Criminal Justice Schools in Washington

With a main campus located in Ellensburg, Central Washington University consists of seven campuses located around the state. Three CWU campuses, Des Moines, Lynnwood and Ellensburg, offer a bachelor of arts degree in law and justice. For undergraduates interested in pursuing off-campus learning, the BA in law and justice program can be completely entirely online at CWU from any location. Within the constructs of the program, students are able to design course schedules modified to fit their interests. Popular career focuses include court administration, paralegal, correctional officer, juvenile justice and law enforcement. A graduate study program is available at CWU's main campus.

Home to the oldest criminal justice program in the country, today Washington State University bases the program in studying sciences such as psychology, sociology and political science. Students can earn a bachelor of arts in criminal justice and criminology and are encouraged to take advantage of various study abroad opportunities. Undergraduate internships in diverse law enforcement organizations, such as the campus or even state police, are promoted as another method of out-of-classroom education. WSU is also the site where the national criminal justice honor society was founded, now boasting more than 360 chapters across the states.

Seattle University's criminal justice department has six different emphasis areas within its bachelor program. Science enthusiasts can enroll in the bachelor of science program with a specialization in forensic psychology or forensic science in preparation for a career in a crime lab or as an investigator. The bachelor of arts degree option includes the previous specializations plus the justice theory and administration of justice specializations which do not require as much raw science education. To enhance the learning experience in a real-life setting, SU provides contacts and advising for internships among numerous agencies in the Seattle area.

As part of graduation requirements, criminal justice students at Saint Martin's University independently research and highlight a relevant ongoing issue presented in a senior capstone project, a two-semester culmination of work. The bachelor of arts in criminal justice degree features both traditional and niche studies to expand the student's knowledge arsenal. Although not mandatory, faculty members urge students to participate in research and internship opportunities in agencies such as the Washington State Department of Corrections and the Lacey Police Department. This program readies students for graduate school or employment in areas such as administration, counseling, forensics or law.

Taking a career-focused approach to studying criminal justice, undergraduate students at Heritage University learn critical skills of the field including communication, theory, and hands-on application of course learning material. By familiarizing students with these area-specific skills, students are expected to be well-equipped for various occupations in their respective area of criminal justice upon graduation. Graduates may be eligible to enter positions in the private and public sector. For further academic development and networking, criminal justice students are encouraged to join the Heritage Justice Circle (HJC) where they are able to explore careers, dive deeper into their academics, and meet working professionals in criminal justice.