Earning a degree from one of the many bachelor’s in criminal justice programs in Indiana will offer students the choice of many careers in government, the private sector, and the public sector. From work in corrections to employment with the police force, students with criminal justice degrees may find their skills valuable in many arenas, from research and desk jobs to jobs that require travel and time spent in unusual work environments. The state of Indiana has an overwhelming number of criminal justice programs, so it’s essential for prospective students to fully research all options, whether the student wishes to enroll in a small, private school or a huge public university. Read on for the first in our series of criminal justice degree programs in Indiana.
Anderson University
School of Humanities & Behavioral Science
Anderson University is affiliated with the Church of God and was established in 1917. “U.S. News & World Report” has given the university a high ranking in its list of the best universities in the Midwest. Students may choose from more than 60 undergraduate majors in a variety of areas, as well as a small selection of graduate-level programs. When it was founded, the school was known as the Anderson Bible Training School. By 1925, the school was renamed Anderson College and became Anderson University in 1988. The university is currently divided into six different schools, including the School of Humanities & Behavioral Science that houses its bachelor’s in criminal justice program in Indiana.
Criminal Justice Major
Criminal justice majors at Anderson University must complete 33 hours of classes in criminal justice to graduate from the program. Some of the classes students will take in the program include Introduction to Social Research, Criminal Law and Process, Social Problems, and The Nature of Crime and Social Deviance. Some of the jobs a graduate may seek after receiving a degree include Crime Scene Investigator, Fish and Game Warden, State Trooper, or Probation Officer. Students in the program enjoy the opportunity of a full semester’s internship where the student will experience the routines and challenges associated with working in the criminal justice system.
Accreditations
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Contact
Anderson University
1100 E. Fifth Street
Anderson, IN 46012
Phone: (800) 428-6414
Email: info@anderson.edu
Ball State University
Department of Criminal Justice and Criminology
Known as “Ball State” to locals, Ball State University is a public college in Muncie, Indiana that also has two satellite campuses in Indianapolis and Fishers. The university is just over 100 years old and was founded in 1917 by a pair of local industrialists who were brothers and founders of the Ball Corporation. The school has a healthy population of students that numbers almost 22,000 and a large campus of 1,140 acres in the city of Muncie. The school’s sports teams play in NCAA Division I games and under the Mid-American Conference. The school’s official colors are cardinal and white.
Major in Criminal Justice and Criminology (BS or BA)
Students interested in study at Ball State University’s campus may choose from a bachelor of science or bachelor of arts for their degree. The degrees are very similar in their requirements, but the bachelor of arts program requires that students complete 12 credit hours of a foreign language to complete their degree. Admission to this program requires that students have a GED or have completed high school and received a degree. There are no supplemental application items required to apply for admission to programs within the Department of Criminal Justice and Criminology. Like similar bachelor’s in criminal justice programs in Indiana, students must submit items like their standardized test scores, grade point average, and the difficulty of the student’s high school curriculum.
Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice and Criminology (Online)
In addition to its on-campus programs, Ball State also offers students a degree that may be earned entirely online. The university describes a degree in criminal justice as one that can open many doors to new jobs and careers. Some examples include jobs in the courts system or the corrections system. The program is ideal for individuals who are already working in the field of criminal justice and wish to advance their career. The same faculty who teach the degree to students on campus teach the online version of Ball State’s Criminal Justice and Criminology degree, and the degree can help students gain a competitive advantage for future careers.
Accreditations
- Higher Learning Commission
Contact
Department of Criminal Justice and Criminology
Ball State University
North Quad, Room 278
Muncie, IN 47306
Phone: (765) 285-5979
Email: askus@bsu.edu
Bethel College (Indiana)
Division of Humanities & Social Sciences
Bethel College is affiliated with the Christian Missionary Church and describes itself as a private, coeducational institution of higher learning. Established in 1947, the school has around 1,650 students attending with 550 of those students studying at the graduate level. There are several hundred more students getting their education in adult-oriented night classes. The nickname of the school’s sports teams is “The Pilots,” and students participate in NAIA Crossroads League NCCAA games. Their teams have won 29 NCCAA National Championships since the school began participating in games. The school is divided into three divisions and provides classes in a traditional liberal arts manner.
Criminal Justice Major
Because Bethel College is a religiously affiliated institution, students will take several Bible-themed courses, as well as their required courses in criminal justice. Some of the religious classes students will take include Exploring the Christian Faith and Old Testament Literature. Criminal justice courses students will take include Introduction to the Criminal Justice System, Introduction to Law Enforcement, and Criminal Court Process. Students will also get to choose from several electives like Crisis Intervention, Life Span Development, and United States Government. Some of the careers the school suggests may be open to students when they graduate include corrections officer, paralegal, forensics science technician, and private investigator.
Accreditations
- Higher Learning Commission
Contact
Bethel College
1001 Bethel Circle
Mishawaka, IN 46545
Phone: (574) 807-7000
Email:
Calumet College of St. Joseph
NAME OF COLLEGE
Calumet College is affiliated with the Roman Catholic Church and is located in Whiting, Indiana. The school is a private college and has around 1,292 students enrolled at its suburban campus. The college was founded in 1951 as part of the Saint Joseph’s College extension program. The two-year college would soon transform into a four-year college in 1960 and would become the region’s first school authorized to grant bachelor’s degrees. Some of the most popular programs at the college include criminal justice, forensic biotechnology, psychology, education, and business administration. The school’s sport teams play in NAIA and CCAC games as the Crimson Wave.
Criminal Justice Program
Studying in the bachelor’s in criminal justice program in Whiting, Indiana at Calumet College means graduating as someone who is prepared for success at entry-level positions in various criminal justice environments. Students will master the theoretical skills and foundations necessary for employment in criminal justice jobs, as well as gain a familiarity with the codes of professional ethics required for successful employment. Students take a variety of courses that include Introduction to Criminal Justice, Criminal Law, Criminal Procedures, and Criminology. In addition to completing the criminal justice core, students will also need to complete a capstone course at the end of study that will include a critical examination of criminal justice concepts, methods, and theories.
Accreditations
- Higher Learning Commission, a member of North Central Association
Contact
Calumet College of St. Joseph
2400 New York Avenue
Whiting, IN 46394
Phone: (219) 473-7770
Email: admissions@ccsj.edu
Grace College and Theological Seminary
School of Behavioral Sciences
Grace College & Seminary is located in Winona Lake, Indiana and is affiliated with the Fellowship of Grace Brethren Churches. In recent years, the school has expanded with a handful of commuter campuses, as well as options for online study. The school was founded in 1937 as a seminary and began transitioning to a school with 4-year undergraduate degrees in 1948. The school was known for its prison ministries which have transformed into prison GED programs in recent years. The school gained accreditation from the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools in 1994. Tuition at the school includes textbooks, so students don’t have to buy separate texts for class.
B.S. in Criminal Justice
The criminal justice degree at Grace College is appropriate for students who wish to enter the workforce immediately after graduation, as well as anyone who wants to go on to graduate school after receiving a degree. Some of the classes a student might take during study include Introduction to Corrections, Introduction to Criminal Justice, Criminology, and Juvenile Delinquency. If a student desires, he or she may seek a B.A. in Criminal Justice rather than the B.S., which requires slightly different classes for completion of the bachelor’s degree. The faculty for the program describe it as both practical and foundational and taught by faculty who bring practical experience to the classroom.
Accreditations
- Higher Learning Commission
Contact
Grace College & Theological Seminary
200 Seminary Drive
Winona Lake, IN 46590
Phone:
Email:
Indiana Institute of Technology
Center for Criminal Justice
Located in Fort Wayne, Indiana, Indiana Technical College was founded in 1930 by a man named John A. Kalbfleisch and was brought into the Indiana system of colleges in 1931. The university has approximately d9,600 students with around 800 of those students studying at the graduate level. In addition to its main campus in Fort Wayne, the school also has regional classrooms in thirteen different locations, including Fishers, Huntington, Kendallville, and Munster, as well as several others. The school’s official colors are orange, black, and white, and the twenty-two sports teams at the school are nicknamed the Warriors and play in NAIA games.
Criminal Justice, B.S
Preparing students for a variety of careers, the Criminal Justice, B.S. at Indiana Institute of Technology is one of several bachelor’s in criminal justice programs in Indiana at the school. Some of the career opportunities open to students who graduate from the program include jobs in law enforcement, probation, profiling, parole, and corrections. The program is available through a traditional undergraduate program on campus, as well as through the College of Professional Studies where adult students who must continue working while they attend school can take classes in the evening or at an accelerated pace. Faculty come from fields like criminal intelligence, the law, and the police force.
Criminal Justice, – Administration, B.S.
The administration specialty in criminal justice at Indiana Institute of Technology focuses on various aspects of operation within the criminal justice field. Students are taught to understand the unique needs of the community in which they work, as well as how to operate in a variety of environments like private investigation and law enforcement. Natural leaders excel in this specialty, and anyone interested in leading a criminal justice organization may wish to consider this degree option. Organizations open to graduates of the program include criminal justice organizations at the municipal, state, or county level, as well as work as federal parole officers, civil service officers, and court administrators.
Criminal Justice – Crime Analysis, B.S.
Students who enjoy using computers, analyzing data and statistics, and creating reports may find the crime analysis specialization an interesting one, particularly with the job opportunities available after graduation. Controlling, predicting, and preventing crime are the responsibility of crime analysts and students will learn how to perform a variety of essential tasks like preparing reports, maps, and graphs to figure out current trends and patterns within crime. Students who are analytical by nature and enjoy figuring out problems may wish to explore this degree program. Not only can students participate in analyzing crimes that have already occurred, but they can also help prevent future crimes through research and reporting.
Criminal Justice – Rehabilitative Services, B.S.
The final specialization in criminal justice at Indiana Tech is Rehabilitative Services, and students who wish to meet the needs of people on parole and probation may wish to consider this program. From juvenile offenders who have recently left incarceration to adults on parole and probation, rehabilitative services specialists can help at-risk individuals when they are in danger of becoming a repeat offender. Employment at public and private agencies is available after graduation, and students in the program will earn their degree through online study. Assisting individuals with rehabilitation after incarceration can prove to be a valuable and rewarding type of employment for anyone interested in criminal justice work.
Accreditations
- Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association
Contact
Indiana Institute of Technology
1600 E. Washington Blvd.
Fort Wayne, IN 46803
Phone: (260) 422-5561
Email: admissions@indianatech.edu
Indiana University Bloomington
College of Arts and Sciences
Indiana University Bloomington is considered one of the nation’s “public ivy” schools, which means the university ranks highly when compared to traditional Ivy League schools. The exceptionally large school has nearly 50,000 students attending classes at its Bloomington-area campus. As the flagship college within the state’s university system, the school is also the largest university. Students attending the school represent all fifty states but the majority of students are from Indiana. Indiana University Bloomington routinely lands on “best of” lists for schools in the United States, as well as on lists of the top public colleges in the entire country.
Criminal Justice – Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)
Like other bachelor’s in criminal justice programs in Indiana, the B.A. in criminal justice at Indiana University Bloomington is considered interdisciplinary in that it covers a variety of essential topics under the umbrella of criminal justice. Students will investigate criminal justice theory and practice from a variety of subjects including the humanities, social sciences, and legal studies. A diverse faculty offers classes to students who benefit from teachers who have experience in various facets of the criminal justice workforce. Classes a student may take in the program include Criminal Justice and the Law, Criminal Justice and Psychology, and Introduction to Criminal Justice.
Accreditations
- Higher Learning Commission
Contact
Indiana University Bloomington
107 South Indiana Avenue
Bloomington, IN 47405
Phone: (812) 855-4848
Email:
Indiana University East
School of Humanities & Social Sciences
Indiana University East is part of the state’s university system and is located in Richmond. Established in 1971, the school is comprised of four buildings on a 174-acre campus. The university is smaller than some of the other colleges in the system with around 4,500 students attending classes. In addition to classes at the Richmond campus, the college also offers study options at satellite campuses in Connersville, New Castle, and Lawrenceburg. Students who participate in sports play as the Red Wolves, and the school’s official colors are cream and crimson. The university was once an extension campus for Earlham College, but it was brought into the Indiana University system in 1971.
BS in Criminal Justice Degree
Graduating from the bachelor’s in criminal justice program at Indiana University East’s program requires completing 120 credits with 35 of those credits falling under the criminal justice category. Students must maintain at least a 2.0 GPA in all classes related to the major, and at least 30 hours of the degree must be completed at the Indiana University East campus or through the school’s online classes. Classes taken include Courts and Criminal Justice, Theories of Crime and Deviance, and Introduction to Criminal Justice. The school’s affordable tuition has marked the criminal justice degree program at Indiana University East as a “Best Value” program.
Accreditations
- Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (HLC)
Contact
Indiana University East
2325 Chester Blvd.
Richmond, IN 47374
Phone: (765) 973-8200
Email: askeast@iue.edu
Indiana University Kokomo
Department of Criminal Justice
Indiana University Kokomo is one of the regional campuses in the state’s university system. It was established in 1945 to serve students in north central Indiana. Around 4,100 students attend the college in Kokomo, and many of the students came from the fourteen counties in the vicinity of the university. Students who participate in sports do so as the Cougars, and the school’s official colors are cream and crimson. The student-to-faculty ratio at the school is 18 to 1, and academics are divided into 12 schools, divisions, and departments. Students in certain programs have the opportunity to travel abroad to sites in England, South Korea, Italy, and other countries.
Criminal Justice and Homeland Security Degree
The degree program at Indiana University Kokomo is described as one that requires students to think critically and expect to participate in hands-on learning. Students will gain a broad understanding of how the criminal justice system works, as well as benefit from a liberal arts style curriculum. This bachelor’s in criminal justice program in Indiana prepares students for work in law enforcement, homeland security, victim advocacy, corrections, and many other areas of criminal justice. Students who graduate from the program will find they’re prepared to enter the workforce immediately or to continue on to graduate school or law school after receiving a bachelor’s degree.
Accreditations
- North Central Association of Colleges and Schools
Contact
Indiana University Kokomo
2300 South Washington Street
Kokomo, IN 46902
Phone: (765) 453-2000
Email: admissions@iuk.edu
Indiana University Northwest
School of Public and Environmental Affairs
Located in Gary, Indiana, Indiana University Northwest is part of the Indiana University system. Approximately 6,300 students attend school at the campus, which was established in 1963. The university boasts more than 24,000 alumni, as well as a learned faculty where more than three-quarters of teachers have a doctorate or a terminal degree in their field. The university is divided into several colleges, as well as many smaller departments and divisions in each college. Student-led clubs are very popular on campus with more than 100 operating each year. The school’s sports teams are known as the RedHawks, and the school’s mascot is Rufus the RedHawk.
Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice
Students who undertake the criminal science degree at Indiana University Northwest will take classes in four major areas, including general education classes, criminal justice courses, public affairs and policy classes, and a selection of general electives. Students must complete 120 units to earn their degree, as well as choose a concentration during their time at the university. Criminal justice courses students will take in the program include American Criminal Justice System, Theoretical Foundations of Criminal Justice Policies, and American Policing. Outcomes of the program include understanding ethical considerations, developing communication skills, learning about diversity, and figuring out how to analyze and synthesize the information learned.
Accreditations
- Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools
Contact
Indiana University Northwest
3400 Broadway
Gary, IN 46408
Phone: (888) YOUR-IUN
Email: admissions@iun.edu
Indiana University – Purdue University Indianapolis
School of Public and Environmental Affairs
Indiana University – Purdue University Indianapolis is a public school that is part of the state’s university system, as well as Purdue University. The school was created out of a merger that occurred in 1969. As a public and coeducational school, the university has a large student body of more than 30,000 students, but it’s not the largest school in the state’s university system. The school’s official colors are crimson and “Old Gold,” and students participate in an athletic program that plays in NCAA Division I games. The school’s mascots are Jawz, Jinx, and Jazzy, and the teams play as the Jaguars.
Criminal Justice – Bachelor of Science (B.S.)
This bachelor’s in criminal justice program in Indianapolis, Indiana is provided to students on campus. Students take classes across a broad number of subjects that cover the operations, history, and future of the criminal justice system in the United States. Study covers areas of criminal justice like the courts, criminal law, corrections, and policing. Students will also learn about effective research methods for individuals working in criminal justice environments, as well as criminological theory and current policies. Classes students will take in the program include Crime and Public Policy, American Policing, The Criminal Courts, and Diversity Issues in Criminal Justice.
Accreditations
- Higher Learning Commission
Contact
Indiana University – Purdue University Indianapolis
420 University Blvd.
Indianapolis, IN 46202
Phone: (317) 274-5555
Email: admissions@iupui.edu
Indiana University South Bend
College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
Indiana University South Bend is one of the schools within the state’s official university system. The school is a medium size with around 8,000 students attending classes at the South Bend campus. The school was initially an extension campus of Indiana University Bloomington and classes were held at a high school in South Bend. The school would begin conferring graduate degrees in 197 and growth at the school in the 1970s and 1980s would necessitate the building of new residence halls, as well as the purchase of a 26-acre parcel by the St. Joseph river. The school’s official colors are crimson and cream.
BS in Criminal Justice
The criminal justice program at Indiana University South Bend covers criminal justice topics in both the domestic and international realm. Classes students will take include Introduction to Criminal Justice, Theories of Crime and Deviance, and Courts and Criminal Justice. The department also recommends that students take part in an internship to gain real-world experience before graduation. Students may enter the workforce in any number of positions in local, state, county, and federal environments, as well as in positions in the private sector. The program recommends that students meet with a faculty advisor to ensure they’re taking the right classes and are getting the most out of this bachelor’s in criminal justice program in Indianapolis.
Accreditations
- Higher Learning Commission
Contact
Indiana University South Bend
1700 Mishawaka Avenue
South Bend, IN 46615
Phone: (574) 520-4872
Email: admissions@isub.edu
Indiana University Southeast
School of Social Sciences
Indiana University Southeast is one of the smaller campuses in the state’s university system with approximately 6,800 students attending classes at the New Albany campus in southern Indiana. The school is convenient to southern Indiana residents, as well as to nearby metropolitan Louisville, Kentucky. Established in 1941 as an extension center of the state’s university, IUS held its first classes in a high school in New Albany, as well as in a high school in Jeffersonville. Some of the most popular programs at the school include those in business, nursing, and education. The campus covers 177 acres and is considered suburban in its design.
Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice
The criminal justice degree at Indiana University Southeast requires that students complete 120 credits, which is common to most of the bachelor’s in criminal justice programs in Indiana. At least 30 of the credit hours required for the program must be completed in upper-level coursework, and students cannot complete more than 64 credits of courses before transferring to IUS. Classes students will take in the program include Intro to Criminal Justice, Theories of Crime and Deviance, and Criminal Justice Data, Methods, & Resources. The university also requires that students complete a handful of courses on the Indiana University Southeast campus.
Accreditations
- Higher Learning Commission
Contact
Indiana University Southeast
4201 Grant Line Road
New Albany, IN 47150
Phone: (812) 941-2333
Email: admissions@ius.edu
Indiana Wesleyan University
Behavioral Sciences
Indiana Wesleyan University is affiliated with the Wesleyan Church and is a private Christian school in Marion, Indiana. The university is part of the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities and bears the distinction of being the largest private school in the state. Established in 1920, the university has approximately 16,000 students attending classes at its Marion campus, as well as its satellite locations. The suburban campus in Marion covers 345 acres, and the motto of the school is “Character, Scholarship, Leadership.” Students on sports teams play on NAIA Division II games, as well as NCCAA Division I games for certain sports.
Bachelor of Science with a major in Criminal Justice
The university suggests that a criminal justice degree from Indiana Wesleyan will help prepare a student for work in a variety of criminal justice settings like law enforcement, corrections, and probation. The university suggests that the need for learned and intelligent employees in the criminal justice system is likely to grow for the foreseeable future, so the degree may offer a student an excellent chance at sustained employment. Criminal justice courses students may take in the program include Crisis Intervention, Youth and Crime, Criminal Law, and Criminology. Since the school is affiliated with the Christian Church, students should expect to experience a Christ-centered approach to learning and the justice system.
Accreditations
- Higher Learning Commission
Contact
Indiana Wesleyan University
4201 South Washington Street
Marion, IN 46953
Phone: (866) 468-6498
Email:
One of the reasons students enter criminal justice studies is because of the many avenues that open up to the student after graduation. From graduate study or law school to work on the police force or as a private investigator, there are literally hundreds of types of employment open to graduates of criminal justice degree programs. The universities of Indiana are known throughout the country as some of the best in the United States, and students have their pick of criminal justice programs in every corner of the state. The first steps to choosing just one of the many bachelor’s in criminal justice programs in Indiana is conducting research on what each school has to offer, its proximity to the student’s home, and the cost of attending.
