Criminal Justice, minor

Program Overview

Do you want to help heal, protect, serve, and restore hope to your community? Are you a good listener? Do you enjoy observing people and places, and trying to solve complex problems with the information you've gathered? Can you put people at ease and remain composed in difficult situations? Continue to build upon your passions with a minor in criminal justice!

The criminal justice program at PLNU prepares you for positions in all facets of the criminal justice system, including law enforcement, the courts, and corrections. You will take classes and complete internships that challenge you to explore a variety of different perspectives on poverty, race, discriminations, ethics, and the law. You’ll also wrestle with conflicts in the criminal justice system that result from racial, socioeconomic, and cultural inequity. Faculty with a blend of real-world experience and academic expertise will help you understand the criminal justice system, analyze social patterns, and make connections within society to effectively navigate and change systems for the better. The enhanced problem-solving and critical thinking skills and global knowledge you will acquire will prepare you to be involved at all levels of the criminal justice system, including prevention, protection, prosecution, correction, and restoration.

Other opportunities and resources through the Department of Sociology and Social Work, including networking events, Brewed Awakening, personalized internships, service-oriented clubs, and the Center for Justice and Reconciliation, will allow you to connect and apply your passions in unique and deeper contexts.

Todd Vance Headshot

Student Profile

Todd Vance

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Course List

For information about the courses required for the Criminal Justice, minor program, view the PLNU Catalog. 

Course Information

Start Application

Are you ready to take the next step to begin your PLNU journey? Whether you’re a high school senior, college transfer student, or international student, find out what we’re looking for in our applicants and how you can apply.

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Student Support

For more information about the Department of Sociology, Social Work, and Family Sciences, contact Elizabeth Schmelzenbach at (619) 849-2287 or eschmelz@pointloma.edu.  

For most students, the transition into college life is one full of adjustments. There is the excitement of newfound freedoms, but also some uncertainty as you begin to make choices and take responsibility for your own future. 

At PLNU, we’re committed to supporting you — academically, professionally, spiritually, personally — so that you may be successful both in your time as a student and beyond. That’s why we offer a holistic support system that focuses on your unique experiences, particular needs, and personal and professional goals — resulting from our deep concern for you, our student.

With a focus on authentic relationships and personalized attention, our goal is to help transform you so you can follow your calling in your own career and life.

Student Support

Career Opportunities

Completing a minor in criminal justice from PLNU helps prepare you for careers that make a real difference in your community. Graduates have consistently experienced excellent job placement as well as acceptance into graduate-level study in criminal law, criminology, victimology, and other areas related to criminal justice.

A minor in criminal justice combined with your bachelor’s degree could lead to careers in the following:

  • Forensic Scientist
  • Police, Corrections, Parole, or Probation Officer
  • Social Worker or Victim Support Specialist
  • Paralegal or Law Clerk
  • Surveillance Officer
  • Information Security Analyst
  • Detective, Private Detective, or Investigator
  • Emergency Management Director
  • FBI, DEA, or Customs Agent
  • Attorney
  • Homeland Security Officer
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