Criminal Justice

The study of criminal justice examines the nature, causes, and consequences of crime and delinquency, both historically and in contemporary society, domestically and globally. Our program explores the philosophy, theory, and practice of policing, courts, and corrections, providing students with a comprehensive understanding of the criminal justice system.

Students gain practical and theoretical knowledge, developing strong research skills and a nuanced understanding of criminal and delinquent behavior, as well as the structures, policies, and ethical considerations shaping the field today.

Our faculty bring over seven decades of professional experience to the classroom. They include former prosecutors, crime scene investigators, police officers, juvenile justice professionals, and correctional educators. This firsthand expertise ensures that courses are engaging, relevant, and grounded in real-world practice, while also providing students with access to a vast professional network. Faculty members are nationally and internationally recognized for their scholarship, contributing numerous publications to the field.

Every Criminal Justice major completes a Practicum, totaling 150 hours working directly with a criminal justice agency. Opportunities include placements in prosecutor’s offices, correctional facilities, probation and parole teams, law firms, programs serving at-risk youth, and local, state, and federal agencies—including a paid internship with Hamilton County Juvenile Court. Many students have interned with organizations such as the U.S. Secret Service, often leading to career opportunities after graduation.

Students can also participate in Inside-Out Prison Exchange courses, taking a college class alongside incarcerated individuals for a transformative learning experience. In Criminology, a poverty simulation helps students understand the intersection of socioeconomic status and crime.

Beyond the classroom, students can engage with peers and professionals through the Criminal Justice Society, attending monthly talks and training sessions. Opportunities for community service include volunteering in the Cincinnati area with organizations such as Habitat for Humanity and St. Vincent de Paul. Additionally, students may participate in annual field trips to visit prisons, courts, and other criminal justice agencies, including the Ohio State Supreme Court, Ohio State Reformatory, and the Kentucky Crime Lab.

In all, the Criminal Justice Department at Xavier University combines rigorous academic study, experiential learning, and professional development, preparing graduates for meaningful careers in criminal justice.Criminal justice majors will graduate with a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in criminal justice. Upon graduation, students will be equipped with knowledge of basic criminal justice, its current and specific areas and problems within the system.

Beyond the Xavier CORE requirements, a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice is earned by completing 30 credit hours of required criminal justice courses and 9 credit hours of elective criminal justice courses.

A Minor in Criminal Justice is earned by completing 18 credit hours of required criminal justice courses.

For more information, please contact the Chair of the Criminal Justice Department, Dr. Cheryl Lero Jonson (jonsonc@xavier.edu; 513-745-1069) or the Criminal Justice Department's Administrative Assistant, Ms. Cathy Lee (leec29@xavier.edu; 513-745-3518).