Criminal Justice Southeast Missouri State University

Overview

The Criminal Justice programme at Southeast Missouri State University provides a robust academic foundation for students aiming to excel in law enforcement, corrections, and legal services. This degree integrates theoretical knowledge with practical application to prepare graduates for the complexities of the modern justice system.

Students engage in a curriculum that explores the root causes of criminal behaviour and the structural mechanics of the legal system. The course emphasises the development of critical thinking and communication skills, ensuring that graduates can navigate high-pressure environments with professional composure and ethical clarity.

The department prioritises experiential learning, requiring all students to participate in hands-on opportunities such as internships or directed research.

Why Criminal Justice at Southeast Missouri State University?

The institution offers a unique Law Enforcement Professional Practice track, enabling students to earn their Class A Missouri Peace Officer License alongside their degree. This dual qualification significantly enhances employability for those seeking immediate entry into sworn officer roles within the state.

Students benefit from the expertise of faculty members who possess extensive field experience in various branches of the justice system. The university also maintains strong partnerships with organisations like the Missouri National Guard and the NFOPU Consortium, providing specialised support for military and law enforcement personnel.

Facilities and regional campuses in Kennett and Sikeston ensure that the programme is accessible to a diverse student body. Additionally, the curriculum is designed to be stackable, with 500-level courses allowing undergraduates to earn credits toward a future master’s degree in the same field.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

• International fee: USD 17664 per year
• National fee: USD 10194 per year
• Local fee: USD 10194 per year

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The curriculum requires the completion of core subjects and specialised electives to total 120 credit hours. Modules may include:

• Criminal Justice
• Law Enforcement
• Corrections
• Criminal Law
• Juvenile Justice
• Planning and Research in Criminal Justice
• Senior Seminar
• Convergences of Crime
• Criminology
• Correctional Institutions
• Criminal Investigations
• Criminalistics
• Community-Based Corrections
• Victimology
• Crisis Management
• Police Administration
• Criminal Procedures
• Offender Rehabilitation
• Social Inequalities
• Comparative Criminal Justice Systems
• Restorative Justice
• Law and Social Control
• Gangs in America
• Crime and Criminal Justice Policy
• Professional Standards
• Death Penalty in America
• Deviant Social Behavior
• Drugs and Behavior
• Crime and Human Behavior

Careers with Criminal Justice

Graduates are prepared for diverse roles across local, state, and federal agencies. Common career paths include serving as police officers, detectives, probation officers, and correctional treatment specialists. Many alumni also find success as fraud investigators, victim advocates, or private security consultants.

The programme provides a strong foundation for those pursuing federal careers with the FBI, US Secret Service, DEA, or US Marshals Service. Furthermore, the rigorous academic training prepares students for advanced legal studies at law schools or specialised graduate programmes in criminology and social sciences.