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At The University of Olivet, our Criminal Justice Degree program is designed to give you the skills and real-world experience needed to succeed in law enforcement, corrections, and criminal justice careers. Whether you’re interested in police work, crime scene investigations, or court systems, this program will set you on the right path.
Our comprehensive curriculum focuses on crime prevention, social justice, and the root causes of crime, providing you with a deep understanding of how society and the criminal justice system intersect. As you progress, you’ll also build a strong sense of social responsibility, helping you understand justice from multiple perspectives.
Our instructors have years of hands-on experience in police work, crime scene investigations, prison management, and more. This means you’ll be learning from experts who’ve worked in the field and understand what it takes to succeed in real-world criminal justice careers. The program prepares you for the tough ethical decisions, complex legal situations, and diverse communities you will encounter in the field.
We offer two tracks of study within our criminal justice major to help you specialize in the area that interests you most:
Law Enforcement: For students who want to focus on careers in police work, crime scene investigation, and public safety.
Corrections: For students interested in working within prisons, juvenile facilities, and rehabilitation programs.
Each concentration provides a focused curriculum and hands-on experience that allows you to gain in-depth knowledge in your chosen field of criminal justice.
One of the unique features of our program is the internship requirement—100% of our criminal justice students complete an internship, helping you gain real experience in real communities. This experience will not only build your resume but also help you develop the practical skills employers seek.
At The University of Olivet, you’ll have the opportunity to intern with some of Michigan’s top criminal justice organizations. Past internship partners include:
Albion Public Safety
Battle Creek Police Department
Battle Creek Forensic Lab
Branch County Juvenile Court
Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office
Calhoun County Juvenile Home
Calhoun County Prosecutor’s Office
Charlotte Police Department
Department of Natural Resources (DNR)
Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS)
Counties throughout Michigan (foster care, child protective services and licensing)
Dowagiac Public Safety
Eaton County Sheriff’s Office
Eaton County Juvenile Facility
Eaton County 56th Judicial District Juvenile Probation
Eaton County 56th Judicial District Adult Probation
Eaton Rapids Police Department
Evelyn Calogero Law Office (Olivet)
Hillsdale County Juvenile Court
Ingham County Sheriff’s Office
Ingham County Animal Control
Jackson County Sheriff’s Office
Jackson County Juvenile Facility
Kent County Juvenile Facility
Marshall Police Department
Michigan Department of Corrections
Michigan State Police
Michigan State Police Crime Lab (Lansing)
Peckham Inc. (Footprints) vocational training for youth with barriers to employment
Probation/Parole Offices throughout Michigan (MDOC)
Our Criminal Justice Degree program offers a well-rounded education that blends theory with practical skills. Here are a few of the core courses:
These courses, combined with internships and practical training, will equip you with the real-world experience employers are looking for.
Criminal justice students at Olivet have the opportunity to get involved in student-led organizations that provide leadership, service, and networking opportunities. These groups help you build your professional network and give you valuable experience outside the classroom.
The CJHS is a group of The University of Olivet students who are interested in the criminal justice field. Students discuss ways to get more people involved in the criminal justice program, organize fundraising efforts, and plan community service activities.
The group is a member of Alpha Psi Sigma, a national organization that gives students the opportunity to attend conferences and network with other young criminal justice professionals. One of the group’s annual events is hosting a blood drive.
The Middle Ground was established to enhance the lives of foster youth who are aging out of the foster care system by preparing them for the transition from childhood to adulthood.
Earning your criminal justice degree in Michigan means more than just earning a diploma. Here, you’ll be part of a close-knit, supportive campus where learning happens face-to-face, guided by faculty who know the field firsthand.
At The University of Olivet, you’re not just a number. With small class sizes and direct access to faculty who bring real-world experience from policing, investigations, corrections and the court system, you’ll receive a personalized education rooted in mentorship. Our criminal justice major program is designed to foster positive relationships between faculty and students, and provide hands-on learning.
As a junior or senior, you’ll have the option to enroll in a police academy and receive academic credit toward your criminal justice bachelor’s degree. This not only sets you apart from other graduates but also helps you build practical skills, stay current with industry standards, and enter the workforce immediately after graduation.
A degree in criminal justice positions you for in-demand careers in law enforcement, corrections, and forensic services. These fields see thousands of job openings each year and offer strong long-term employment stability.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports:
Whether you choose to stay in Michigan or pursue a career elsewhere, the demand for criminal justice professionals ensures that there are plenty of opportunities for growth and advancement.
A criminal justice bachelor’s degree from The University of Olivet opens doors to careers that make a real impact. Whether you’re drawn to the front lines of law enforcement or behind-the-scenes investigative work, you’ll find a variety of paths to explore. Graduates of criminal justice programs can pursue roles such as:
These roles require a strong foundation in both theory and practice, which is something our criminal justice program is built to deliver. You’ll leave prepared to meet the demands of the job and stand out to future employers.
The University of Olivet’s criminal justice program is designed to get you into the field faster and with fundamental skills and experience. Whether you’re looking at a career in law enforcement, the court system, or corrections, you’ll graduate career-ready and confident.
Start your journey at one of the best criminal justice schools in Michigan. With no application fee, nothing is holding you back—apply today or schedule a campus visit to see what makes The University of Olivet stand out as a leader in criminal justice education.
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