Houghton student on laptop working on their Criminal Justice degree.

Criminal Justice Major

Discover what it means to be a part of restorative justice, focusing on human dignity and reconciling the broken.

Pursuing a degree in Criminal Justice at Houghton, means you'll investigate the historical roots and responses to criminal behavior in the U.S. You will develop a understanding of the modern legal system, and determine possibilities for prevention, restorative justice, and more. Houghton's redemptive approach and Christian perspective, focuses on reconciliation among individuals and within communities.

Degree Snapshot

Undergraduate - Bachelor's

Degree Types: BA

Program Credits: 124

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What will I learn?

Houghton criminal justice major student listening to lecture.

Through Houghtonโ€™s major in Criminal Justice, you will:

  • Address the history of and concerns related to social justice in the modern legal system.
  • Engage in discussions focused on significant contemporary concepts and issues.
  • Develop an individual or group research project around a contemporary issue as part of your senior capstone seminar.
  • Evaluate factors contributing to criminal action and the effects of different approaches to criminal justice intervention. Use statistics, research, and critical evaluation of moral and ethical arguments.
  • Integrate theory with hands-on learning during an internship experience in a criminal justice setting.

Why study Criminal Justice at Houghton?

Master Modern Tools of Law Enforcement

Develop the ability to use the quantitative and qualitative tools of the social and behavioral arts and sciences to assess the effectiveness of efforts at prevention, correction, and restorative justice.

Leverage Insights from Multiple Fields

Go in-depth in subjects such as criminal law, juvenile justice, environmental crime and justice, and more.

Understand the Impact You Can Have in the World

Engage in knowledgeable and respectful discussion of policies and procedures, including the particular challenges and opportunities of rural and cross-cultural approaches to criminal justice.

Courses & Degree Requirements

Popular Courses


PHIL 201 Ethics

Gain an overview and discover the strengths and limitations of different theories and approaches. This includes moral philosophy, such as contractualism, consequentialism, and virtue theories.

CRJ 301 Police Operation and Procedures

Uncover the history behind law enforcement and examine methods of policing. Analyzes roles, functions, selection, training, and accountability of police officers.

CRJ 310 Correction, Probation, and Restorative Justice

Learn the history of institutional correction including methods, goals, prison design, and operation. Considers life inside the walls and after release. Probation, parole, and restorative justice in community settings.

Degree Options


BA - 124 credits

36-38 credits
Required Courses

86-88 credits
Elective courses + general education

BA Degree Requirements

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What can I do with a degree in criminal justice?

Career Opportunities

Students earning a BA degree in Criminal Justice from Houghton University are prepared to for careers in many areas, including but not limited to:

Graduate School

Master's degrees options for criminal justice majors:

  • Psychology
  • Sociology
  • Counseling
  • Law

6%

Career growth for Private Detectives and Investigators.

From 2020 to 2030 according to theย U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Houghton students throwing their graduation caps in the air on the steps of the Chapel.

96%

of Houghton students are employed or in graduate school within 6 months of graduation.

Class of 2023

View Alumni Success and Career Outcomes

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Ready for what's next?

Discover if earning your degree in Criminal Justice from Houghton University is right for you.


Questions?