Criminal Justice
Whether your dream is to promote safety within law enforcement, mentor youth in the justice system, or earn the degree needed for a promotion, 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
- Close Connections and Mentoring
At St. Ambrose you will join a community that promotes justice, study with professors who are experts in criminal law, and have the opportunity to earn your bachelor's and master's degree in Criminal Justice in only five years.
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.
Many of our graduates choose to continue their education at St. Ambrose and enroll in our Master of Criminal Justice program. In fact, we offer an accelerated BA-MCJ program to qualified undergraduates, allowing them to earn both degrees in five years.
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 offices ranges from $48,190 - $61,600 (2016).
As early as your freshman year, you can participate in the SAU Undergraduate Summer Research Institute. Two examples of research conducted by criminal justice students during the institute involved examining the differences between psychopaths and sociopaths. Another study delved into state and federal prison data regarding educational program usage.
If you are interested in a hands-on internship, our faculty helps match your interests to their community connections. In fact, there are numerous city, county, state, and federal offices and courts in the Quad Cities region which gives you exceptional opportunities for networking, clinical placements, and jobs.
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.
Nicole Pizzini, Chair and Assoc. Professor
Patrick Archer, Assoc. Professor
Chris Barnum, Professor
Regina Matheson, Professor
Jeffrey McCraw, Visiting Asst. Professor
Waylyn McCulloh, Asst. Professor
Shane Soboroff, Asst. Professor
Grant Tietjen, Asst. Professor
Carrie Landau '96, '02 MCJ is an FBI special agent in south suburban Chicago, specializing in human trafficking.
Grant Miller '14 added a psychology minor to his criminal justice major and today is Assistant Director of Security at JLL, in Chicago.
Degree Requirements
Required:
Foundational Methods/Understanding (16 credits):
+CRJU 101 Introduction to Criminal Justice
CRJU 200 Research Methods in Sociology and Criminal Justice
CRJU 400 Criminology Theory
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
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | 6 |
| #PHIL/THEO | 3 | Creative Arts | 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
The BA-MCJ program gives qualified undergraduate students the opportunity to earn a Master of Criminal Justice (MCJ) degree on an accelerated timeframe.
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 MCJ 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-MCJ 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-MCJ 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-MCJ 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 GPAAdmission 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-MCJ
Once enrolled in the BA-MCJ program, students take specific classes in their junior and senior year to segue into the master's program.
Junior Year
Fall: Apply for admission into program
Spring: MCJ 510 Crime Policy Analysis
Senior Year
Fall: MCJ 550 Applications of Criminal Justice Writing
Spring: MCJ 620 Administration of Justice
MCJ 671 Seminar in Law Enforcement or MCJ 672 Seminar in Corrections
Year One
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| CRJU 101 Intro to Criminal Justice | 3 | CRJU 231 Contemporary Corrections* | 3 |
| ENGL 101 English Composition | 3 | CRJU 221 Criminal Law and Procedures* | 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 303 Police, Problems, and Practices* | 3 |
| CRJU 200* | 3 | CRJU 430 (Pre-req CRJU 200) | 4 |
| Humanities # | 3 | Creative Arts | 3 |
| Natural Science | 3 | Philosophy/Theology | 3 |
| Kinesiology-Fitness | 1-2 | Elective | 3 |
| Elective | 3 | ||
| Total Credits | 16-17 | Total Credits | 16 |
Year Three
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| CRJU 316 Juvenile Justice* | 3 | WI-CRJU 407 | 3 |
| CRJU 400 Criminological Theory* | 3 | CRJU 314* | 3 |
| Philosophy/Theology | 3 | MCJ 510 Crime Policy Analysis | 3 |
| Electives | 6 | Humanities** | n/a |
| Elective | 3 | ||
| Total Credits | 15 | Total Credits | 15 |
Year Four
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| CRJU 411: Constitution and Criminal Justice* | 3 | CRJU Justice Issues Elective | 3 |
| CRJU Justice Issues Elective* | 3 | MCJ 620 Administration of Justice | 3 |
| MCJ 550 | 3 | MCJ Seminar (620, 671, or 672) | 3 |
| 300-level Philosophy/Theology | 3 | Electives | 6 |
| Elective | 3 | ||
| Total Credits | 15 | Total Credits | 15 |
Year Five
| Fall | CR | Spring | CR |
|---|---|---|---|
| MCJ 500 Criminological Theory | 3 | MCJ 507 Master's Seminar | 3 |
| MCJ 531 | 3 | MCJ 530 | 3 |
| MCJ 640 | 3 | MCJ 702 Final Paper | 3 |
| 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, eligible students are matched to the qualifying award; some of them are listed below.
For need-based support, eligibility is determined by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The SAU school code is 001889.
You may also qualify for a scholarship or grant due to your talent in the fine arts or athletics. Give us a call or send an email so we can get to know you and find the best package for you. (You're also encouraged to seek outside scholarships and begin that search early.)
Institutional scholarships (2018-19)
There is no need to apply for the scholarships or grants below; students automatically are eligible if they meet specific criteria, although some may require a certain GPA to stay eligible.
The Admissions Office calculates the award amount by using high school GPA and ACT/SAT scores.
Ambrose Scholar
For First Year, on-campus residents only. Straight As on high school transcript and a minimum 30 ACT score. Applicants who meet Ambrose Scholar criteria will be invited to compete for a full-tuition scholarship for $@{17-18-Tuition}.
Trustee Scholar
$22,000/year - For First-year, on-campus residents only. Unweighted 3.8 GPA, 28+ACT. May be offset by state and/or federal aid if eligible.
Academic Scholarship
$14,000-17,000/year - Based on GPA and ACT/SAT score
University Grant
$12,000/year - Based on high school GPA and ACT/SAT score
Additional Scholarships (2018-19)
If you want to apply for any of the scholarships below, contact the Admissions Office.
Fine Arts Scholarships
Award based on performance and ability in art, music, or theatre. Includes the Michael Kennedy Theatre Scholarship. Audition or portfolio required.
Athletics Scholarships
Award varies. Based on performance and ability. Marching Band scholarships available. See below.
Freeman Pollard Minority Scholarship
$1,000 for on-campus students; $500 for off-campus. For accepted minority students.
Menke Parish Scholarship
Award varies. For First Year students only who are recommended by their parish pastor in the Diocese of Davenport. Recommendation form (pdf) to be completed by your pastor.
Father Welch Alumni Scholarship
$1,000/year. For on-campus students only whose parent is a St. Ambrose graduate.
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
Amounts are for transfer students entering St. Ambrose in the 2018-19 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.
For questions about any of the awards below, give our friendly Financial Aid Office a call at 563-333-5775.
Institutional Aid
Guaranteed Minimum Scholarship Award
based on GPA (Grade Point Average)
3.5-4.00 GPA: $12,000 per year scholarship award
3.0-3.49 GPA: $11,000 per year scholarship award
2.5-2.99 GPA: $10,000 per year scholarship award
2.0-2.49 GPA: $8,000 per year scholarship award
Phi Theta Kappa National Honor Society
Criteria: Phi Theta Kappa National Honor Society membership
Award: $12,500/year for new transfer students, renewable each year up to eight semesters, including transfer hours. Scholarships awarded for fall and spring semesters only. GPA is based on 4.0 scale.
Out-of-State Grant
Criteria: non-Iowa resident
Award: $2,000/year
Fr. Welch Alumni Scholarship
Criteria: parent is a St. Ambrose graduate; on-campus students only
Award: $1,000/year
Freeman Pollard Diversity Award
Criteria: accepted diverse student
Award: $1,000/year on-campus; $500/year off-campus
Athletics Scholarship
Criteria: performance and ability
Marching band scholarships also available
Award varies
Fine Arts Scholarship
Criteria: performance and ability in art, music, theatre
Audition or portfolio required
Award varies
Dual Admission Scholarship
Criteria: participant in SAU/community college dual admission program
Award: $1,000 maximum
Federal and State Aid
Federal Pell Grant
Criteria: based on financial need; file FAFSA as soon as possible after Oct. 1
Award: $5,920 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 Award
Criteria: based on financial need. File FAFSA as soon as possible after Oct. 1
Award: $1,850
Iowa Tuition Grant
Criteria: based on financial need, Iowa residents only. File FAFSA as soon as possible after Oct. 1, deadline July 1.
Award: @{Iowa-Tuition-Grant}
Carver Scholarship
Criteria: Iowa resident and entering junior, visit carvertrust.org for eligibility details, deadline April 1.
Award: $7,600 maximum
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.
Contact
Nicole Pizzini, PhD, Chairperson
Criminal Justice and Sociology
McMullen Hall
518 W. Locust St.
Davenport, IA 52803
563-333-6156
PizziniNicoleJ@sau.edu