Criminal Justice graduates earn a median $34,420 Across 963 US programmes, two years after finishing
See the degree grade →The Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice and Corrections at Middle Tennessee State University trains students in the theory and practice of corrections, rehabilitation and community supervision. It suits students seeking a career working with offender populations in prisons, jails, probation and parole, juvenile services, or those preparing for graduate study or careers in public policy and research.
The programme provides a balanced mix of theoretical foundations and applied skills focused on corrections and offender management. Core topics include criminological theory, criminal law and procedure, research methods, and ethics in criminal justice. Specialist corrections modules cover offender assessment, case management, rehabilitation and reentry, community corrections (probation and parole), correctional administration, mental health and substance use in correctional populations, and juvenile justice.
Students typically complete general education requirements alongside major coursework. The degree emphasises practical experience: practicum, field placements or internships with local, county and state correctional agencies, probation offices or community-based providers are core components. Many students also undertake a senior seminar or capstone project that integrates research and applied work in corrections.
Applicants are normally expected to hold a high school diploma or equivalent. Admission takes account of secondary school grades and the full academic record; standardised tests may be considered in line with university policy. Transfer students with completed college credits or an associate degree are eligible to apply and may receive credit towards the major.
Typical university requirements include satisfactory completion of general education prerequisites and any programme-specific prerequisites such as introductory social science coursework. International applicants must demonstrate English proficiency through recognised tests or prior study in English. Note that many practicum and internship placements require background checks, immunisation records or other clearances, so a criminal record may affect placement options.
Graduates with a Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice and Corrections move into a wide range of roles in the criminal justice and human services sectors. Common entry-level and mid‑career positions include:
Graduates aiming for promotion, specialised roles or careers in academia often pursue graduate study (master’s degrees in criminal justice, social work, public administration, or law). The programme’s practicum and internship elements also help students build professional networks with local and state agencies.
MTSU offers a comprehensive criminal justice curriculum with specific emphasis on corrections and offender rehabilitation, taught by faculty with applied experience in the field. The university’s location in the Nashville region provides access to a variety of correctional facilities, courts, probation offices and community agencies for internships and field placements. Small‑group teaching in upper‑level classes, opportunities for applied research and community engagement, and career services that connect students to local employers make MTSU a practical choice for students committed to correctional practice and reform.
Students benefit from hands-on learning through supervised field experiences, a curriculum aligned with contemporary correctional practice and ethics, and support for professional development, certification and graduate study pathways.
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