As political leaders search for solutions to the crime problem, criminal justice professionals and criminologists have assumed a central role in researching, formulating, implementing, and evaluating public policy designed to control crime. To do so requires knowledge of individual and social factors that contribute to the cause of criminal behavior and strategies and practices established for the control of crime.

Both the Criminal Justice and Criminology degree programs prepare graduates for careers in corrections, law enforcement, probation and parole, the legal profession and other areas related to the justice system, such as dispute resolution and mediation. Students are encouraged to enroll in internships or mediation training courses. Both majors focus on building critical knowledge and effective professional skills. Each degree program focuses on developing students' abilities in the areas of critical thinking, problem-solving, effective communications and effective use of technology tools to address problems and issues in the criminal justice field.