Today’s criminal justice landscape is a complex system of professionals working in a variety of organizations, all of whom are playing a part in our modern legal process. It’s a growing field, too, with the Bureau of Labor Statistics estimating that protective service occupations will add around 286,000 new jobs through 2030.

About Salem’s Administration of Justice Bachelor’s Degree

At Salem University, the Administration of Justice specialization of the Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice degree program provides wide exposure to a broad set of issues within the modern criminal justice field. This concentration is advantageous for students who wish to pursue a career in criminal justice but are unsure of just what area they’re most interested in being a part of. A Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice degree can also be a great stepping off point toward getting your Master of Science in Criminal Justice.

We’ve designed our bachelor’s degree curriculum with the goal of providing a high-quality education that prepares you for lifelong learning. We aim to develop your leadership and problem-solving skills and encourage all of our students to read critically, ask appropriate questions, gather information, and apply critical analysis. And we do all of this within a framework that fits into your current life and responsibilities with our unique, one-course-a-month schedule.

What Can I Do With a Bachelor’s Degree in Administration of Justice?

A bachelor’s degree in criminal justice with an emphasis in administration of justice can help you prepare for entry-level employment in careers like:

  • Parole/Probation Officer (Adult or Juvenile)
  • Police Officer (State, County or Local)
  • Correctional Officer
  • Correctional Counselor
  • Case Manager (jail/prison)
  • Fish and Game Warden
  • Security Officer
  • State Trooper
  • Crime Scene Investigator
  • Crime Analyst
  • Crime Victims Service
  • Child Protective Services
  • Fraud Investigator
  • US Postal Inspector
  • Immigration and Customs Enforcement Agent
  • Private Detective
  • Bailiff

You could also qualify for a position as an agent with a variety of federal agencies like FBI, DEA, ATF, Secret Service, US Marshals and Immigrations & Customs Enforcement.

What Will I Learn in Salem’s Bachelor’s Degree in Administration of Justice?

With the administration of justice degree specialization, you’ll start with the core of our criminal justice program so that you can build a solid foundation in the field. You’ll learn critical-thinking and ethical decision-making skills as you look into key concepts like criminal and constitutional law, crisis intervention, domestic violence, terrorism, evidence and procedure, and investigation and forensics. We want you to understand not just the basics, but also the history and philosophy behind the criminal justice system and where it can grow and evolve in the future. All of this is brought together in a capstone course that gives you the opportunity to set up and manage an actual sporting event.

In your specialized bachelor of criminal justice – administration degree courses, you’ll cover topics like:

  • Basic police functions, including the historical development of the police, police roles, types of patrol, community-oriented policing, volunteer policing, and crime prevention techniques
  • The concepts for influencing and changing human behavior, correctional management and the structures and operations it involves, legal responsibilities of the state from conviction to release, and issues around sentencing
  • The juvenile justice system, including legal issues, unique challenges, probation, and intermediate sanctions like residential treatment and wilderness/challenge programs
  • Corporate and white collar crime, from the history of it in America to governmental and political corruption, organized crime, computer crime, and corporate negligence
  • Modern management theory within the criminal justice landscape and the application of those techniques, including civil liability, political power, and ethics

What Administration of Justice Classes Will I Take?

The Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice degree program with a specialization in Administration of Justice requires the completion of 75 foundational and elective credits, as well as 30 core criminal justice credits that include:

  • CJU205 Criminal Law
  • CJU210 Criminal Evidence and Constitutional Procedure
  • CJU230 Criminal Investigation and Forensics
  • CJU233 Crisis Intervention
  • CJU242 Domestic Violence
  • CJU270 Terrorism
  • CJU405 Constitutional Law
  • CJU408 Criminal Justice Research and Statistics
  • CJU440 Ethics in Criminal Justice
  • CJU499 Capstone

You’ll also take 15 credits in the Administration of Justice specialization:

  • CJU215 Police Operations
  • CJU220 Corrections System and Operations
  • CJU221 Juvenile Justice
  • CJU325 White Collar Crime
  • CJU449 Criminal Justice Management

How Long Will It Take to Get My Administration of Justice Bachelor’s Degree?

On average, a full-time student can earn their Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice degree with a specialization in Administration of Justice in approximately 40 months. However, we recognize every student is different, with different circumstances. Please contact one of our admissions advisors to discuss your specific questions and goals.

Why Should I Choose Salem University?

Since 1888, Salem University has built upon our tradition of accessible, affordable higher education by constantly innovating and looking to the future. We aim to develop lifelong learners who embrace problem-solving with a global perspective. We offer:

  • Accelerated undergraduate and graduate programs of study with continuous enrollment via distance education or on-campus
  • A unique one-course-a-month format that allows students to focus on a single subject at a time and build their knowledge in a way that feels natural
  • Online courses are structured to work within the constraints of full-time employment, allowing you to earn your degree with minimum disruption to your busy schedule
  • Supportive faculty and staff who serve as thought leaders and mentors
  • A beautiful 100-acre campus situated in the Smoky Mountains where programs of study are available for campus residents and commuter students

Admission Requirements

Admission to Salem is open to all qualified applicants regardless of race, color, creed, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, or ability/disability. Anyone wishing to attend Salem can obtain the necessary application from the Office of Admissions or apply online. The completed application should be submitted to the Office of Admissions at the earliest possible date. The University admits students on a rolling, monthly start basis. Acceptance is within the discretion of Salem University; some programs have additional admissions requirements.

Take the Next Step

If you’re interested in getting started on your Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice — Administration of Justice degree from Salem University, now is a great time to request more information or, better yet, chat with us live.