Why Should I Study Criminal Justice at Southeast?

Criminal Justice has evolved as a profession. Most leadership positions at the state and local levels now require a graduate degree. We prepare the leaders of tomorrow. In addition, many graduates find themselves better prepared and more competitive for federal-level criminal justice positions. Students have the opportunity to learn from a dedicated, professionally recognized, and amiable faculty. Be a part of the future in criminal justice!

Admissions Policies/Requirements: Students must hold a baccalaureate degree from an accredited university and have an undergraduate G.P.A. of 2.50 on the 4.0 scale. For more information, please consult the Graduate Bulletin. 

Advising procedures/information: All admitted students are advised by the Graduate Coordinator. Contact the Department of Criminal Justice and Sociology for an appointment by (573) 651-2541 or e-mail. 

Capstone Requirements: All Criminal Justice students must complete a thesis on their primary interest of study or complete a graduate-level internship and write and defend an internship paper.

Career Opportunities: Graduates of the program possess the skills and expertise to compete for high-level positions. Current practitioners find themselves more competitive for promotion and assignment. Graduates without out previous professional experience compete with veteran professional for prestigious state and federal positions. The public’s concern for crime and safety generates interests and ensures a future for graduates.

Real-World Experience: Students may complete graduate internships where they will work with the agency of their choice.  Graduates have completed internships with United States Probation, the Federal Defenders and the United Nations. All participants must complete a major project as a requirement of the internship.

Graduate Assistantship Opportunities: The department currently offers five graduate assistant positions. Please contact the departmental office for information regarding application procedures and current openings.

Student Organizations: The Criminal Justice Association enables students to interact with working professional as well as fellow students.

Facilities: Crisp Hall incorporates the charm of the historic limestone structure with modern technology. All Criminal Justice classrooms are equipped with the latest educational technology and students have access to a modern computer lab. 

Research Opportunities: Students must complete a research project through thesis or graduate internship. In addition, the department is consistently involved in grants and serves the region by providing research assistance to many criminal justice agencies.  Faculty and students work cooperatively to present research papers at major conferences and to later hone those projects for publication.

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