Preparing you to succeed in the criminal justice or legal studies professions
Whether you're interested in a career in law enforcement, corrections, security administration, forensic investigation or legal studies, Washburn University's Criminal Justice & Legal Studies department will prepare you to succeed. While working with faculty who have real world experience, you'll learn the necessary theoretical, practical and critical thinking skills to compete in today's job market.
Associate's degrees
Associate of Arts in Criminal Justice
Earn an Associate of Arts in Criminal Justice degree at Washburn University.Associate of Arts in Legal Studies
Earn an Associate of Arts in Legal Studies degree at Washburn University.- Criminal JusticeCriminal Justice
- Legal studiesLegal studies
Bachelor's degrees
Law enforcement concentration
The Bachelor of Criminal Justice in Law Enforcement can be achieved in 4 years.Corrections concentration
The Bachelor of Criminal Justice in Corrections can be achieved in 4 years.Security Administration concentration
The Bachelor of Criminal Justice in Security Administration can be achieved in 4 years.Forensic Investigations concentration
The Bachelor of Criminal Justice in Forensic Investigations can be achieved in 4 years.Bachelor of Legal Studies
The Bachelor of Legal Studies can be achieved in 4 years.- Law enforcementLaw enforcement
- CorrectionsCorrections
- Security AdministrationSecurity Administration
- Forensic InvestigationsForensic Investigations
- Legal StudiesLegal Studies
Minors & certificates
Minors
Explore our minor options.Legal studies certificate
Earn a certificate in legal studies.- MinorsMinors
- Legal studies certificateLegal studies certificate
Forensic Investigations AND Forensic Investigation Sciences
The forensic investigation and forensic investigation sciences major will prepare you to work in the field as a crime scene investigator. Our curriculum provides you with hands-on experience along with the critical thinking and scientific reasoning skills necessary for you to succeed in the field.
Meet student success story Emma Morrissey
Sophomore Emma Morrissey learned about Washburn from one of her high school teachers in Overland Park. She fell in love with campus and the Criminal Justice program, now her major. Emma is president of the Criminal Justice Association on campus and plans to attend law school after she receives her undergraduate degree.
Values
We value academic quality throughout our criminal justice & legal studies programs.
- We value the integration of theory, practice, and academic rigor in our curriculum.
- We value enthusiastic, sincere, and abiding service to others.
- We value personal responsibility for our individual actions.
- We value flexibility, adaptability, and creative thinking.
- We value the opportunity to mentor, encourage, and help each student fulfill his or her talents and abilities.
- We value diversity in all that we do.
Student Learning Outcomes: Criminal Justice Program
Criminal Justice students at Washburn University, upon graduation, are expected to:
- Analyze the nature of crime and justice in the United States and other countries;
- Evaluate the police, courts, and corrections systems in America;
- Integrate the conceptual and theoretical frameworks that form the study of criminal justice;
- Demonstrate proficiency in oral and written communication skills;
- Integrate academic learning with field-based education by completing an internship;
- Evaluate criminal justice research critically and systematically.
Student Learning Outcomes: Legal Studies Program
Legal Studies students at Washburn University, upon graduation, are expected to:
- Demonstrate proficiency in legal research and writing;
- Use critical thinking skills to analyze and apply case law and statutory law;
- Demonstrate an understanding of litigation procedures and legal terminology;
- Apply general communication and interpersonal skills in a legal setting;
- Evaluate legal scenarios and identify applicable professional rules of ethics.
It is the policy of Washburn University to assure equal educational and employment opportunity to qualified individuals without regard to race, color, religion, age, national origin, ancestry, disability, sex, marital or parental status, sexual orientation or gender identity.
Mission
GET IN TOUCH WITH Criminal Justice & Legal Studies
Criminal Justice & Legal Studies
Benton Hall, Room 201
1700 SW College Ave.
Topeka, KS 66621
Phone & Email
Ph: 785.670.1411
criminal-justice-ls@washburn.edu