Academic Opportunities
Criminal Justice
If you’re looking for a program that focuses on the American legal system, filled with diverse individuals and excellent professors who also work in the field, Parkside’s criminal justice major may be just what you’re looking for. CorrectionalOfficer.org recently named us the #1 criminal justice program in Wisconsin!
Criminal Justice is one of our largest majors on campus, with an average of 250 majors and up to 50 minors. We have a high graduation rate, sending 70 to 80 grads out into the criminal justice field every year after they go through the Criminal Justice Professions capstone class to prepare for job entry.
Students share cross-listed classes, interacting with at least four other academic departments, to learn about topics such as policing, the courts, corrections, and juvenile justice. Day and evening classes are available to best engage students, with faculty members who also participate in community police, fire, and other organizations.
Hands-on experience is available through a strong internship program that places students into a variety of community positions. The Criminal Justice Association also provides opportunities to interact with alumni, faculty, and staff who are involved in the field. And once they graduate, students go into careers in law enforcement, corrections, terrorism and security, victimology, and beyond.
My name is Renata. I am from Kenosha, Wisconsin. And my major is criminal justice. I would say the best thing about being a criminal justice major at Parkside is the professors. And we were ranked the number one criminal justice program in Wisconsin. So since the professors are very well-connected internship opportunities are great. For example, they work with the Mt. Pleasant fire and commission department to get internships for students locally in the criminal justice field. Parkside hires professors that have experience in the field. So what they bring into the classroom is not only stuff from the book, they also teach their experiences in the field-- which makes for a unique learning experience. A great organization on campus is the Criminal Justice Association. It's great for networking with peers and professionals. You have the opportunity to do some community service. And it's a great resume builder. There are also many research opportunities available to students in the major if they're interested in research.
