Pennsylvania State University

What you'll study

This undergraduate programme combines criminological theory, substantive criminal law, and applied practice in corrections and community supervision. Core topics include introductory criminology, criminal law and procedure, juvenile justice, sentencing and corrections policy, rehabilitation and reentry, ethics, and assessment of offender risk and needs.

• Foundations and theory: courses on criminological theory, causes of crime, and the history and purpose of punishment.
• Law and procedure: substantive criminal law, constitutional protections, evidence, and courtroom procedures that affect case processing and sentencing.
• Corrections-focused study: institutional corrections, community-based corrections, probation and parole practices, reentry planning, and restorative justice models.
• Research and methods: quantitative and qualitative research methods, statistics for social science, programme evaluation, and data analysis relevant to criminal justice agencies.
• Skills and practicum: communication, interviewing, risk assessment, case management, and ethical decision-making; many programmes include practicum or internship placements with local jails, probation offices, community organisations or courts.
• Capstone and electives: a senior seminar or capstone project synthesising theory and applied practice, plus elective options in areas such as juvenile justice, substance use and crime, victimology, forensic psychology, or policy analysis.

The degree typically follows a mix of general education requirements alongside major-specific coursework, with opportunities for supervised field experience and independent research under faculty supervision.

Entry requirements

Applicants are expected to hold a high school diploma or equivalent. Competitive applicants normally present a strong academic record with coursework in English and social studies; mathematics and statistics at secondary level are recommended because of the quantitative elements of the programme.

• Academic record: successful completion of secondary education with grades that meet the university’s undergraduate admission standards.
• Subject recommendations: prior study in English (for writing and communication), social sciences (history, civics, psychology, sociology) and maths/statistics is advantageous.
• Admissions materials: standard materials include an application, school transcripts and, where asked, personal statements or references. Penn State’s admissions policies on standardised testing and additional requirements can vary by campus and applicant type.
• Transfer and non-traditional applicants: credits from community colleges or other universities are often accepted; applicants with prior adult or professional experience should consult the admissions office for guidance on credit and experiential recognition.

Career prospects

Graduates with a bachelor’s in Criminal Justice and Corrections enter a range of public- and private-sector roles that focus on supervision, intervention and the administration of justice. Typical entry-level and mid-career roles include:

• Correctional officer or facility administrator
• Probation and parole officer, community supervision specialist
• Reentry case manager, offender rehabilitation coordinator
• Juvenile justice practitioner, youth services worker
• Victim advocate, victim services coordinator
• Policy analyst, research assistant or programme evaluator in government or NGOs
• Positions in law enforcement and public safety, or progression to graduate study (criminal justice, social work, public policy) and professional schools such as law

Field placements, internships and connections with county and state agencies frequently help students build practical experience and local employer contacts that support employment after graduation.

Why study at Pennsylvania State University

Penn State is a large, research-active university with access to multidisciplinary resources across the social sciences, law-related studies and public policy. Students benefit from faculty engaged in applied research on crime, corrections and rehabilitation, and from practicum opportunities with agencies across Pennsylvania.

• Applied learning: established links with local and state criminal justice agencies provide internships, practicum placements and applied research projects.
• Research and mentorship: opportunities to work with faculty on empirical research, programme evaluation and policy analysis methods.
• Support and career services: campus career networks, alumni connections and university career offices help students prepare for certification, employment and graduate study.
• Flexible pathways: degree pathways accommodate first‑time undergraduates, transfer students and those planning to progress to graduate or professional programmes.

Overall, the programme is suited to students who want rigorous academic training combined with practical, hands-on experience in corrections and community supervision delivered within a large university environment.