Criminal Justice
Study the Criminal Justice System
The Criminal Justice program at Elizabethtown College prepares students by offering quality courses, hands-on faculty mentorship, and real-world experiences in policing, courts, corrections, and victim services that will enhance student understanding of the criminal justice system in both college courses and criminal justice careers. These opportunities will create highly respected and educated professionals to succeed in the field of criminal justice or in pursuit of graduate education.
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What Can I Do With a Degree in Criminal Justice?
After completing our Criminal Justice degree in Pennsylvania, students will be ready to enter a variety of careers in several industries or explore graduate programs. Our program prepares you for:
- Law Enforcement
- Court System
- Corrections
- Victim Services
- Security
- Government Agencies
- Social Services
- Graduate School
St. Joseph’s University 4+1 Master’s Program
Etown partners with St. Joseph’s University to offer a 4+1 program which allows qualified students to complete core requirements, earn a bachelor's degree at Elizabethtown College and gain automatic acceptance to St. Joseph’s University online Master of Science in Criminal Justice program. Students who maintain a 3.0 GPA receive a 10% tuition discount.
Related Minors
The Criminal Justice Minor offers an interdisciplinary perspective, integrating criminology, law, sociology, forensic science, and victim studies. It is ideal for students interested in law enforcement, corrections, legal studies, public policy, or social justice. Through a mix of theoretical and practical coursework, students gain insight into the complexities of crime, justice, and societal responses to criminal behavior.
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Gain real-world experience in forensic specializations, criminal justice, and legal principles with the Forensic Studies minor. Students have the opportunity to take courses in anthropology, biology, Criminal Justice, and computer science. This minor prepares students to work in forensic crime labs at the local, state, and federal levels.
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Elizabethtown College’s Municipal Police Officer Training minor, in partnership with the Municipal Police Officers’ Education and Training Commission (MPOETC), offers students a direct pathway to police certification. Through this program, students complete the Municipal Police Officer Basic Training Program (Act 120) and earn 16 transferable credits. The comprehensive training covers key areas like criminal law, patrol procedures, investigations, and emergency response, preparing students for real-world law enforcement.
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Experiential Learning
Criminal Justice students interact directly with the field through hands-on work with local partners and courses that reflect real-world principles. Our Community Corrections partnership with SCI Camp Hill and Juvenile Justice collaboration with Bench Mark connect students to real institutions and the communities they serve. Coursework through our Mental Health and Crime Scene Investigation courses further emphasizes applied learning over theory.
Gain experience through Internships
Our Criminal Justice curriculum encourages students to complete at least one internship, giving them the opportunity to explore career interests, further build their networks, and see coursework applied in a professional setting. Etown students have interned across a wide range of organizations — from local non-profits and county agencies to state and federal systems. We ensure that Criminal Justice graduates have real-world experiences and meaningful professional connections before they enter the workforce or pursue additional education.
Service and Leadership Opportunities
Students will be provided opportunities for growth as leaders while also supporting the communities they hope to serve one day. Our chapter of Alpha Phi Sigma recognizes academic achievement and facilitates leadership and service initiatives, while the Criminal Justice Club allows students to engage professionally and explore networking opportunities. Students pursue independent research projects, attend regional conferences, and are encouraged to study abroad — bringing new perspectives to their understanding of justice systems.
Additional Minors
Students in Criminal Justice often choose to pursue a minor in Forensic Studies—or explore additional fields like Business Administration, Communications, Computer Science, Human Services, Political Science, Public Health, Psychology, or Spanish.