College of Behavioral and Social Sciences

We prepare criminal justice professionals who understand crime, criminals, victims, and the systems that create and define them—and use this understanding to inform change.

With some of the fastest growing programs at the University, the Department of Criminal Justice offers bachelor’s, master’s, and certificate programs. Our students learn foundational and advanced knowledge of criminal justice, criminology, and investigative sciences.

We have a long tradition of quality teaching, advocacy, and research and are proud of our faculty’s expertise in Criminal Justice research on terrorism, policing, law, corrections, juvenile delinquency, forensic investigation, social justice, and crime prevention. In addition to teaching a variety of undergraduate courses, faculty members continue to advise, research, and publish books and articles widely referenced by students, criminal justice professionals, and policymakers.

Our programs focus on the lifecycle of criminology. You’ll learn about the origins of criminal behavior, structure, function, and responsibilities of crime control agencies, as well as law enforcement, laws and regulations, prosecution, courts and corrections, juvenile justice, forensic investigation, as well as social justice issues.

Whether pursuing professional opportunities or an advanced degree, you’ll graduate with the skills needed to succeed at both.

Our Undergraduate and Graduate Programs

We offer a variety of undergraduate and graduate applied social science programs that bridge theory to practice through social science perspectives and methodologies.

Field Experience

Internships and Cooperative Education

Students in our bachelor’s and minor programs benefit from hands-on learning experiences through the required internship. Working in a criminal justice-related organization, students work side-by-side with industry practitioners, while also learning through observation and exposure.

Student Advising

The Department matches all Criminal Justice students with an advisor according to the first initial of a student’s last name. Each student must meet with their assigned advisor at least once every semester. We also recommend students connect with their advisor before registering for any Criminal Justice classes. Your advising sessions are an opportunity to review your advisement form, a roadmap that guides you through program and course requirements.

For reference, the Department also posts a list of all advisors on the door to the department office. If your advisor is unavailable, we recommend students go to the department chair or other faculty member for help.

Interested in attending law school?

Coppin and University of Baltimore School of Law have partnered to offer a unique law school preparation program called the Fannie Angelos Program for Academic Excellence. The Angelos Scholars Program and LSAT Award Program both include an LSAT prep course taught on Coppin’s campus each spring semester. Program application deadlines are in the fall.

University Non-Discrimination Statement

Coppin State University is committed to equality of educational opportunity and does not discriminate against applicants, students, or employees based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, or handicap. Moreover, Coppin State University is open to people of all races and actively seeks to promote racial integration by recruiting and enrolling all races.