Skip to main content

Criminal Justice and Security Studies

We offer a broadly structured interdisciplinary curriculum.

Existing within a Catholic University founded upon the Marianist tradition, our interdisciplinary program encourages students to become ‘improvement agents’ in their service to the community. They are expected to demonstrate the behavior necessary for effective personal and group relationships while incorporation the rights and responsibilities of individuals, accepting and utilizing criticisms and respecting human difference.

The Criminal Justice and Security Studies (CJSS) Department offers a Bachelor of Arts degree in Criminal Justice. It is a broadly structured, interdisciplinary and criminological curriculum comprised of faculty who are criminal justicians, criminologists, community activists, psychologists, political scientists, social workers, law and justice scholars and sociologists. 

As a broadly structured interdisciplinary curriculum, the mission of the department is to provide students with knowledge of the historical, philosophical, social, political and legal theories, concepts, practices and events which shape the criminal justice system, its agencies and components in society. The department demonstrates an understanding and appreciation of diverse ideas and experiences. 

  • 100%

    of students have a chance to participate in internships or service learning

  • 93%

    of students are employed or enrolled in an advanced-degree program after graduation

  • 5 years

    students can earn a bachelor's degree with a Juris Doctor

${ Criminal Justice and Security Studies }

Welcome

CJSS is dedicated to educating students who seek to serve the common good as law enforcement officers, lawyers, social service and nonprofit providers, security professionals and the like.

Announcements
Announcing the Criminal Justice and Securities Studies 3+ Accelerated JD Program

The Department of Criminal Justice and Security Studies' accelerated pathway to a Juris Doctor (JD) is exclusively available to first year students. Incoming students declaring Criminal Justice Studies as a major with a Pre-Law concentration have an opportunity to earn a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice Studies and a JD in six years in the 3+ program. 

Learn more
In the News
Faculty 10.31.23

Scott Belshaw, a criminologist with expertise in digital forensics and cyber security, joined UD as chair of the Department of Criminal Justice and Security Studies.

Read more
Law 04.27.23

University of Dayton senior Arabella Loera topped more than 7,300 mock trial students at the American Mock Trial Association’s regional and national tournaments.

Read more