Claflin University students and campus life
Department of Social Sciences

Criminal Justice

Pursue justice through policing, law, corrections, and public policy.

Degree Type
Bachelor of Arts
Program Length
4 years (full-time)
Credit Hours
120 credit hours
Delivery Format
On-campus
Department
Department of Social Sciences
School
Humanities & Social Sciences
Career Outlook
Strong, growing demand
Location
Orangeburg, SC
Overview

Inside Criminal Justice.

The Criminal Justice program examines the law, policing, courts, corrections, and the social forces that shape justice in America.

Students build the analytical and ethical foundation for careers in law enforcement, law, advocacy, and public service.

Student experience

Students in Criminal Justice learn in small, mentorship-driven classes, work closely with faculty on research and creative projects, and build a portfolio of real-world experience before they graduate.

What You'll Learn

  • 01Explain the history and operation of the criminal justice system
  • 02Analyze theories of crime and criminal behavior
  • 03Apply evidence collection, research, and analytical methods
  • 04Evaluate justice policy, prevention, rehabilitation, and comparative systems

Why This Program

  • Faculty with field and research experience
  • Strong pre-law and graduate pathways
  • Internships with justice agencies
Curriculum

What You'll Study.

Major Requirements

  • 0148 credit hours of major requirements

General Education

  • 0139 semester credit hours

Electives

  • 0133 credit hours of restricted electives
  • 02Total program requirement: 120 credit hours

Downloadable curriculum sheet — coming soon

Career pathways

Where This Degree Takes You.

Common Job Titles

  • Police Officer
  • Probation Officer
  • Paralegal
  • Crime Analyst
  • Federal Agent

Graduate School Options

  • Graduate and professional school
  • Discipline-specific master's programs
  • Doctoral and research programs

Industry Sectors

  • Law Enforcement
  • Courts & Legal
  • Corrections
  • Government & Policy
Salary outlook

Salary outcomes vary by role and region — connect with Claflin Career Services for current, verified data for this field.

Employment statistics

Add program placement rate and outcomes data

Experiential learning

Learn by Doing.

Real experience is built into the program — from internships and research to service learning and study abroad.

Internships

Placements with regional employers and partners connected to the Department of Social Sciences.

Undergraduate Research

Mentored, faculty-led research beginning as early as the first year.

Field Experiences

Site visits, practica, and community-based learning that apply classroom theory.

Service Learning

Projects that connect coursework to Orangeburg and the surrounding community.

Study Abroad

Global programs coordinated through the Office of Global Programs.

Faculty

Learn from Dedicated Scholars.

Sample roster — replace with the department's faculty records.

Portrait of Faculty Name

Faculty Name

Chair, Department of Social Sciences

Focus

Criminology & public policy

Portrait of Faculty Name

Faculty Name

Professor of Political Science

Focus

American government & public opinion

Student success

Outcomes That Speak for Themselves.

Sample spotlights — replace with real student & alumni stories.

“The Criminal Justice program gave me the mentorship and hands-on experience to step confidently into my career.”
Claflin Graduate
Add alumni name, class year & current role
“My professors knew me by name and pushed me to do work I didn't know I was capable of.”
Current Student
Add student name, classification & spotlight
Admissions

How to Apply.

Requirements

  • Completed Claflin University application
  • Official high school transcript (or college transcripts for transfers)
  • Self-reported test scores (test-optional pathways available)
  • Personal statement and any program-specific materials

Deadlines

  • Fall priority: November 1 — Spring priority: November 15
  • Rolling admission after priority dates while space remains
  • Financial aid: complete the FAFSA by the published priority date

Application Process

  1. 01Submit your free application online
  2. 02Send official transcripts and supporting documents
  3. 03Connect with your admissions counselor
  4. 04Receive your decision and financial aid package

Answer the call

Your Criminal Justice Journey Starts Here.

Take the next step toward a Claflin education — apply, request information, or schedule a visit today.