Dr. Jim Warwick spent most of his 26-year law enforcement career training the police on how to survive deadly encounters. As director of Wilmington University’s Criminal Justice programs, he now helps students excel in this ever-expanding field.
“Working in the criminal justice profession doesn’t necessarily mean patrolling the streets. There are many different career possibilities within this field. There are opportunities in the state, federal and private sectors,” Dr. Warwick says. “Investing in education can not only help you while working in the criminal justice system but also provides post-career options.”
A Versatile Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice
At Wilmington University, you can choose from a suite of Criminal Justice degree programs in the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences, starting with an affordable, flexible B.S. in Criminal Justice.
“Our program is really beneficial to students if you’re already in the criminal justice field or you’re looking to enter the criminal justice field,” says Dr. Jacob Andrews, the program chair and a certified master police instructor who spent 20 years with the New Castle County Police Department. “There are three major prongs to the criminal justice system. You have law enforcement, the police. You have corrections, the prisons. And you have the court system. Our Criminal Justice program touches on all three.”
Available on-site or online, the curriculum covers everything from Criminal Investigation to Juvenile Justice to Constitutional Law, providing “students with a theoretical, operational and practical educational foundation,” Dr. Warwick says.
Personalized and Accelerated Options for Degrees in Criminal Justice
Criminal Justice is not a “one-size-fits-all” major. You can customize your degree program to reach your professional goals. WilmU also recognizes the value of your on-the-job training and prior learning, which can count as academic credit toward your degree.
Dual-Credit ADVANTAGE™ is another way to save time and money. Use elective courses to complete a related Dual-Credit Certificate® — in Crime Scene Investigation, Forensic Science, Human Trafficking Awareness, Emergency Management and more — while you earn your bachelor’s degree or accelerate into your next degree by incorporating master’s level coursework with no extra tuition cost.
A Comprehensive Master’s Degree in Criminal Justice
At the graduate level, WilmU offers an M.S. in Administration of Justice with concentrations in Criminal Behavior, Homeland Security, and Leadership and Administration; an M.S. in Homeland Security with concentrations in Applied Homeland Security Intelligence, Emergency Management and Organizational Continuity, Military Leadership, and Safety and Security; and an MBA with a concentration in Homeland Security from the College of Business.
Hands-on learning helps to deepen your understanding in all of your Criminal Justice courses — through field experience, co-ops, internships, study abroad options and site visits to criminal justice agencies.
Programs Taught by Criminal Justice Experts
Learn from faculty who are active leaders with years of experience in the CIA, NSA, FBI, Secret Service, and state and local police departments.
“I couldn’t ask for better instructors across the board,” says Sgt. Jason Vernon of the Delaware State Police, who graduated from WilmU with a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice and a master’s degree in Homeland Security. “I really felt like the instructors were interested and engaged in my learning process.”
A married father of three, he describes the programs as “challenging but still reasonable for someone who has a demanding career and a demanding personal life.”
Careers and Salaries Associated With WilmU Criminal Justice Degrees
-
-
B.S. in Criminal Justice
Police or Sheriff’s Patrol Officer, $72,800
Emergency Management Director, $85,280
Security Manager, $104,000
-
-
M.S. in Administration of Justice
Police or Sheriff’s Patrol Officer, $72,800
Detective or Criminal Investigator, $91,520
First-Line Supervisor of Police and Detectives, $101,920
-
-
M.S. in Homeland Security
Security Management Specialist, $79,040
Intelligence Analyst, $91,520
Information Security Analyst, $120,640
-
-
MBA in Homeland Security
Management Analyst, $99,840
General/Operations Manager, $101,920
Administrative Services Manager, $108,160
Source: 2024 Lightcast Data
Gain the knowledge and experience you need to start or advance your career with Wilmington University’s Criminal Justice degree programs.