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Arts & Sciences

Criminal Justice

Learn to serve and protect

A Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice helps you develop skills to make a difference in your community.

 

Teach-Out Information & Resources for Students

 

SKILLS BASED LEARNING

Criminal justice majors learn the skills necessary to be successful in a variety of different occupations. Instead of focusing on what you would learn at a police academy, FinnU’s criminal justice program focuses on the larger scope of skills that are applicable to the field. Skills such as writing, ethics, public speaking and how to utilize data-driven statistics and research methods.

PERSONALIZED EDUCATIONAL EXPERIENCE

Criminal justice encompasses a number of different disciplines and interests. In order to explore these interests, FinnU’s criminal justice program allows you to select a final capstone research project that will help with your career goals or academic interests. In addition, if there is a topic you are interested in exploring and FinnU does not offer a class on it, our faculty will work with you to develop a customized class based on your interest and need.

STUDY ABROAD

Criminal justice majors have the opportunity to travel abroad to learn more about other justice systems from around the world. From Finland to the former Soviet Union, you are introduced to how social justice is viewed in a different context.

ALUMNI SPOTLIGHTS

"Dr. Gee has been a mentor since day one. He's kind of been a father figure to me actually. He just provides so much guidance and has helped me out a lot. When I didn't understand something he took me aside and said 'Hey, come talk with me, we'll work this out' on an assignment or just life. It's really cool because you don't get that at a bigger college, where you're kind of on your own. Here it's totally different. The faculty genuinely cares about their students."

Christopher Dennis ('17)

“The system of due process can be lengthy and complicated. It’s my job to understand how to navigate people through that process. I get to hold their hand through some difficult times and say, ‘I understand.’ I help people in a way that most people won’t ever get to. It’s a wonderful opportunity to get to practice law, a wonderful profession and I’m still opening that box.”

Erica Payne ('07)

"I especially love how helpful the professors are here, and the small class sizes, which were similar to my high school. I was originally torn between Criminal Justice and Psychology, but I figured I may have more opportunities with Criminal Justice, but I am minoring in Psychology still. I lived in a small town with a lot of drug problems, so I wanted to go into this field because every town can use the help, and I want to make a difference. "

Shane Voldarski ('22)

The Degree

Progress Sheet

The Classes

Course Descriptions

CRIMINAL JUSTICE IN THE NEWS

Teach-Out Institutions
Finlandia University Teach-Out Institutions

May 16, 2023

Updated May 16, 2023

On Thursday, March 2, Finlandia University’s Board of Trustees announced that FinnU will not enroll students for the 2023-2024 academic year. Announced Tuesday, March 14, the University’s Board of Trustees unanimously voted to dissolve the institution and wind up affairs in an orderly manner.

Finlandia has finalized eight Teach-Out Agreements with Adrian College, Bay College, Michigan Technological University, Northeast Wisconsin Technical College, Northern Michigan University, University of Dubuque, Waldorf University, and Wartburg College. Several non-partnering institutions have […] Read More

Relive Graduation Day 2023 at Finlandia University | Photo Gallery & Livestreams

May 11, 2023

Finlandia University held its final Spring Commencement Ceremony on Sunday, May 7, honoring 92 graduates in the Class of 2023. Following commencement, a commendation service was held for Finlandia University students, staff, faculty, alumni, neighbors and friends, commending the University and its 126 years of service.

Full High-Res Photos from Spring 2023 Commencement:

VIEW ALBUM ON FLICKR

On-Demand Livestream of Spring 2023 Commencement:

Full High-Res Photos from Service of Commendation:

Read More

Hirvonen Hall exterior
Finlandia honors legacy, Class of 2023 with final commencement and commendation ceremonies

May 10, 2023

Founded in 1896 as Suomi College, Finlandia University held its final spring commencement ceremony on Sunday, May 7, honoring 92 graduates in the Class of 2023. In March, the University announced the decision to dissolve the institution and not enroll students for the 2023-2024 academic year.

View PhotosWatch On-Demand

President Timothy Pinnow congratulates student at FinnU’s Spring 2023 Commencement Ceremony.

Delivering the welcome address was Board Trustee Stephen Nikander, whose great-grandfather founded the institution and whose grandfather served […] Read More

CRIMINAL JUSTICE GRADUATES WILL BE ABLE TO DO THE FOLLOWING:

  1. Communication: Communicate with clarity and originality using interviewing and interrogation skills to effectively deal with victims and suspects, and when testifying in a court of law.
  2. Analytic and Critical Thinking: Observe, infer, determine relationships, and draw conclusions regarding how laws are written and their impact on the rights of individuals and society.
  3. Creative Insight: Apply investigative techniques, logic, and critical thinking skills to bring a case to its logical conclusion.
  4. Personal Perspective: Function in a multicultural society as a mature, adaptable citizen, while meeting the needs and challenges of clients and communities.
  5. Global Perspective: Create, integrate, and evaluate ideas across a range of disciplines, including sociology, politics, and science, among others.

Faculty and Staff

Richard Gee

Associate Professor, Criminal Justice

richard.gee@finlandia.edu

Cassandra Hill, Ph.D.

Dean & Associate Professor of Communication

Cassandra.Hill@finlandia.edu
FinnU will not enroll students for 2023-2024Learn More
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Teach-Out Information