Criminal Justice at EXT
The Criminal Justice program prepares you for a successful career in law enforcement, counseling or probation. Whether you're looking to enter the field or advance your skills, our faculty, who are actively employed in the field, will help you reach your goals.
You Can
RWU is home to the premier Criminal Justice program in Rhode Island with many of the state’s Public Safety leaders among our graduates. Our program combines courses in policing, corrections and procedure with studies in the social sciences to introduce you to the theory and practice of criminal law and the moral complexity of the criminal justice system. Many of our graduates advance into graduate study or law school.
Faculty Who Work in their Fields
You need to be prepared for all the moral dilemmas and complexities the legal system brings. It's why we employ people who are actively working in the field to develop the curriculum and guide lessons.
An Expert Advisor
All matriculating students are assigned a on-on-one advisor, who is both an adjunct professor and an expert in their field.
"Working in the police and legal world, I have a pretty good feel for where students are coming from and in what direction they want to go."
Sean Parker, Captain, Cranston Police Department, Cranston, RI
His Advice: Get some training and specialized skills under your belt while going through the process of getting your degree by taking advantage of the professional certificate programs.
More: Sean Parker, Police Captain, EXT Adjunct Professor, Criminal Justice Advisor
How You'll Get There
At EXT we support you on your individual path. Whether you are just starting out or picking up where you left off, we work with you to accomplish your goals. As you work with our faculty, you'll build lasting connections that open doors to your success. You'll receive one-on-one guidance from your advisor each step of the way.
EXT offers students flexibility to bring in a wide range of previous credit. You may take advantage of our Prior Learning Assessment, applying transfer credit, trainings and assessments, military experience, work experience, and self-taught skills toward your degree. EXT provides standardized credit documentation for a wide range of trainings for public safety officials. For example, officers who have completed the R.I. Municipal Police Academy can receive up to 26.5 credits towards this degree.
You Need
- A passion for justice
- Official transcripts from high school, college
You Don't Need
- entrance exams
- SAT/ACT scores
- pre-requisites
- admissions essay
- application fee
- GPA requirements
Sample Courses
Policing in America
Constitutional Law
Juvenile Justice
Bachelor & Associate Degree Options
Your Career
Careers in this field are expected to grow 5% in the next ten years, a reflection of the continued need for public safety. The Criminal Justice program gives you the tools you need to enter the field, quality for a promotion, apply your military skills to the civilian world, and more.
While career outlooks depend on candidate experience and specific employer requirements, the table below reflects median salaries in the following potential positions*
| Job | What You Do | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| First-Line Supervisor of Federal Law Enforcement Workers | Directly supervise and coordinate activities of members of federal law enforcement workers. | $123,640 |
| Detective | Gather facts and collect evidence of possible crimes. | $85,020 |
| Correctional Administrator | Provide supervision and leadership in prisons and jails | $68,350 |
| Police Officer | Protect people and property. Patrol assigned areas, respond to calls, enforce laws, make arrests, issue citations | $64,400 |
| Probation Officer | Assist in rehabilitation of law offenders in custody or on probation or parole. | $58,790 |
| Correctional Officer | Oversee those who have been arrested and are awaiting trial or who have been sentenced to serve time in jail or prison. | $49,300 |
*Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook. Job outlook: 2018-2028. Median salary: 2018
Individualized Support, More Affordable
At University College, you get the individualized attention of a private university at a more affordable cost. There are multiple options for financial aid, scholarships, and accelerated paths to get you to the degree you need. Some programs run by Roger Williams are awarded by simply applying for admission, while others are awarded to students through a more formal aid application process.
To ensure full consideration for all aid programs, complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
Learn More About Tuition at EXT
Questions? Reach out!
Everyone has questions.
Our Pathway Specialists have answers. Contact EXT Admissions at ucadmissions@rwu.edu.