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Kansas Wesleyan University

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

Why study Criminal Justice at KWU? You’ll put justice into action.

Independent studies. Individual research projects. Internships. These are just some of the opportunities you will have as a Criminal Justice major.

  • Complete an internship working in a Salina-area criminal justice setting, such as a sheriff’s office, police department, correctional facility or community-based agency
  • Participate in Salina community research projects for organizations such as the County Jail, Salina Parks & Recreation Department, the Salina Sports Medicine Center and Salina Area Chamber of Commerce, helping city and county leaders make better decisions for the people of Salina
  • Spend a semester in Washington, D.C., as a Washington Center intern with a federal agency, such as the U.S. Marshals Service.
  • Fine-tune your oral communication and analytical skills on KWU’s nationally recognized debate team
  • Complete a Criminal Justice capstone project about a modern criminal justice issue

What can I do with a Criminal Justice degree?

Help to make the world safer and more equitable. Graduates from KWU’s Criminal Justice program have gone on to become state troopers, judges, city prosecutors, practicing attorneys and police officers. Students who attended law enforcement academies after graduating from KWU report that they finished in the top 10 percent of their classes.

Download a sample information sheet with information on a special online rate per credit hour for EMT’s, retired and current military members and law enforcement personnel! Please note that the rate ($215 per credit hour) applies to new students, and each student must complete a relevant form with the admissions office.

Mission Statement

To instill students with the ability to place theory into practice while fulfilling the ideals of duty and service.

Program Goals

Students who complete the Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice should be able to:

  • Understand Administration of Justice, Corrections, Criminological Theory, Law Adjudication, Law Enforcement, Research and Analytic Methods, Diversity and Ethics

Accreditation and Curriculum Philosophy

KWU’s Criminal Justice Program is accredited by Higher Learning Commission (HLC).

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

Program Contact

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

Meet the Faculty

Click here for a directory of KWU’s Criminal Justice faculty.