About
Join our alumni working for INTERPOL or Homeland Security or choose your own path in international related criminal justice. With Appalachian State University’s Criminal Justice (BSCJ) - International Studies degree, you will understand the criminal justice system, its stakeholders, and the interaction and influence of foreign countries and governments. Students in this degree take criminal justice classes as well as courses with an international focus in political science, religion and languages.
Appalachian State University’s Criminal Justice (BSCJ) – International Studies majors are taught by faculty in the Department of Government and Justice Studies who have diverse expertise. At Appalachian, you will take classes from both sides of the department, including faculty from the pre-professional legal studies concentration and faculty from the public administration undergraduate concentration.
In addition to classes in criminal justice, the program’s strong liberal arts focus emphasizes critical writing, communications and analysis skills. You will be required to complete a writing course that focuses on the writing skills needed in your specific concentration. Students are required to complete an internship to gain practical experience, and the department’s full-time internship coordinator can help you find that perfect host site.
If you want to continue your education and have a 3.4 GPA or higher, you can complete Appalachian’s Accelerated Admission from Baccalaureate to Master’s Program and receive a Master’s of Public Administration in one extra year.
After Graduation
Employment: Students find jobs after graduation with both national and international organizations. Popular employers include: INTERPOL, Border Patrol or Homeland Security.
Graduate schools: Some students choose to continue their education at Appalachian State University or other institutions such as Florida State University and University of Missouri at St. Louis.
People
Related Program
Minors
A minor is not required. Popular minors include:
- Psychology
- Sociology
- Accounting
- Chemistry
- History
Engagement Outside the Classroom
American Criminal Justice Association (Lambda Alpha Epsilon) - a chapter of the national organization that is dedicated to acknowledging academic achievement in criminal justice and networking between members.
American Correctional Association - The Appalachian Students Chapter of the American Correctional Association was founded in 2003 and works to educate the community about the truth of our justice system.
International Relations Association - a student organization dedicated to the appreciation and increased understanding of world events and international organizations. The club participates extensively in Model United Nation activities, hosting events as well as traveling to different cities as Model UN delegations.
Global Learning
Appalachian is committed to introducing students to different cultures and teaching them how to live and interact in a global society. Past faculty led study abroad locations include Cuba and Eastern Europe.
Admission Requirements
There are no admission requirements beyond admission to Appalachian State University.
Why Appalachian?
- As part of degree requirements, students must complete an internship. A student will usually spend an entire semester working at and for an approved criminal justice agency.
- Scholarships are available through the department.
- Students may want to stay for Appalachian’s Accelerated Admission from Baccalaureate to Master’s Program at Appalachian. Criminal Justice students with a GPA above 3.0 may complete their Master of Public Administration degree in one extra year.
- Appalachian has a division dedicated to global learning where students can connect with international opportunities.
Method of Delivery
On campus only
Careers
- Airport Security Officer
- Attorney
- Bailiff
- Border Patrol Agent
- Child Support Agency Worker
- CIA Agent
- Corrections Officer
- Court Administrator
- Criminal Investigator
- Customs Agent
- Deportation Officer
- Detective
- District Attorney
- Drug Enforcement Agent
- FBI Agent
- Law Enforcement Officer
- Paralegal
- Probation & Parole Officer
- Public Safety Officer
- US Marshall
View more career possibilities
Contacts
Department of Government and Justice Studies
Dr. Phillip Ardoin
Chair
ardoinpj@appstate.edu
828-262-7187