Make a Difference
A Criminal Justice degree from St. Edward's University prepares you to understand crime, the legal system and the people at the center of it all. You'll examine how law enforcement, courts and corrections work together while exploring issues like criminal behavior, victim advocacy, rehabilitation and public policy.
Why earn your Criminal Justice degree at St. Edward’s?
Through small classes, hands-on learning and field experiences throughout Austin, you'll develop the analytical thinking, communication and leadership skills needed to serve your community and make an impact. Whether your goal is law enforcement, corrections, advocacy, nonprofit organizations, law school, or graduate programs, you'll graduate ready to lead with integrity and you'll get the unique opportunity to explore the concept of justice through different lenses.
Practical Skills Through Hands-On Learning
You'll move beyond textbooks through experiences like Mock Trial, case studies and classroom simulations that strengthen your research, communication, courtroom and problem-solving skills. These opportunities help you connect classroom concepts to real-world challenges.
Gain Real-World Experience in Austin
Austin gives you direct access to internships and experiential learning with law enforcement agencies, courts, nonprofit organizations and community partners. Students have gained experience with organizations including the Austin Police Department, Travis County Sheriff's Office, Travis County District Attorney's Office, Sobering Center Austin and other justice-focused agencies.
Join a Community of Future Justice Leaders
Continue learning outside the classroom through organizations like the Criminal Justice Club, Alpha Phi Sigma and pre-law activities. Attend guest lectures, participate in service projects, network with professionals and build relationships with classmates who share your passion for justice and public service.
Learn from Faculty Who Invest in You
At St. Edward's, you'll learn in small classes where professors know your name, understand your goals and mentor you throughout your academic journey. They'll challenge you to think critically while helping you prepare for internships, graduate school and careers in criminal justice.
Life as a Criminal Justice Major at St. Edward's University
Justice doesn't happen in isolation—and neither does your education.
You'll debate current legal issues, analyze criminal cases, participate in mock trials, hear directly from attorneys and law enforcement professionals, and gain firsthand experience through internships across Austin. Along the way, you'll build lasting relationships with faculty and classmates while developing the confidence to think critically, communicate effectively and lead ethically.
Whether you're preparing for law school, a career in public safety or another justice-related profession, you'll graduate with experiences that extend well beyond the classroom.
A Highly Successful Criminal Justice Program
From courtroom simulations and victim advocacy training to internships with organizations throughout Austin, Criminal Justice students gain meaningful experiences that prepare them for careers dedicated to serving others. Supported by faculty mentors and a close-knit academic community, you'll build the knowledge, confidence and professional skills to make an immediate impact.
Frequently Asked Questions about a Criminal Justice degree from St. Edward's University
What You Will Learn
- This field engages both the head and the heart. You will study the law, hone your ability to process information and make smart decisions, and develop the people skills and empathy needed to contribute to something greater than yourself.
Experiential Learning
- In Mock Trial, you’ll learn about the jury trial system by staging a trial for a fictional case. Each student in your class will act as both a lawyer and a witness. You’ll learn how to present opening statements and closing arguments, direct and cross-examinations of witnesses, and introduction of evidentiary exhibits. The class will introduce you to legal reasoning and argument in the context of trial advocacy.
- In Victimology, you’ll complete the Texas Victim Assistance Training, a statewide educational program that trains new victim advocates in the basics of service delivery. Then, you’ll have the option to complete an additional 30 hours of more specialized credits in victim service training. Or, you can volunteer 20 hours with an organization that provides service and education for crime victims. Students have worked with Mothers Against Drunk Driving, Austin Police Department Victim Services, and the SAFE Alliance. In these settings, you’ll see real-world applications of what you’ve learned in class. This training background also can make you a more attractive candidate for future jobs and internships.
- The Internship course provides students with hands-on experience that connects classroom learning with the everyday work of criminal justice, legal, and community-based organizations. As a required component of the Criminal Justice program, students complete 150 hours of field experience with organizations such as the Travis County District Attorney’s Office, Travis County Sheriff’s Office, Women’s Storybook Project, U.S. Marshals Service, and other Austin-area nonprofit and legal organizations. Students may identify their own internship opportunities or receive assistance finding a placement that aligns with their interests and career goals. Throughout the experience, students log their hours, maintain reflective journals, and connect their field experiences to concepts and skills developed throughout the Criminal Justice curriculum. The course also emphasizes professional development, helping students build career-ready skills, expand their professional networks, and prepare for careers or graduate study.
Find what you need to apply and important deadlines. When you are ready, there are three ways for you to apply to St. Edward’s:
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Major Requirements: The BA in Criminal Justice requires 33 hours of core criminal justice major courses, which include a combination of foundation courses about the criminal justice system, corrections, law enforcement, theory, research methods, and statistics. Students then select 15 hours of upper level courses that align with their interests, i.e. Victimology, Drugs and Crime, Juvenile Justice, etc.
General Education Requirements: The degree requires 54 hours of general education courses that students complete over four years in addition to their major courses and electives.
View and download the full degree plan for the major (PDF).
A few examples of courses students in this major take:
- American Court System – The history, structure, law and mechanics of criminal prosecution and adjudication in the United States.
- Crime, Justice, & Diversity - This course examines and critically analyzes the reflexive relationship and observed disparities between social constructions of race, ethnicity, gender, crime and justice.
- Mock Trial – Explores effective advocacy, appropriate professional conduct, and trial preparation. Students have the opportunity to participate in direct and cross examination of witnesses, opening statements, closing arguments, and the introduction of evidentiary exhibits.
Yes. Students who are interested in doing work related to the criminal justice system can expand their knowledge and experience by getting a minor in Criminal Justice. A minor in Criminal Justice is particularly helpful for students who are interested in pursuing criminal investigations and enforcement.
Required Courses for a Minor in Criminal Justice, General (18 hours):
- Administration of Justice
- Criminal Law
- Criminology
- 9 hours of the following upper division criminal justice courses
Required Courses for a Minor in Criminal Justice, Pre-Law (18 hours):
- Introduction to Criminal Justice
- Criminal Law
- American Court System
- Criminal Procedure and the Constitution
- 6 hours of upper division criminal justice courses
Yes. Required Courses for a Certificate in Pre-Law (12 hours):
- Criminal Evidence and Proof
- Crime, Justice, and Diversity
- Mock Trial
- Criminal Procedure and the Constitution
Students must satisfy all General Certificate Requirements to be eligible to complete this certificate.
Criminal Justice majors go on to a variety of careers and graduate schools from St. Edward’s.
Here’s a sample:
- Officers in the Austin and Dallas Police Department
- Investigator for the Travis County Medical Examiner’s Office
- Intelligence analyst for the U.S. Department of Justice
- Investigator for the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services
- Law students at The University of Texas at Austin and the University of Houston Law Center
- Juvenile Probation Officer
- Correctional Officer at TDCJ
- Program Services at Travis County Juvenile Court
Internships
Internships help you understand professional work conditions and how the material you’ve learned in class looks in the real world. Students have interned with these organizations:
- Sobering Center Austin
- Juvenile Probation
- Austin Police Department
- Travis County Sheriff’s Office
- Travis County District Attorney’s Office
- Criminal Defense Attorney
- Women’s Storybook Project of Texas - Nonprofit working with incarcerated mothers
Yes. With our Accelerated Graduate Pathways, you can complete your BA in Criminal Justice and one of three master’s degrees in as little as five years, saving time and money. See details and requirements.
- Criminal Justice to Master of Business Administration
- Criminal Justice to Master of Business Analytics and Applied AI
Success coaches and academic advisors guide you through undergraduate and graduate courses to maximize benefits.
At St. Edward’s, our faculty are outstanding scholars, thought leaders, teachers and mentors who bring energy and enthusiasm to our vibrant learning community. They take pride in getting to know you, helping you achieve your goals and celebrating your successes.
View a list of our faculty members and their contact information on the Department of Applied Behavioral Analysis, Criminal Justice, Social Work, and Sociology webpage.
Preparing for Your Future in Criminal Justice
A Criminal Justice degree opens the door to careers that strengthen communities and promote justice. Whether you're interested in becoming a police officer, investigator, probation officer, intelligence analyst, victim advocate, attorney or public policy leader, you'll graduate with the research, analytical, communication and ethical decision-making skills employers value.
Through internships, experiential learning and mentorship from faculty and professionals across Austin, you'll build practical experience while creating connections that support your career long after graduation.
Making an Impact
From internships with law firms, a family court judge and the Travis County District Attorney’s Office to leading Phi Alpha Delta Pre-Law Fraternity, Alissabella Adame, '26 gained hands-on experience across the legal field. An Austin Hispanic Bar Association Scholar, she plans to attend law school and pursue a career in immigration law.