Marian University

What you'll study

This programme combines core criminal justice theory with applied coursework focused on correctional practice and offender rehabilitation. You will complete general education requirements alongside major modules that cover the causes and control of crime, institutions of corrections, and techniques for managing and supporting people in custody or under community supervision.

• Foundations of Criminal Justice: overview of the criminal justice system, agencies, and policy contexts.
• Criminology and Crime Theory: explanations of criminal behaviour and social responses to crime.
• Corrections and Penology: history and contemporary practice in jails, prisons and community corrections.
• Community Corrections and Reentry: supervision models, re-entry planning, transitional services and reducing recidivism.
• Juvenile Justice: youth offending, diversion programmes and specialised interventions.
• Criminal Law and Procedure: substantive law, constitutional protections and due process relevant to corrections practice.
• Assessment and Case Management: risk/needs assessment, individualised case planning, and evidence-based interventions.
• Research Methods and Applied Statistics: designs and analyses used in evaluation, programme assessment and policy research.
• Ethics and Professional Issues: ethical decision-making, cultural competency and working with diverse populations.
• Practicum / Internship and Capstone: supervised field placement in a correctional or community agency and a final integrative project or practicum demonstrating applied competence.

Entry requirements

Applicants should hold a secondary school diploma or equivalent. Marian University considers academic record, coursework, and other evidence of preparedness; successful applicants typically present a solid academic background with coursework in English, social studies and mathematics. Mature students and applicants with previous college credit or related work experience are welcome and can be assessed for transfer credit.

Because the programme includes placements with criminal justice agencies, students should be aware that some practicum sites require background checks, drug screening or other clearances; a disqualifying criminal history can affect placement options and professional licensure or certification in certain roles.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for a range of entry- to mid-level roles in corrections and community-based services as well as for progression into supervisory, policy or specialist positions with experience or further study. Typical career destinations include:

• Corrections officer or caseworker in local jails and state prisons
• Probation and parole officer or community supervision specialist
• Re-entry coordinator, discharge planner or transition services case manager
• Juvenile justice practitioner, youth services worker or diversion programme coordinator
• Victim advocate, restorative justice facilitator or community-based rehabilitation worker
• Positions in non-profit organisations, treatment agencies and court services
• Progression to graduate study (e.g. criminal justice administration, social work, public policy, law) or certification programmes

Why study at Marian University

Marian University combines a values‑centred, liberal arts education with practical experience and small class sizes, enabling close faculty mentorship. Students in the criminal justice and corrections programme benefit from applied learning through supervised field placements with local correctional and community agencies, opportunities for service learning, and faculty who bring practitioner and research experience to the classroom. The university’s student services, career support and local partnerships help students arrange internships and prepare for certification or employment in the regional criminal justice workforce.