This program provides you with the knowledge and skills necessary to work in criminal justice fields. You’ll receive a mix of theory and practical applications of crime control, treatment, and corrections. Faculty members bring a wealth of field and academic experience to the classroom.
A BA in Criminal Justice provides you with a meaningful education and support through mentoring and professional relationships. You can work with inmates at a county jail, serve the community, and stand up for social justice.
Participate in the SAU Undergraduate Scholars Conference, where CJ students learn to present and defend research topics.
Major in a curriculum that prepares for advanced degrees in criminal justice, sociology, social work, psychology, and law.
Faculty has terminal degrees and real-life work in law enforcement, corrections, or the courts, and they mentor one-on-one.
Faculty help you connect with peers, professionals, and social justice advocates, so you gain traction for your career.
Put your observation and investigation skills to the test in our mock crime scene room, a dedicated space for CJ majors.
You'll learn about various aspects of criminal justice work, including criminal law procedure, offender treatment, juvenile justice, evidence and investigation, forensics, crime theory, serial homicides, and race, gender and class. You'll learn both theory and hands-on, real-world experiences.
| CLASS CODE | CLASS TITLE | CREDITS |
|---|---|---|
| CRJU 303 | Police, Problems & Practices | 3 credits |
| CRJU 311 | Constitution and Criminal Justice | 3 credits |
| CRJU 313 | Offender Treatment and Theories | 3 credits |
| CRJU 231 | Contemporary Corrections | 3 credits |
| CRJU 314 | Probation, Parole, and Community Corrections | 3 credits |
The cost of your degree will depend on several factors, like scholarships, housing, meal plans, and transfer credits. New students also pay a $100 matriculation fee.
You will also need to budget for books, supplies, materials, transportation, personal costs, loan fees, and other expenses. Explore total cost of attendance.
| Expense | By semester | By year |
|---|---|---|
| Full-time tuition (12-18 credits)* | $18,189 | $36,378 |
| Housing** | $4,019 | $8,038 |
| Food*** | $2,670 | $5,340 |
| Technology fee | $140 | $280 |
| Total direct charges (billable) | $25,018 | $50,036 |
*Based on 2024-2025 tuition and fees. Tuition and fees are subject to change each summer.
**This cost is estimated, actual housing cost will vary by student selections.
***Cost estimate based on 3 meals per day.
When it comes to housing, St. Ambrose University offers diverse options to meet the needs of our students. From traditional dormitories to apartment-style living, there's something for everyone. The cost of your housing will vary based on where you decide to live and the meal plan you choose.
Accreditation and recognitions provide the assurance we meet standards for quality of faculty, curriculum, learner services, and fiscal stability.
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St. Ambrose University’s Criminal Justice faculty is made up of instructors with expertise in law enforcement, corrections, and courts, and who were employed in the criminal justice field before coming to academia. Faculty are available during office hours and by appointment for all Criminal Justice students. The courses comprise both theoretical and practical application. Students will have access to meaningful mentorships and community connections, and the campus has a branch of the Alpha Phi Sigma–Criminal Justice Honor Society.
At St. Ambrose, we want you to thrive. Access free tutoring, study groups, and supplemental instruction through our Student Success Center. Explore academic support services.
Whether you need classroom accommodations, alternative exam arrangements, or disability support strategies, our Accessibility Resource Center is here to help.
Our Academic and Career Planning Center is ready to help you polish your resume and land a job or internship to launch your career.
At St. Ambrose University, we believe that education should be accessible to all. That's why we offer a variety of scholarships and financial aid options to help make college more affordable for our students. We are committed to providing our students with the resources they need to succeed academically and financially.
Through the Ambrose Advantage Scholarship program, a tuition-free St. Ambrose University education is available to any Pell Grant-eligible Iowans. Learn more about the Ambrose Advantage.
St. Ambrose offers excellent scholarships and grants based on your strong academic performance, your talent in fine arts or athletics, or your community involvement. Explore SAU scholarships.
At SAU, you may be able to transfer previous college credit toward your bachelor’s degree, saving you significant time and money. Learn how to transfer credits.
"The Ambrose Advantage allowed me to come to college without much worry about debt in my future."
-Caleb Gillmore, Monticello, Iowa
Criminal Justice students have the opportunity to become involved in several activities on campus. There are many student clubs covering a wide range of topics and interests to choose from as well as university events, such as free community presentations, town hall meetings, and conferences. Many of these events focus on social justice topics and can help expand your learning and professional connections. Learn about SAU events.
"The university fostered my passion for Criminal Justice and gave me an immersive experience. I learned that hard work and getting involved provides endless opportunities. Learning from knowledgeable and well-versed professors, creating professional contacts, and being involved in many projects gave me an experience I never dreamed I would have. The attention to detail and work ethic that SAU instilled in me is something I will be able to use for the rest of my life."
- Grant Miller '13, BA in Criminal Justice and Master of Criminal Justice
Start your management career at St. Ambrose. Here are the admissions requirements for our BA in Criminal Justice.
If you live outside of the U.S. there are different admissions requirements. Here’s what you’ll need:
Your education and degree can help you reach your professional goals. St. Ambrose University can never promise a career or particular outcome upon graduating. We encourage you to explore potential jobs and employment settings. Here is a list of potential job titles, traits, and settings a graduate in our Criminal Justice program could achieve.
Potential job titles
Potential employment settings
Traits of criminal justice professionals
For more information on criminal justice employment and wages, visit the Bureau of Labor Statistics' Occupational Outlook Handbook.
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Connect with current students and get your questions answered during this live, virtual event.
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In partnership with SAU, Family Resources received a $300,000 grant from the Quad Cities Community Foundation for community outreach and education.
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St. Ambrose University students Haylee Thurmond and Daniel Salazar highlighted the profound impact the Iowa Tuition Grant has made on their education.
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With more than 65 undergraduate and graduate programs, there’s something for everyone at St. Ambrose University! Explore our programs to find your place at SAU.
