Program Objective
The Bachelor of Science degree program in Administration of Justice helps provide its graduates with the communications and analytical skills critical to succeed in administration of justice and related careers. Through an interdisciplinary approach to the problems of crime and society, the program also equips students to pursue graduate study in Administration of Justice or related disciplines, and educates students to become effective problem-solvers as professionals in the field of administration of justice.
The study of administration of justice is approached as an applied interdisciplinary science, teaching students both the theoretical and the practical aspects of crime control and the administration of justice. The Administration of Justice curriculum provides students with the opportunity and assistance to acquire knowledge of the roles of policing, courts, laws, and corrections as they relate to both the adult and juvenile justice system. Students also gain knowledge of the history, concepts, and critical issues related to the role of gender and race/ethnicity in the criminal justice system, victimology, and ethics in administration of justice.
The curriculum further provides a theoretical foundation of the discipline, combined with a thorough understanding of the scientific method as it applies to administration of justice. This combination is expected to sharpen the student's talents of reasoning and judgment; qualities imperative to rational functioning in administration of justice and related professions.
For a B.S. degree in Administration of Justice (AJSCC), a minimum of 123 credits is required.
Penn State Shenango, Penn State Beaver and Penn State New Kensington will jointly deliver the Bachelor of Science Degree in Administration of Justice. All required courses will be offered at each campus, although students should expect to take some courses via interactive video and/or the Web.
To learn more contact the Admissions office at 724-983-2803.
Career Opportunities
Many career possibilities exist for graduates of the University College Administration of Justice program including the Federal Bureau of Investigation, U.S. Secret Service, U.S. Marshal's Office, sheriff departments, municipal and state police departments, security and loss prevention programs, court administration, legal aid/paralegal, delinquency prevention programs, juvenile court personnel, youth shelters and other juvenile residential institutions, and probation and parole offices. Graduates are also qualified to apply for jobs in shelters for abused women and children, rape crisis centers, drug and alcohol programs, jails and prisons, halfway houses, and a wide variety of crime prevention and diversion programs.
Advanced Study
Through an interdisciplinary approach to the study of problems of crime and society, the University College Administration of Justice program aims to equip students to pursue graduate study in legal studies, administration of justice, or public administration.
Internships
The Administration of Justice internship program provides opportunities for students to obtain practical, on-the-job experience while earning academic credit. Provided in a variety of federal, state, and local agencies, internships afford invaluable real-world experiences and help students develop professional expertise. Students could possibly intern with the Pennsylvania State Police, Pennsylvania Department of Corrections, local boroughs, and probation and parole offices of surrounding counties. The internship is considered to be an important part of a student's academic experience. Therefore, all students are encouraged to complete an internship during their senior year, but to begin preparation upon admission into the Administration of Justice program.
Job Outlook
Employment opportunities are expected to grow faster than the average for all occupations in all career fields within Administration of Justice through the year 2010, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Graduates interested in opportunities at the federal and state level will face the most competition, while less competition is forecast for jobs in local or special departments and in urban areas. According to the 2003 Occupational Outlook Handbook, employment opportunities for parole, probation, and correction officers are expected to see the highest increase.