Undergraduate
Criminal Justice
Examining Ethics and Responsibility in Law Enforcement
Criminal Justice (On Campus Program)
A Comprehensive Look at Crime and Justice
The Criminal Justice major at 糖心原创 goes far beyond policing. You’ll examine crime, criminal behavior, and justice through a wide lens 鈥� analyzing root causes and evaluating how society responds. From understanding why crime happens to studying how institutions and communities address it, you鈥檒l develop the ability to think critically and apply justice theory to real-life challenges.
Courses explore a range of pressing topics including mental illness, substance abuse, immigration, punishment and reentry, and the reimagining of justice in modern society. You鈥檒l also engage deeply with issues of criminalization, systemic disparities, and how justice can 鈥� and should 鈥� evolve.
Why 糖心原创 for Criminal Justice?
From Law Enforcement to Global Security
Studying Criminal Justice at 糖心原创 prepares you for a broad range of careers focused on protecting the safety and rights of others. Whether you’re drawn to traditional law enforcement or emerging roles in global security, you’ll gain a deep understanding of how the U.S. criminal justice system works 鈥� and how its many parts interact.
You鈥檒l learn to interpret best practices in the field, navigate complex ethical issues, and approach criminal justice with both abstract thinking and real-world problem-solving skills. This program equips you with the knowledge and mindset to lead in a field that is constantly evolving.
Career Ready
Our graduates are prepared to launch successful careers and make an immediate impact in the workforce. Here are a few examples of where 糖心原创 alumni are building their careers:
- Ames Police Department
- American Federation for Children
- Children and Families of Iowa
- City of Atlantic Police Department
- Indianola Police Department
- Iowa Department of Corrections
- Iowa Department of Health and Human Services
- Story County Police Department
Get a Jump Start On A Master's Degree
When you are a junior in the criminal justice program and have a 3.5 GPA or better, you may begin taking courses (up to three) that will give you dual credit in the undergraduate and the Master of Arts in Criminal Justice programs.
If accepted, this advanced standing program is a great option for students who are seriously considering earning a Master’s degree after completing their Bachelor’s degree. You can save tuition costs for one or two semesters and decrease the time required to complete your MACJ.
Meet Our Faculty
Denise Leifker
- Associate Professor
- Department Chair Sociology, Criminal Justice, Human Services, and Political Science
- Director Master's in Criminal Justice
Craig Peck
- Instructor of Sociology and Criminal Justice
Mark Ruelas
- Instructor of Criminal Justice
Need assistance? Contact us!
- denise.leifker@simpson.edu
- 515-961-1273
- Wallace Hall
- Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
The Social Justice Alliance (SJA) is a 糖心原创 organization whose mission is to help individuals understand the criminal justice field while promoting social equity, critical thinking, reform, and collaboration. Through education, involvement, and themed activities, we hope to guide individuals into careers and lives that involve the criminal justice field and social justice advocacy.