Georgia Southern University

What you'll study

The programme provides a balanced curriculum of core criminal justice subjects and corrections-focused modules. You will study the fundamentals of criminological theory, criminal law and procedure, policing, courts and sentencing, while exploring correctional systems, offender rehabilitation, community-based sanctions and juvenile justice. Methodological and analytical skills are emphasised through courses in research methods and criminal justice statistics.

• Core criminal justice modules: introduction to criminal justice, criminological theory, criminal law and courts, policing and public safety.
• Corrections-focused modules: correctional systems and history, institutional management, rehabilitation and treatment programmes, community corrections, probation and parole, and reentry planning.
• Research and skills: research methods, statistics for criminal justice, report writing, ethics, and risk/needs assessment tools.
• Applied learning: supervised field placements or internships in correctional facilities, probation offices, juvenile services or community organisations; practicum experiences and case studies are commonly integrated into upper-level courses.
• Capstone and electives: options typically include a senior seminar or capstone project, electives in victimology, substance abuse and the law, restorative justice, or specialised topics such as corrections administration or mental health in corrections.

Entry requirements

Applicants are expected to hold a high school diploma or equivalent. Admission considers academic preparation in core subjects, overall secondary school performance and any relevant extracurricular or work experience. Prospective students transferring from other colleges should provide transcripts demonstrating satisfactory collegiate work in general education and any criminal justice courses completed.

• Typical academic preparation: college-preparatory secondary school programme with coursework in English and social studies.
• Standardised tests: consult the university’s admissions guidance for current policies on SAT/ACT submission, as requirements may vary.
• Additional materials: personal statement or statement of purpose may strengthen an application; applicants with relevant volunteer or work experience in criminal justice or human services are encouraged to highlight that background.
• International students: must meet English language proficiency and credential evaluation requirements set by the university.

Career prospects

Graduates of the Criminal Justice and Corrections programme move into a wide range of roles across public and private sectors. The degree prepares you for operational and specialist positions as well as for supervisory or administrative careers with further experience or postgraduate study.

• Entry-level operational roles: correctional officer, detention officer, juvenile detention staff.
• Community supervision and support: probation officer, parole officer, reentry coordinator, case manager.
• Support and advocacy roles: victim advocate, rehabilitation counsellor, substance-abuse programme specialist.
• Analytical and policy roles: research assistant, policy analyst, compliance officer, or positions in criminal justice administration.
• Progression and further study: many graduates pursue graduate degrees in criminal justice, public administration, social work or law to move into management, specialised practice or policy-making roles; federal and state agency employment is also a common pathway.

Why study at Georgia Southern University

Georgia Southern offers a programme grounded in both academic rigour and practical experience, with opportunities for field placements and local partnerships across the region. Faculty typically include scholars and practitioners who bring applied perspectives to the classroom, and small-to-medium class sizes support personalised mentoring.

• Hands-on experience: internships and practicum placements with local correctional agencies, courts and community organisations help you build professional skills and networks.
• Location advantages: the university’s regional setting provides access to a range of criminal justice agencies in both urban and rural contexts, useful for comparative learning and placement opportunities.
• Student support: career services, advising and student organisations related to criminal justice help with professional development, certifications and job placement.
• Pathways to advancement: the undergraduate degree establishes a foundation for licensing, specialised training and graduate study that lead to supervisory and policy roles within the corrections field.