Bachelor of Arts in Public Service - Management of Criminal Justice
Our public service - criminal justice management program will equip you with valuable knowledge of how real world issues are handled.
Make a difference in your community
Not every hero wears a cape. In fact, many of them simply hang a diploma on the wall, having graduated this program. It’s a degree that could take your career in a number of different directions. Every one of them aims to help you make sure the world becomes a safer place to live and work. So if you’re ready to be ever vigilant and true – and to unleash a positive force upon your community and the world – perhaps a career in criminal justice and public policy is just the right fit. (And no one will stop you from wearing a cape if that’s what you really want to do.)
$1000s in new scholarships available for this program.
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Concordia University will not share your personal information. By submitting this form you agree to be contacted about Concordia's Education Offerings.If you are ready to have a positive impact in your community and the world—perhaps a degree in public service is the right fit. You emerge with analytical skills, critical thinking skills, and go on to practice in organizations fostering service and commitment to serve local, national and international organizations.
Your choice of concentrations:
- Leadership
- Management of Criminal Justice
Whichever concentration you choose, you will have the option to combine an internship or project in exploration of career opportunities in these fields. The internship will provide you an opportunity to exercise, in a practical manner, the skills, knowledge and responsibilities of a practitioner.
REQUIRED COURSES
- Foundations of Leadership
- Crisis and Emergency Management
- Public Information and Community Relations
- Stress Management
- Public Finance and Budgeting
- Career in Justice and Service - options of an internship or project in exploration of career opportunities in the field.
- Ethics in Justice and Service
- Leading in an Inclusive, Diverse and Equitable Organization
Criminal Justice CONCENTRATION COURSES
This concentration emphasizes skills needed to inform your interests and expertise needed to lead justice-related organizations, namely corrections, courts, justice administration, law enforcement, and probation/parole.
- Criminal Justice Research Methods
- Forensic Investigation
- Management of Public Service Agencies
- Criminal Justice Liability Law
If you’re going to be a defender of the law, it’s probably a good idea you study up on ethics. You’ll get plenty of that in this program, taking a look at ethical decision-making by criminal justice workers. You’ll also gain an introduction to a wide variety of other topics, like criminal psychology, as well as public policy and its effect on the American court and criminal justice system. You’ll have an opportunity to understand criminal investigation processes like interviewing, crime scene analysis, and collection of evidence. (Hint: CSI: Miami had it all wrong. Now, COPS, on the other hand …) You’ll study the law as it relates to arrests, searches, and seizures by law enforcement, probation and parole officers, and corrections officials. You’ll even study the rules of evidence and courtroom procedures.
There may not be a bat signal at the end of this program, but you’ll be thoroughly prepared for a career in court administration, security management, custodial and community-based corrections, intelligence operations, or investigations. Or maybe you’ll be more interested in municipal, state, or federal law enforcement. Or maybe state or federal probation and parole. Who knows? You could even use this degree as a good launching point for a bid at law school! Point is, you can expect this program to help you explore the incredibly exciting study of the courts, crime causation, criminal law, public policy, and the justice system.
Career Outlook
- Public Service Manager
- Attorney
- Law Enforcement
- Corrections
- Juvenile Justice
- Paralegal
- Public Safety
Recommended for you (based on programs you’ve viewed)
- Online
- Virtual
You may apply at any time as Concordia operates on a rolling admission basis with new courses beginning every 8 weeks. Applications will be reviewed until about two weeks before the start of the next eight-week class session.
Steps for program admission:
- Submit your accelerated online application.
- We help guide you through: You will receive communication from your helpful Admission Counselor about next steps, entrance requirements, and how to submit application materials.
- Review entrance requirements and submit admissions pieces:
- Cumulative undergrad GPA of 2.00 for previous college credits from regionally accredited institutions for full acceptance. *If GPA is lower than 2.00, students may be accepted conditionally based upon additional requirements.
- Official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions must be sent to CUAA Admission, 4090 Geddes Rd. Ann Arbor, MI 48105. If less than 60 college credits, an official high school transcript or proof of GED is required. *Standardized test results are not required.
- Acceptance! When your application file is complete, it will be reviewed by the admission committee and you will be notified of entrance status.
- Schedule Advising Appointment: Once admitted, you may schedule to meet with your Academic & Career Advisor who will review your degree plan, discuss orientation steps, the CUAA student portal, and assist with registering for classes.
- Fill out application for Uncommon Scholarship if you qualify.
Kenneth E. Harris
Ph.D; MBA; BA; BS
Department Chair - Justice and Public Policy
Phone: (262) 243-4365
Bio
Kenneth Harris, Jr., Ph.D. is Department Chair - Justice and Public Policy; Chief Strategist of Talented Strategies; retired Police Lieutenant; President - Launch MKE; President - 100 Black Men of Greater Milwaukee; Board member - Red Cross.

Education
- Ph D - Leadership Studies, Marian University (2009)
- MBA - Finance, Concordia University Wisconsin (2002)
- BA - Criminal Justice Management, Concordia University Wisconsin (2000)
- BS - Mass Communication, Illinois State University (1984)
- Diversity and Inclusion, Cornell University (2019)
Research Interests
- African American Law Enforcement Officers
- Self-Leadership
Teaching Interests
- Criminal Justice
- Leadership