University of Mount Union

What you'll study

This programme combines foundational courses in criminal justice and criminology with specialised study in corrections and offender rehabilitation. Typical core modules include Introduction to Criminal Justice, Criminology, Criminal Law, Ethics in Criminal Justice, Research Methods and Statistics for the Social Sciences, and Corrections: Theory and Practice. Students also study subjects such as Juvenile Justice, Probation and Parole, Community-Based Corrections, Substance Abuse and Reentry, Victimology, and Policing and Public Safety.

Practical learning is a major component: students complete supervised field placements or internships with local correctional institutions, probation offices, juvenile services or community organisations. The degree often culminates in a capstone project or practicum that integrates research, policy evaluation, or program development relevant to corrections and offender rehabilitative services. Electives and interdisciplinary options allow students to explore related areas such as social work, psychology, forensic studies, or legal studies.

Structure

• General education requirements across liberal arts and sciences.
• Major core courses in criminal justice and corrections.
• Methodology and statistics modules to support evidence-based practice.
• Supervised internship or practicum with community or correctional partners.
• Capstone or senior project demonstrating applied learning.

Entry requirements

Applicants should hold a high-school diploma or recognised equivalent and submit an application with academic transcripts. Admissions typically consider the overall secondary-school record, strength of relevant coursework (for example, English, social studies and mathematics), personal statement and references. Some applicants may be assessed for readiness for field placements and for roles that require background checks.

Transfer students with college credit are considered and may have prior coursework evaluated for equivalency. The programme welcomes mature students and those with prior work experience in public service or corrections; these applicants should provide supporting documentation of relevant experience.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for a range of entry- and mid-level roles in the criminal-justice and corrections sectors. Common career paths include:

• Corrections officer and institutional staff roles in local or state facilities.
• Probation and parole officer or community supervision specialist.
• Juvenile justice worker, case manager or youth services practitioner.
• Reentry coordinator, offender treatment or substance-abuse programme staff.
• Victim advocate, community outreach or restorative-justice practitioner.
• Support roles in law enforcement agencies, federal agencies, and private security firms.

Graduates also move into related fields such as social services, counselling, policy and programme evaluation, or pursue further study in criminal justice, social work, public administration or law. The practicum and internship elements of the programme support employability and local recruitment into partner agencies.

Why study at University of Mount Union

The University of Mount Union offers a small-campus environment with close faculty-student interaction and an emphasis on applied learning. Criminal-justice students benefit from faculty who combine academic expertise with practical experience and from opportunities for supervised internships with local correctional and community agencies. Classroom sizes support active discussion and mentoring, and career services help students prepare for licensure/entry requirements and job searches.

Students at Mount Union can tailor their studies through electives and interdisciplinary options, gaining transferable skills in research methods, critical thinking and communication. The programme’s focus on ethical practice, rehabilitation and community engagement prepares graduates to work effectively in diverse settings within the criminal-justice system.