Criminal Justice Department

Criminal justice majors at Castleton examine the social, political, and historical impacts of crime and the criminal justice system. They study law, factors that can lead to criminality, issues regarding the fairness of the justice system, and misconceptions about crime and the criminal justice system itself. They learn the importance of research and discover that often there are no easy answers. Students gain a broad understanding of human behavior and diversity and gain important skills, such as critical thinking, communication, and problem solving.

Careers
The field of criminal justice attracts people who want to contribute to society and the welfare of citizens. Criminal justice graduates work in local, county, state, and Federal government agencies, as well as in the private sector, in law enforcement, courts, institutional and community-based corrections, victims’ services, the juvenile justice system, research, teaching, law, forensics, and a variety of other fields. There are numerous positions available in criminal justice, such as officers, counselors, directors, agents, advocates, and court officials.

Interdisciplinary Field
Criminal justice is an interdisciplinary field of study. It includes knowledge specific to the criminal justice system and process, and draws upon research and theory from fields such as sociology, psychology, law, history, and political science. The curriculum reflects the growing academic quality and expectations of Criminal Justice programs across the United States. Students take a broad variety of courses in law enforcement, the criminal justice process, corrections, victim studies, and special topics focusing on contemporary issues and social problems.

Field Experiences
The Criminal Justice program offers a variety of experiences outside of the classroom. Courses such as Field Experience and the Criminal Justice Internship provide excellent mechanisms for students to assess their interests and use their classroom knowledge. Field experience exposes students to law enforcement, courts, and corrections. Internship and Seminar placements in Vermont, New England, and New York have included juvenile and adult correctional facilities and agencies, court diversion, probation and parole agencies, public defender’s and prosecutor’s offices, victim service agencies, training academies, the U.S. Boarder Patrol, the Department of Liquor Control, and many others.

Criminal Justice Club
The Club is a student-run organization with elected officers and a faculty advisor. The Club has hosted activities such as the Criminal Justice Professional day where students can meet with potential employers and others in the field. Other activities include field trips and visits to local halfway houses where students interact with residents. Activities vary depending on student member interest.

Other Programs
The department sponsors a bachelor's degree in criminal justice, an associate's degree, and a minor in criminal justice.