Criminal Justice – Bachelor of Science (B.S.)

Where a liberal arts foundation intersects with practical, real-world teaching and learning.

Aronde Stewart - Criminal Justice testimonial

"I want to work in federal law enforcement, and having that legal knowledge takes you a very long way."

-Aronde Stewart | Criminal Justice Major


For many who work in fields associated with criminal justice, it’s a calling. It’s about protecting and serving members of their community and working for the greater good. It’s exactly this notion of service that forms the heart of the Criminal Justice program at Upstate.

As a student in the Criminal Justice program, you’ll enjoy a well-rounded experience that will empower you with critical thinking, communication, writing, and analytical skills along with comprehensive knowledge and hands-on training in the core principles related to crime and criminal justice. Or choose to specialize your studies with a concentration in crime analysis, combining data science with policing knowledge to solve problems in communities.

Our approach develops criminal justice graduates who are prepared to serve with a much broader and deeper conceptual understanding of how to carry out their duties in law enforcement, corrections, legal settings, academia, and other professions effectively and ethically.

Student in the Cybersecurity Lab

Prepare for your Future

Gain a much broader and deeper conceptual understanding of how to carry out your duties in law enforcement, corrections, legal settings, academia, and other professions effectively and ethically.

Learn more about Sociology, Criminal Justice, and Women's Studies

Non-traditional Student working in Criminal Justice

Palmetto College (online program)

Enjoy a flexible schedule and access to USC Upstate academic resources without having to relocate and graduate with a top-notch, nationally recognized degree.

Learn more about Palmetto College Criminal Justice

student prepairing for Criminal Justice

Crime Analysis Concentration

Learn how to identify crime patterns and inform policing decisions with a powerful set of tools and strategies for collecting and using data.

Learn more about Crime Analysis at USC Upstate


Careers In Criminal Justice

  • Case Manager
  • Corrections Officer
  • Court Clerk
  • Court Reporter
  • Crime Analyst (crime mapping)
  • Crime Lab Analyst
  • Detention Officer
  • Detective
  • Forensic Scientist
  • Forensic Psychologist
  • Game Warden/Park Ranger
  • Investigator
  • K9 Officer
  • Law Enforcement Officer
  • Lawyer
  • Paralegal
  • Probation/Parole Officer
  • Prosecutor/Public Defender
  • Secret Service Agent
  • Substance Abuse Counselor
  • Victim Advocate