Trinity University

What you'll study

This degree blends core criminal justice theory with applied coursework focused on correctional systems, offender rehabilitation and community supervision. You will study how law, policy and social factors shape responses to crime, and develop practical skills in assessment, case management and evidence-based interventions.

• Foundations of Criminal Justice and Criminology: theories of crime, the history and structure of criminal justice institutions, and comparative approaches.
• Corrections and Rehabilitation: sentencing, prisons and jails, community corrections, re-entry and restorative justice models.
• Policing and Courts: criminal procedure, court processes, diversion programmes and pre-trial considerations.
• Assessment and Case Management: risk and needs assessment tools, supervision strategies, and designing intervention plans.
• Research Methods and Statistics: quantitative and qualitative methods for evaluating programmes and analysing crime data.
• Law and Ethics: constitutional protections, prisoners’ rights, ethical practice and professional responsibilities in corrections.
• Applied Practicum or Internship: supervised placement in a correctional, probation/parole or community-based agency to apply classroom learning to practice.
• Electives and Capstone: options may include substance misuse treatment, juvenile justice, mental health and offending, victimology, and a senior seminar or research project.

Entry requirements

Applicants should have completed secondary education or an equivalent qualification. Trinity University typically looks for academic achievement across core subjects and a record that demonstrates strong written and interpersonal skills relevant to criminal justice work.

• High school diploma or equivalent; successful applicants usually present a competitive GPA.
• Standardised test scores (SAT/ACT) may be considered where required; many departments also accept test-optional applicants—check the university’s admissions guidance for current practice.
• Personal statement or essay that outlines your interest in criminal justice and corrections, relevant experience, and career goals.
• Letters of recommendation from teachers, counsellors or supervisors who can speak to academic potential and suitability for work in justice-related settings.
• Some applicants will have relevant volunteer, work or community experience in social services, advocacy, law enforcement or related fields; such experience strengthens an application but is not mandatory.

Career prospects

Graduates of this programme enter a range of public, private and non-profit roles connected with community safety, offender rehabilitation and justice administration. The degree also prepares students for postgraduate study in law, criminology, social work, psychology or public policy.

• Corrections officer, prison staff and custodial services
• Probation and parole officer or community supervision specialist
• Case manager, re-entry coordinator or rehabilitation practitioner in community organisations
• Positions in juvenile justice, victim services or offender support charities
• Roles in court administration, policy analysis, research and criminal justice advocacy
• Further professional training leading to careers in law, forensic psychology, social work or public administration

Why study at Trinity University

Trinity University offers a liberal-arts environment where Criminal Justice and Corrections students benefit from small class sizes, direct access to faculty and opportunities for interdisciplinary study. The programme emphasises experiential learning through internships, partnerships with local justice agencies and supervised practicum placements.

Students gain practical skills valued by employers—assessment, report writing, programme evaluation and ethical decision-making—alongside a solid grounding in research methods that supports evidence-based practice. The campus location and professional networks make it straightforward to arrange placements and community-engaged projects that prepare graduates for immediate entry into justice-sector roles or advanced study.