Widener University

What you'll study

This programme combines foundational courses in criminology, law and criminal procedure with specialised study in corrections and community supervision. Typical topics include theories of crime, correctional philosophy, sentencing and alternatives to incarceration, juvenile delinquency, ethics and professional responsibility, and constitutional issues relevant to corrections.

• Core modules: Introduction to Criminal Justice, Criminological Theory, Criminal Law, Research Methods and Statistics for Criminal Justice.
• Corrections-focused modules: Corrections and Penology, Case Management and Reentry, Probation and Parole, Offender Assessment and Classification, Substance Abuse and Treatment in Corrections.
• Skills and practicum: Interviewing and report writing, crisis intervention and conflict resolution, policy analysis, and a supervised internship or practicum placement in a correctional facility, probation office or community agency.
• Capstone and electives: Many students complete a capstone project or research seminar and choose electives such as juvenile justice, restorative justice, forensic victimology, or community corrections.

The programme emphasises applied learning through case studies, simulations, role-play, and structured field placements. Students also develop research literacy and quantitative skills useful for policy analysis and evaluation work.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to have completed an accredited secondary school leaving certificate or equivalent. Successful candidates typically demonstrate a sound academic record, with particular strength in social sciences, English and mathematics.

• Official secondary school transcripts or equivalent.
• Personal statement outlining interest in criminal justice and any relevant experience.
• Letters of recommendation may be requested for applicants with non-traditional backgrounds.
• Some programmes consider standardised test scores where provided, but many admissions processes are holistic and take other evidence of readiness into account.
• Because of the requirement for supervised placements, accepted students must be able to pass background checks and may be required to provide clearances or immunisation records prior to certain field experiences.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for a range of entry-level and supervisory roles across the public and private sectors. Common career paths include:

• Correctional officer and institutional staff roles
• Probation and parole officer or community supervision specialist
• Case manager, reentry coordinator and rehabilitation services worker
• Juvenile justice practitioner and youth services positions
• Victim advocate, intake officer or court support roles
• Private security, compliance and loss prevention roles
• Progression to federal agencies, law enforcement, or graduate study in law, social work, public administration or criminal justice research

Practical field placements and local agency partnerships typically help students build professional networks and gain the experience sought by employers in the criminal justice field.

Why study at Widener University

Widener offers a programme with a strong applied focus and an emphasis on experiential learning. Class sizes are generally small, enabling close interaction with faculty who bring academic and practitioner perspectives to teaching.

• Opportunities for supervised internships and practicum placements with courts, correctional facilities and community agencies in the surrounding metropolitan region.
• Curriculum designed to balance theory, research methods and practical skills that employers value, such as report writing, assessment and case management.
• Support services for career development, including internship coordination and employer networking to help students transition into the workforce or further study.

Together these elements make Widener a suitable choice for students seeking a career-focused criminal justice education with direct exposure to corrections practice and community supervision.