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Kansas Wesleyan University

Online Program
Criminal Justice

Work toward a rewarding career in law enforcement, paralegal, court reporting, criminology, corrections, government or politics.

Home Academics Programs Criminal Justice
Department of Behavioral Sciences

Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)

The Criminal Justice major at Kansas Wesleyan University prepares students to put theory into practice in real-life situations. Learn critical thinking, ethical decision-making, clear communication, strong technology skills, and an understanding of how to navigate the U.S. criminal justice system.

Graduates of KWU’s Criminal Justice major have become judges, city prosecutors, practicing attorneys, investigators, and police officers.

Our online degree and hybrid course schedules allow flexibility by offering courses completely online or in a combination of online and on campus.

This program is offered:

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    On Campus
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    Online

 

Criminal Justice from a Student’s Perspective

“What brought me to Kansas Wesleyan was the professors in our criminal Justice program. They are people who have had real-world experience within in their fields and that real-world experience projects through their teaching.”

– Felix Rodriguez
Criminal Justice Major

Hear more from Felix as he describes his experience at KWU.

Why Major in Criminal Justice?

A Criminal Justice major provides students with a comprehensive understanding of law enforcement, courts, corrections, and the broader justice system. Students examine issues related to crime, public safety, ethics, and community engagement.

Graduates pursue careers in law enforcement, corrections, federal agencies, victim advocacy, probation services, and private security. The program also provides excellent preparation for graduate study and law school.

Why Get a Minor in Criminal Justice?

A Criminal Justice minor introduces students to the structure and function of the criminal justice system, including law enforcement, courts, and corrections. Students examine issues related to crime, justice, ethics, and public safety.

This minor complements majors such as psychology, social work, business, and political science. It provides valuable insight into legal and social systems while preparing students for careers involving public service, advocacy, and community leadership.

Program Information

Mission Statement

The Kansas Wesleyan University Criminal Justice Program is committed to fostering a comprehensive understanding of the system through rigorous academic study, ethical leadership, and hands-on experience. Our mission is to prepare students for careers in law enforcement, corrections, legal studies, and related fields by equipping them with critical thinking skills, cultural competency, and a deep understanding of justice, fairness, and public service.

We emphasize research-driven policy analysis, community engagement, and innovative solutions to contemporary challenges in crime and justice. Our faculty, composed of experienced professionals from the field, are dedicated to mentoring students and advancing knowledge through interdisciplinary collaboration.

Through experiential learning opportunities, including internships, fieldwork, and partnerships with justice organizations, we strive to cultivate responsible, ethical, and skilled professionals who will contribute to a fair and effective justice system. Our program upholds the values of integrity, diversity, and social responsibility, empowering graduates to make a meaningful impact in their communities and beyond.

Learning Outcomes

  1. Students shall be able to evaluate the contemporary criminal justice system including the major systems of social control and their policies and practices.
  2. Students shall be able to appraise the development of correctional philosophy through its history, theory, practice and legal environment.
  3. Students shall interpret the nature and causes of crime, typologies, offenders, and victims.
  4. Students shall be able to argue the nuances of criminal law, criminal procedures, prosecution, defense, and court procedures and decision-making.
  5. Students shall be able to appraise the development of law enforcement through its history, theory, practice and legal environment, police organization, discretion, and subculture.
  6. Design and select appropriate criminal justice research and analytic methods including: quantitative and qualitative statistics, methods for conducting and analyzing criminal justice research in a manner appropriate for undergraduate degree students.
  7. Students will critique various viewpoints/authors, and self, to design ideas that result in behaviors and practices that promote social justice and equity.

Course Requirements and Descriptions

All course requirements and descriptions for KWU’s Criminal Justice program can be found in the most recent version of the course catalog.

View Course Catalog

Accreditation and Curriculum Philosophy

KWU’s program is accredited by Higher Learning Commission (HLC).

The curriculum philosophy of the major reflects the standards set by the Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences (ACJS).

Program Contact

For more information, contact David Lanning, assistant professor, or call 785-833-4361.

Meet the Faculty

The Criminal Justice program is part of the Department of Behavioral Sciences. A full listing of departmental faculty can be found here.

Photo of Devlin Davis

Kansas Wesleyan’s Criminal Justice program prepared me for life in law enforcement in more ways than I can explain, and I have felt prepared in protecting citizens of the State of Kansas and enforcing state laws. The knowledge gained from studying at Kansas Wesleyan has made me a successful state trooper.

Devlin Davis ’23, Kansas Highway Patrol

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Salina, KS 67401

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Kansas Wesleyan University admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all rights, privileges, programs and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and/or ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other school-administered programs.

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