A criminal justice degree offers more than the television show "CSI" may lead you to believe. It prepares students to work in the public and private sectors of law enforcement and courts and corrections at all levels of government. It also provides training for careers in community organizations or government positions (elected or appointed).
Appalachian State University's Criminal Justice (BSCJ) degree has a broad focus and is 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 Master's Program and receive a Master's of Public Administration in one extra year.