Fairmont State University

What you'll study

The programme provides a broad foundation in criminal justice theory, the criminal justice system and the specialised field of corrections. You study how law, policy and human behaviour intersect with punishment, rehabilitation and community supervision.

• Core criminal justice topics: introduction to criminal justice, criminology, criminal law and constitutional issues, and ethics in criminal justice.
• Corrections-focused modules: history and philosophy of corrections, correctional institutions and management, community corrections, probation and parole, offender rehabilitation, and specialised populations such as juvenile offenders and those with mental health needs.
• Operational and investigative skills: report writing, interviewing and investigative procedures, substance abuse and treatment, crisis intervention, and risk assessment.
• Research and professional development: research methods and statistics for social sciences, programme evaluation, policy analysis, and a senior capstone or practicum integrating classroom learning with field experience.
• General education and electives: courses in communication, social sciences, psychology and computer literacy provide breadth, while electives allow focus areas such as forensic issues, victimology or leadership in corrections.

The curriculum typically combines lectures, case studies, and applied learning through internships or practicum placements with local correctional agencies, juvenile services and community supervision offices.

Entry requirements

Applicants should hold a recognised secondary school diploma or equivalent. Typical entry expectations include satisfactory secondary academic records and completion of general education prerequisites. Fairmont State considers a range of evidence of readiness for university study.

• Official secondary school transcripts or recognised equivalents (such as A‑levels or high school diploma).
• Personal statement outlining interest in criminal justice and relevant experience or objectives.
• Letters of recommendation may be requested, particularly from educators or employers who can speak to suitability for work in justice settings.
• Some applicants — for example those with prior convictions or active legal matters — may be subject to additional review; many corrections placements require background checks as part of the practicum process.
• International applicants must meet English language proficiency requirements and provide recognised credential evaluations for previous study.

Transfer students with credits from community colleges or other institutions are considered; transfer articulation agreements may exist to map prior coursework into the programme.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for a range of roles in corrections, community supervision and allied criminal justice professions. The degree emphasises practical skills and workplace readiness.

• Correctional officer and facility staff roles in state and local correctional institutions.
• Probation and parole officers, community supervision specialists and case managers working with adults and juveniles.
• Juvenile justice workers and programme coordinators in youth services.
• Reentry and rehabilitation programme staff, substance abuse treatment coordinators and victim services roles.
• Opportunities in federal, state and local criminal justice agencies, private correctional and community supervision providers, and nonprofit organisations focused on justice and rehabilitation.
• Pathways to further study in criminal justice, public administration, social work or law for those seeking supervisory, policy or specialised analytic careers.

Why study at Fairmont State University

Fairmont State offers a focused, career-oriented Criminal Justice and Corrections degree delivered in small classes with accessible faculty who bring both academic and practitioner experience. The university’s regional connections provide regular internship and practicum opportunities with local correctional facilities, juvenile services and law enforcement agencies, helping students gain workplace experience before graduation.

• Practical placement links with state and local agencies to support field experience and networking.
• Faculty with applied experience in corrections and criminal justice who mentor students and maintain industry contacts.
• Student support services including career counselling, resume and interview preparation, and assistance arranging internships and criminal background checks required for placements.
• Opportunities to join student organisations and participate in community projects that develop leadership and applied skills relevant to correctional practice.