Doane University

What you'll study

The Criminal Justice and Corrections degree provides a blend of theoretical foundations and applied skills. Core topics include criminology, criminal law and procedure, corrections theory and practice, juvenile justice, and policing. Research methods and statistics for the social sciences are taught to support evidence-based practice and programme evaluation.

• Foundations of Criminal Justice: systems, history and philosophies of punishment and rehabilitation.
• Corrections and Community Supervision: institutional corrections, community-based sanctions, probation and parole practices, re-entry and recidivism reduction.
• Juvenile Justice: adolescent development, diversion programmes, family court systems and youth rehabilitation approaches.
• Law, Ethics and Constitutional Issues: criminal procedure, rights of the accused, sentencing, and professional ethics.
• Research Methods and Data Analysis: qualitative and quantitative methods, programme evaluation and evidence-based practice.
• Specialist Topics: offender assessment, crisis intervention and de-escalation, substance use and mental health in corrections, and restorative justice practices.
• Practicum/Internship: supervised field placement with correctional agencies, community organisations or juvenile services to apply classroom learning in real-world settings.
• Capstone or Senior Project: a research or applied project addressing a contemporary problem in corrections or community justice.

Small seminar-style classes allow discussion of policy and practice, while experiential learning through internships and partnerships with local criminal justice agencies is a core part of the degree.

Entry requirements

Typical applicants will hold a high school diploma or equivalent. Admissions consider a combination of academic record, personal statement and references. Successful applicants usually present coursework in social studies and English; experience in service, volunteer work or criminal justice-related employment is advantageous.

• Academic background: high school completion or equivalent; transfer students can present college transcripts for admission and credit evaluation.
• Supporting materials: a personal statement outlining interest in criminal justice, and at least one academic or professional reference.
• Additional checks: because of required field placements, some agencies require background checks and immunisation or health screenings prior to internship placement.
• International students: proof of English language proficiency and an equivalent secondary credential are required.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for a range of roles across corrections and community-based justice systems. The programme emphasises transferable skills such as assessment, report writing, risk management, communication and ethical decision-making.

• Correctional officer and institutional custody roles
• Probation and parole officer or community supervision specialist
• Case manager, re-entry coordinator or residential treatment worker
• Juvenile justice specialist and youth services practitioner
• Victim advocate, community outreach or restorative justice facilitator
• Positions in policy, research or programme evaluation within government and non-profit organisations
• Progression to postgraduate study in criminal justice, social work, public administration or law

Why study at Doane University

Doane offers a personalised learning environment with small classes and accessible faculty who have both academic and practitioner experience in criminal justice. The university maintains partnerships with local and regional corrections agencies and community organisations, providing students with meaningful internship and practicum opportunities.

• Experiential learning: placements and service-learning projects connect theory to practice and help build professional networks.
• Faculty mentorship: close faculty supervision supports applied research and career development.
• Flexible delivery: options for day, evening or online coursework help students balance studies with work or other commitments.
• Career support: Doane's career services assist with internships, resume preparation and job placement in criminal justice fields.