Department of Criminal Justice

P: 252-398-6332

E: pcwoodard0801@chowan.edu

Welcome to the Department of criminal justice

The Department of Criminal Justice provides excellent educational opportunities for learning in a nurturing environment, combining teaching with service. Criminal Justice majors at Chowan University will gain vital skills and knowledge in the areas of criminal delinquent processes, criminology, law enforcement, law adjudication, and corrections while evaluating the moral and ethical issues of public servants. The Department of Criminal Justice offers a Criminal Justice, BS and Criminal Justice, AA.

Our success rate is phenomenal in that 95% of our graduates are either employed or accepted into a graduate school of their choice upon graduation. A number of recent graduates are currently attending law school. We have students that were accepted into the University of Vermont Law, University of Houston, Campbell University, and the University of Mississippi. In addition, we have students employed as:

FBI
Secret Service
Probation Officer
Correction Officer
Law Clerk

At Chowan University Criminal Justice majors receive a general foundation of coursework and then the option of taking courses that interest them personally.

Our Mission Statement

The Department of Criminal Justice seeks to provide all students with a broad liberal arts education along with a balanced perspective on the study and practices of the criminal justice system. Each graduate will leave with a keen sense of human values and renewed appreciation for justice and equality. The faculty is committed to engaging and teaching students with passion and rigor, knowing that all students learn differently in a diverse environment. The Department prepares students for graduate school or professional employment by building strong skills in critical thinking, as well as written and verbal communication, analysis, and ethical consideration.

Department Programs

Criminal Justice

A.A., B.S., Minor

Criminal Justice students can complete internships with any police department, correction facility, or shadow jobs in the courts.

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Pre-Law Advisory Program

This program is a means of assisting students in meeting the requirements to get into law school.

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Chowan University was my home for four years and I created friendships and bonds that will last a lifetime. Professors worked with me, encouraged me, and that is why I am where I am today. No dream is too big and I am a perfect example of that.

Richard Whitted | US Secret Service

Learn by Doing

Students also connect classroom knowledge with real-world experience through membership in organizations specifically designed for students pursuing the Criminal Justice degree. The Chowan University chapter of the Alpha Phi Sigma National Criminal Justice Honor Society and the Criminal Justice Club offers students additional educational, service, and fellowship opportunities.

potential careers

Probation Officer
Victim-Witness Advocate
Forensic Science Technician
Police Officer
Correctional Officer
Private Detective
DEA Agent

Security Guard
Homeland Security
Secret Service Agent
Crime Scene Investigator
Computer Forensics Investigator
Immigration and Customs

Fish and Game Warden
Fraud Investigator
FBI Agent
CIA Agent
US Postal Inspector
Paralegal
Law Clerk

Advisory Board

The Criminal Justice Advisory Board (“Board”) was founded in 2022 to provide guidance to the Department of Criminal Justice leadership on professional best practices with the goal of ensuring that curricula and programs are adequately and effectively preparing students of Chowan University for professional success. Advisory Board members consist of distinguished community, educational, and professional leaders from across the justice-related field. Each Advisory Board member serves as an advocate for Chowan’s Criminal Justice programs while supporting departmental initiatives such as student scholarships, internships, guest speakers, and learning activities. This important collaboration enhances departmental planning and programming by maintaining professional relevance and the tradition of academic excellence in educating the next generation of criminal justice leaders at Chowan University.