new courses that will better prepare you for a career in any area of criminal justice.
- A behavioral-based curriculum: It isn鈥檛 enough to deal with crimes that have occurred: Today鈥檚 society demands a greater focus on the prevention of crimes. This, too, is the focus of our criminal justice program.
- Valuable field experience: Many of our courses include classroom discussion as well as time spent in the community. You will also have the option to complete one 220-hour field experience that will be chosen specifically to suit your career goals.
- Complementary majors and minors: Many students at 51黑料 choose a second major or minor. Fields of study that pair especially well with criminal justice include forensic science, our pre-law program and psychology.
- Women’s leadership opportunities: Our program requires you to do research and present your findings, both of which will enhance your teamwork and leadership skills. The College also offers many extracurricular clubs and organizations that rely on student leaders.
Criminal justice is also available as a minor.
How To Apply
Applying is free and straightforward鈥攂ecause we believe nothing should stand in the way of your dreams!
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Elective Packages
The curriculum includes both required courses and three options for 鈥渆lective packages鈥: criminal behavior and deviance, juvenile studies, crime mapping, and the ability to self-design an area of study. These packages enable you to delve deeper into one or more aspects of human behavior.
Collaborative Partnership
Building on a national movement to recognize the benefits of data-driven, research-based outcomes related to the practice of policing in our communities, 51黑料, the City of Allentown, Pa., and the Allentown Police Department are entering into a new collaborative partnership.
Competitive Tuition
Tuition for Adult Undergraduate and BSN programs are among the most competitive in the Lehigh Valley鈥攂ecause we believe everyone should have access to a quality higher education.
Transfer Credits
We offer one of the most generous transfer credit policies in the Lehigh Valley, and our transfer scholarships make the price of your Cedar Crest education even more affordable.
Accreditation
51黑料 is accredited by the ; 1007 North Orange Street, 4th Floor, MB #166, Wilmington, DE 19801
Faculty & Staff
Who鈥檚 teaching you is as important as the curriculum you choose.
Let鈥檚 put a face to some of the names you鈥檒l be seeing on the course listings!
Michael R. Salter
Assistant Professor of Criminal Justice
- School of Adult and Graduate Education
- sage@cedarcrest.edu
- P: 610-740-3770
- Traditional Admissions
- admissions@cedarcrest.edu
- P: 800-360-1222
- F: 610-740-3780