Criminal Justice
Whether you aspire to keep your community safe using the tools of law enforcement, prevent youth from ever entering the justice system, or earn the degree needed to elevate your career, an SAU education can make it happen.
Our graduates work in law enforcement, juvenile justice, social work, home and business security, as criminal researchers, and more.
Ambrose Advantages
- Theoretical and Practical Application
- Experienced Faculty
- Meaningful Mentorships and Community Connections
Our professors empower students with a meaningful education and provide support through mentoring and personal relationships. You gain the confidence to take action – now and in the future. At St. Ambrose, you can work with inmates at a county jail, serve the community, and stand up for social justice. Your experiences will strengthen your voice and goals.
Read our Criminal Justice Program Fact Sheet (pdf)
More Information About the Criminal Justice Program
You will learn about the nature and causes of crime; justification and means of social control; administration of the justice system; and how to evaluate justice programs.
Courses include criminal law procedure, offender treatment, juvenile justice, evidence and investigation, forensics, crime theory, serial homicides, and race, gender and class. Read course descriptions here
Many of our graduates choose to continue their education at St. Ambrose and enroll in our online Master of Criminal Justice program. There's also a 4+1 degree plan that enables you to earn a bachelor's and master's degrees within five years. Scroll down and click on BA-MCJ for more information.
If you'd rather broaden your education in analytics, data interpretation, and crime analysis, we also offer a Master of Science in Criminal Justice program.
As early as your freshman year, you can participate in the SAU Undergraduate Summer Research Institute to dig deeper into topics relevant to you.
We've had criminal justice students research the differences between psychopaths and sociopaths and another study delved into state and federal prison data on the usage of educational programs.
Experiential learning will broaden your education. Complete an internship, or two. Our faculty can match your specific interests to their community connections. The Quad Cities region holds a number of city, county, state, and federal offices, giving you exceptional opportunities for networking, clinical placements, and jobs.
Read about the two summer internships that helped Madison Humphrey explore the professional role she wants to play in the field of criminal justice.
Throughout the year, you can attend free community presentations, town hall meetings, and conferences hosted on campus. Many of these events focus on social justice topics and can help expand your learning and professional connections.
Criminal Justice majors can work for local, state, and federal criminal justice agencies, including law enforcement, corrections, probation, parole, or juvenile justice. Alumni also work for private and public security companies, children services, judicial offices, and some conduct social research for public, private or non-profit organizations.
You get a lot of return on your educational investment, including personal and professional satisfaction. The Bureau of Labor Statistics cities the median annual pay for law enforcement officers, detectives, and probation officers ranges from $48,190 - $61,600 (2016).
Carrie Landau '96, '02 MCJ is a special agent for the Federal Bureau of Investigation in south suburban Chicago and spent a large part of her working life battling the growing epidemic of human sex trafficking. Read this story
Grant Miller '14 added a psychology minor to his criminal justice major and today is the Assistant Director of Security at JLL in Chicago.
Wal-Mart VP Patricia Snyder '81 is an avowed advocate for diversity. She talks it, and she walks it. Read this story
Nicole Pizzini, PhD, Chair and Professor
Patrick Archer, PhD, Professor
Chris Barnum, PhD, Professor
Regina Matheson, PhD, Professor
Jeffrey McCraw, JD, Lecturer
Shane Soboroff, PhD, Assoc. Professor
Grant Tietjen, PhD, Assoc. Professor
Degree Requirements
Required:
Foundational Methods/Understanding (16 credits):
+CRJU 101 Introduction to Criminal Justice
CRJU 200 Research Methods in Sociology and Criminal Justice
WI-CRJU 400 Criminology Theory
WI-CRJU 407 Seminar in Criminal Justice
CRJU 430 Data Analysis in Social Research (4 credits)
Legal/Courts (9 credits):
CRJU 221 Criminal Law and Procedure
+CRJU 316 Juvenile Justice
CRJU 411 The Constitution and Criminal Justice
Corrections (6 credits):
CRJU 231 Contemporary Corrections
CRJU 314 Probation, Parole, and Community Corrections
Law Enforcement (6 credits):
CRJU 102 Introduction to Law Enforcement
CRJU 303 Police, Problems, and Practices
Justice Issues Electives (Choose 6 credits from the following):
CRJU 250, 313, 342, 350, 401, 402, 403, 420, 421, 487, 499
PSYC 321, 325, 328
SOC 220, 235, 342
+satisfies general education requirement
WI writing intensive
Required:
+CRJU 101 Introduction to Criminal Justice
CRJU 221 Criminal Law and Procedure
CRJU 400 Criminology Theory
Electives:
An additional six credit hours of criminal justice
WI=writing intensive
+=satisfies general education requirement
This is the suggested plan of study to graduate in four years with a bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice.
This plan assumes the student has not met the foreign language requirement (three years of foreign language in high school).
Year One
| Fall | CR | Spring | CR |
|---|---|---|---|
| CRJU 101 Introduction to Criminal Justice | 3 | CRJU 231 Contemporary Corrections* | 3 |
| ENGL 101 English Composition | 3 | CRJU Justice Issues Elective* | 3 |
| Philosophy/Theology | 3 | Oral Communication (COMM 129, 132, 230, 228, or 329) | 3 |
| Foreign Language 101 | 3 | Foreign Language 102 | 3 |
| NSS 101 New Student Seminar | 1 | Math 131 or 171 | 3 |
| IL 101 Information Literacy | 1 | KIN 149 Wellness Concepts | 1 |
| Total Credits | 14 | Total Credits | 16 |
Year Two
| Fall | CR | Spring | CR |
|---|---|---|---|
| CRJU 102 Introduction to Law Enforcement | 3 | CRJU 200 Research Methods in Sociology and Criminal Justice* | 3 |
| CRJU 221 Criminal Law and Procedures* | 3 | CRJU 316 Juvenile Justice* | 3 |
| Elective/2nd Major/Minor Course | 3 | Elective/2nd Major/Minor Course | 3 |
| Humanities # | 3 | Creative Arts | 3 |
| Natural Science | 3 | Philosophy/Theology | 3 |
| KIN Activity | 1-2 | ||
| Total Credits | 16-17 | Total Credits | 15 |
Year Three
| Fall | CR | Spring | CR |
|---|---|---|---|
| WI-CRJU 400 Criminological Theory* | 3 | CRJU 303 Police, Problems, and Practices* | 3 |
| **CRJU 430 Data Analysis in Social Research | 4 | CRJU 314 Probation, Parole, and Community Corrections* | 3 |
| Elective/2nd Major/Minor Course | 6 | Elective/2nd Major/Minor Course | 9 |
| #PHIL/THEO | 3 | ||
| Total Credits | 16 | Total Credits | 15 |
Year Four
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| **WI-CRJU 407 Seminar in Criminal Justice | 3 | CRJU Justice Issues Elective* | 3 |
| CRJU 411 Constitution and Criminal Justice* | 3 | Elective/2nd Major/Minor Course* | 12 |
| Elective/2nd Major/Minor Course* | 6 | ||
| 300-level Philosophy/Theology | 3 | ||
| Total Credits | 15 | Total credits | 15 |
*Prerequisite CRJU 101
** Other prerequisite
WI=writing intensive
# Humanities course must be from two different departments
4+1 Degree Plan
The BA-MSCJ program gives qualified undergraduate students the opportunity to earn a Master of Science in Criminal Justice (MSCJ) degree on an accelerated timeframe – a bachelor's and master's degree within five years.
Starting as juniors, qualified students can complete up to 12 credits of graduate-level criminal justice courses that will count toward both their BA and MSCJ degrees. This will allow students to complete their master's degree in Criminal Justice in a single year following the completion of the bachelor's degree.
The importance of a master's degree
A master's degree is increasingly the minimum requirement for employment in many agencies, and with more sophisticated homeland security and law enforcement practices on the rise, advanced education is necessary for professionals to keep current and marketable. The BA-MSCJ program allows qualified students the opportunity to acquire an advanced education and get a jump start on their careers.
To learn more about this opportunity, talk to Dr. Chris Barnum, Program Director at 563-333-6263.
BA-MSCJ Admission Requirements
SAU Criminal Justice majors who have completed at least 60 hours of undergraduate course credit with a 3.2 cumulative grade point average are eligible for admission to the program.
Students may apply to the BA-MSCJ program in the fall semester of their junior year. Applications must be completed by October 1.
Accepted students may register for a graduate class in the spring semester of their junior year.
Current St. Ambrose students and new transfer students are eligible to apply if they have met the following:
1. Currently enrolled at St. Ambrose University as a Criminal Justice major.
2. Have a faculty advisor from the Department of Sociology and Criminal Justice
3. Completed 60 credit hours
4. Minimum 3.2 cumulative GPA Admission Criteria
This program is competitive and intended for highly motivated students who excel in the classroom. Applicants will be evaluated on the following:
1. Grade point average (overall and in the major)
2. Interview with the Program Director
3. Letter of recommendation from a professor or employer
Plan to Graduate - BA-MSCJ
Once enrolled in the BA-MSCJ program, students take specific classes in their junior and senior year to segue into the master's program.
The plan below details which courses to take over five years at St. Ambrose.
Year One
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| CRJU 101 Intro to Criminal Justice | 3 | CRJU 231 Contemporary Corrections* | 3 |
| ENGL 101 English Composition | 3 | CRJU Justice Issues Elective* | 3 |
| Philosophy/Theology | 3 | Oral Communication (COMM 129, 132, 230, 228, or 329) | 3 |
| Foreign Language 101 | 3 | Foreign Language 102 | 3 |
| NSS 101 New Student Seminar | 1 | Math 131 or 171 | 3 |
| IL 101 Information Literacy | 1 | KIN 149 Wellness Concepts | 1 |
| Total Credits | 14 | Total Credits | 16 |
Year Two
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| CRJU 102 Intro to Law Enforcement | 3 | CRJU 200 Research Methods in Sociology and Criminal Justice* | 3 |
| CRJU 221 Criminal Law and Procedures* | 3 | CRJU 316 Juvenile Justice* | 3 |
| Humanities # | 3 | Creative Arts | 3 |
| Natural Science | 3 | Philosophy/Theology | 3 |
| Kinesiology-Fitness | 1-2 | Elective/2nd major/minor | 3 |
| Elective | 3 | ||
| Total Credits | 16-17 | Total Credits | 15 |
Year Three
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| CRJU 430 Data Analysis in Social Research | 4 | CRJU 303 Police, Problems, and Practices* | 3 |
| CRJU 400 Criminological Theory* | 3 | CRJU 314 Probation, Parole, and Community Corrections* | 3 |
| Philosophy/Theology | 3 | Electives/2nd Major/minor | 6 |
| Electives/2nd major/minor | 3 | MSCJ 530 Research Design and Methods | 3 |
| MSCJ 680 Criticall Thinking About CJ | 3 | ||
| Total Credits | 16 | Total Credits | 15 |
Year Four
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| CRJU 411 Constitution and Criminal Justice* | 3 | CRJU Justice Issues Elective* | 3 |
| WI-CRJU 407 Seminar in Criminal Justice | 3 | Electives/2nd major/minor | 9 |
| MSCJ 500 Advanced Criminological Theory | 3 | MSCJ 685 Research I | 3 |
| MSCJ 531 Advanced Data Analysis and Data-Driven Decision Making | 3 | ||
| 300-level PHIL/THEO | 3 | ||
| Total Credits | 15 | Total Credits | 15 |
Year Five/Graduate School
| Fall | CR | Spring | CR |
|---|---|---|---|
| MSCJ 700/690 Internship or Thesis | 3 | MSCJ 700/690 Internship or Thesis | 3 |
| MSCJ 671 Contemporary Issues in Law Enforcement | 3 | MSCJ 675 Ethical and Social Responsibility in CJ | 3 |
| MSCJ 640 Contemporary Issues in Law and Juvenile Justice | 3 | MSCJ Contemporary Issues in Corrections | 3 |
| Comps or Defense | 0 | ||
| Total Credits | 9 | Total Credits | 9 |
WI=writing intensive
*Needs CRJU 101 as prerequisite
**Humanities course must be from two different departments
Scholarships and Grants
For academic/merit-based awards, we match eligible students to a qualifying award; some of them are listed below.
You may also qualify for scholarships or grants due to your talent in the fine arts or athletics. Contact the Admissions Office so we can be sure you're getting what you need.
For need-based support, eligibility is determined by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The SAU school code is 001889.
And finally, look below under Outside Scholarships to see examples of non-SAU financial aid, and be sure to get an early start on your applications!
Amounts are for first-year students entering St. Ambrose in the 2021-22 academic year.
There is no need to apply for the scholarships or grants below; students automatically are eligible if they meet specific criteria. The Admissions Office calculates the award amount by using unweighted high school GPA and ACT/SAT scores*.
Your scholarship will automatically renew each year of your undergraduate studies – up to four years – as long as you maintain satisfactory progress toward an undergraduate degree, a minimum 2.0 GPA, and remain a full-time student.
2021-22 Scholarships
FOR STUDENTS LIVING ON CAMPUS
On Campus (Merit-Based Scholarships)
Ambrose Advantage
Criteria: Iowa resident, Pell Grant eligible, 2021 high school graduate, min. unweighted GPA 2.8, admitted to SAU and FAFSA filed by Mar. 15
Award: Full tuition
Trustee
Criteria: unweighted 3.9 GPA and minimum 29 ACT or 1340 SAT score
Award: $25,000/year and invited to compete for a full tuition scholarship
Presidential
Criteria: minimum unweighted 3.8 GPA and 28 ACT or 1310 SAT score
Award: $23,000/year
Academic
Criteria: based on unweighted GPA and ACT/SAT score (optional)
Award: $15,000-$21,000/year
University Grant
Criteria: based on unweighted GPA and ACT/SAT score (optional)
$13,000/year
On Campus (Additional Institutional Scholarships)
Fr. Welch Alumni Scholarships
Criteria: parent is a St. Ambrose graduate
Award: $1,000/year
Freeman Pollard Diversity Awards
Criteria: ethnically diverse student; FAFSA required. Additional aid available.
Award: $500-$1,000/year
FOR STUDENTS LIVING OFF CAMPUS
Off Campus (Merit-Based Scholarships)
Academic Scholarships
Criteria: based on unweighted GPA and ACT/SAT score (optional)
Award: $13,000-$16,000/year (Iowa resident) or $14,000-17,000/year (non-Iowa resident)
University Grants
Criteria: based on unweighted GPA and ACT/SAT score
Award: $11,000/year
Off-Campus (Additional Institutional Scholarships)
Fr. Welch Alumni Scholarships
Criteria: parent is a St. Ambrose graduate
Award: $500/year
Freeman Pollard Diversity Awards
Criteria: ethnically diverse student; FAFSA required.
Award: $500/year
*While St. Ambrose University has a Test-Optional admissions policy, standardized test scores are required for admission to specific programs and eligibility for top academic scholarships.
At SAU, our international students can qualify for university scholarships and grants based on academic achievement, merit, and their performance and abilities in fine arts and athletics.
Below, you'll find a quick summary of financial awards, and we continually look for ways to make an Ambrosian education even more affordable and attainable. Recently, we began offering athletic scholarships for Marching Band and Esports.
If you have any questions or want to apply, please contact the International Student Admissions office.
Institutional Scholarships (2020-21)
There is no need to apply for the scholarships or grants below; students are automatically are eligible if they meet specific criteria, although some may require a certain GPA to stay eligible.
Academic Scholarship – $15,000-$21,000/year
Athletic Scholarships
We have many international student-athletes who are contributing and growing their skills as valued team players. As a member of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA), St. Ambrose can award athletic scholarships to student-athletes. The amount varies and is based on performance and ability. These scholarships allow you to earn a college education while competing in the sport that you love. At Ambrose, we embody the value of developing both the mind and body.
To qualify for an athletic scholarship you must be eligible to play a sport at St. Ambrose. You can read about those qualifications here. The NAIA also has a complete website on how to register for eligibility at playNAIA.org
To learn more about all of our athletic teams and opportunities – including Esports – click here.
Fine Arts Scholarships
These scholarships are based on your performance and ability in art, music, or theatre, and you may qualify for the Michael Kennedy Theatre Scholarship. Audition or portfolio required. Contact the Admissions office to apply or for more information.
See below to learn more about outside scholarships and we encourage you to begin your search early.
Amounts are for transfer students entering St. Ambrose in the 2021-22 academic year.
St. Ambrose scholarships are awarded for fall and spring semesters only* and renewable up to 120 credits of undergraduate study, which includes credits transferred to St. Ambrose from prior attendance. For example: If you transfer in with an AA/AS degree, you would receive a scholarship for two additional years at St. Ambrose.
*Total combined scholarships may not exceed cost of tuition. Scholarships offered to transfer students who enroll full time, online students not eligible.
2021-22 Scholarships
PHI THETA KAPPA
Criteria: awarded to all Phi Theta Kappa National Honor Society members transferring from a community college
Award: $16,000
OR
TRANSFER ACADEMIC SCHOLARSHIPS
Criteria: based on GPA
Awards:
3.5-4.00 GPA $15,500
3.0-3.49 GPA $14,500
2.5-2.99 GPA $13,500
2.0-2.49 GPA $11,500
Ambrose Advantage Scholarship
Criteria: Iowa resident, Pell Grant eligible, min. unweighted GPA 2.8, admitted to SAU, full-time enrollment
Award: Full Tuition
Fr. Welch Alumni Scholarship
Criteria: parent is a St. Ambrose graduate
Award: $1,000 per year (on campus); $500/year (off campus)
Dual Admission Scholarship
Criteria: participant in SAU/community college dual admission program
Award: $1,000 maximum
Freeman Pollard Diversity Award
Criteria: Ethnically diverse student; FAFSA required. Additional aid available by application
Award: $1,000/year (on campus); $500/year (off campus)
2021-22 Federal and State Aid
Iowa Tuition Grant
Criteria: based on financial need, Iowa residents only. File FAFSA as soon as possible after Oct. 1, deadline July 1.
Award: $6,200
Federal Pell Grant
Criteria: based on financial need; file FAFSA as soon as possible after Oct. 1
Award: $6,345 maximum
Federal Supplemental Education Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)
Criteria: based on financial need, priority to Pell Grant recipients. File FAFSA as soon as possible after Oct. 1.
Award: $400 maximum
Federal Work Study
Criteria: based on financial need. File FAFSA as soon as possible after Oct. 1
Award: $1,850
As a member of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA), St. Ambrose can award athletic scholarships to student-athletes.
These scholarships allow you to earn a college education while competing in the sport that you love. At Ambrose, we embody that value of developing both the mind and body.
How do I qualify for an athletic scholarship?
You must first be eligible to play a sport at St. Ambrose. You can read about those qualifications here. The NAIA also has a complete website on how to register for eligibility at playNAIA.org
With more than 31 varsity athletic teams and state-of-the-art facilities in which to play them, the Fighting Bees of SAU are bold contenders on any field. Watch this video
How do I qualify for a fine arts scholarship?
Scholarships are awarded based on performance and ability in art, music and theatre. Review the various requirements below:
There are many opportunities to receive scholarships from outside sources, here are a few websites to begin researching your options:
- Fastweb
- College Board Scholarship Search
- Scholarships.com
- Peterson's Award Database
- Scholly (app download)
Another tip: Next time you're on campus, check out the bulletin board outside Bee Central where we post more flyers and applications for outside scholarships.
Madison Humphrey '19
Madison's interest in the criminal justice field was sparked by CSI television shows, but the experience she got was very real and very hands-on. As a student in the 4+1 Master of Criminal Justice Program, she completed two, four-week internships helping incarcerated people transition to civilian life. Madison worked closely with parole officers and supervisors who provided guidance and tips about working in the field. And, she used skills she learned in the classroom, including how to question people in a way that helps her, and them, gain insight.
Read Madison's Story
Grant Miller
Criminal Justice and Master of Criminal Justice,Director of Security for JLL, Chicago,Class of 2013
High expectations and a deep, relevant education gave Grant Miller the skills he needed to achieve. And, our acelerated BA-MCJ program allowed him to earn both degrees in just five years.
Contact
Nicole Pizzini, PhD, Chairperson
Criminal Justice and Sociology
Ambrose Hall 300B
518 W. Locust St.
Davenport, IA 52803
563-333-6156
PizziniNicoleJ@sau.edu