Criminal Justice


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The Criminal Justice program offers students an opportunity to explore both historical and contemporary issues related to crime, punishment, and rehabilitation. A focus on improving critical thinking skills will prepare individuals for either graduate school or as a criminal justice practitioner in one of the many career paths this degree will afford them.

The mission of the criminal justice program is to offer a quality academic program conducive to the learning experiences of students. Central to achieving this mission is an interdisciplinary program of study that prepares graduates for careers in criminal justice or to continue their education through advanced academic degrees. The mission will be accomplished in a stimulating academic environment that values diversity and fosters respect among students, faculty, and staff. The criminal justice program's mission will complement the overall mission of the Department of Sciences, the School of Humanities and Social Sciences, and Elizabeth City State University.

Student Learning Outcomes 

  • To provide opportunities to enhance students' verbal, written, and technological skills to function effectively as future criminal justice professionals
  • To provide students with the knowledge and skills that will enable them to critically investigate issues regarding crime and justice
  • To develop a competent individual capable of independent and effective decision making in criminal justice organizations

Plan of Study

Criminal Justice

minors:
Criminal Justice
Juvenile Justice
Pre-Law

ECSU has agreements with select community colleges for Criminal Justice.  Eligibility requirements for students to enroll in the online degree completion for Criminal Justice requires students to have completed an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Criminal Justice Technology from one of the below community colleges.
  • ROANOKE CHOWAN COMMUNITY COLLEGE
  • HALIFAX COMMUNITY COLLEGE
  • BEAUFORT COMMUNITY COLLEGE 
  • PITT COMMUNITY COLLEGE
  • EDGECOMBE COMMUNITY COLLEGE

Primary Contact: Dr. Chyna Crawford

These articulation agreements allow students, who have completed an associate degree in criminal justice, the opportunity to complete their baccalaureate degree at ECSU, completely online.

 

ECSU Criminal Justice Club 
The Criminal Justice Club at ECSU seeks to enhance criminal justice through educational activities and promote student involvement in community service programs. The club meets regularly and is open to all students regardless of major. Contact: Dr. Jay Fortenbery

 

Club Application

Alpha Phi Sigma National Criminal Justice Honors Society

Alpha Phi Sigma recognizes academic excellence of Undergraduate and Graduate students of Criminal Justice, as well as Juris Doctorate students. The goals of Alpha Phi Sigma are to honor and promote academic excellence, community service, educational leadership, and unity. Alpha Phi Sigma is the only criminal justice honor society which is a certified member of the Association of College Honor Societies and affiliated with the Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences. To qualify for an invitation, students must be enrolled at the time of application in the institution represented by the chapter, have declared a major, minor or equivalent in the criminal justice or related field, have completed three full time semesters or its equivalent, have a minimum GPA of 3.2 on a 4.0 scale, with a minimum GPA of 3.2 in courses in criminal justice-related fields and rank in the top 35% of their class. Membership into this organization will provide students and future criminal justice practitioners the ability to network with others in their field and, in some fields, qualifies the individual for an automatic pay grade increase.

Alpha Phi Sigma is the only Criminal Justice Honor Society which is a certified member of the Association of College Honor Societies and affiliated with the Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences.   Contact: Dr. Chyna N. Crawford

Elizabeth City State University is an institutional member of the Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences.

Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences
American Academy of Forensic Sciences
American Bar Association
American Civil Liberties Union
American Correctional Association
American Criminal Justice Association
American Jail Association
American Probation and Parole Association
American Society of Criminology
American Society of Victimology
Correctional Education Association
International Association of Campus Law Enforcement Administrators
International Bar Association
Justice Studies Association
Law and Society Association
National Association of Blacks in Criminal Justice
National Association of Police Organizations
National Center for State Courts
National Sheriffs' Association
North Carolina Bar Association
North Carolina Criminal Justice Association
Southern Criminal Justice Association
Southern Poverty Law Center

Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences
American Academy of Forensic Sciences
American Bar Association
American Civil Liberties Union
American Correctional Association
American Criminal Justice Association
American Jail Association
American Probation and Parole Association
American Society of Criminology
American Society of Victimology
Correctional Education Association
International Association of Campus Law Enforcement Administrators
International Bar Association
Justice Studies Association
Law and Society Association
National Association of Blacks in Criminal Justice
National Association of Police Organizations
National Center for State Courts
National Sheriffs' Association
North Carolina Bar Association
North Carolina Criminal Justice Association
Southern Criminal Justice Association
Southern Poverty Law Center

Preparing for Graduate School
Graduate Record Examination

 Graduate Programs in Criminal Justice
North Carolina & Southeastern Virginia

Preparing for Law School
Law School Admissions Council
Students who plan to attend law school should consult with the pre-law advisor, Professor Torian Lee early in their undergraduate careers.

Law Schools in North Carolina and Southeastern Virginia

  • Court Programs Specialist
  • Immigration & Customs Enforcement Special Agent
  • State Trooper
  • U.S. Marshal
  • Victim-Witness Specialist
  • Community Development Specialist
  • Military Officer
  • Criminal Research Specialist
  • Investigative Assistant
  • Transportation Security Specialist
  • Crime Analyst
  • Alcohol Law Enforcement Officer
  • Internal Revenue Service Special Agent
  • Drug Enforcement Agent
  • Community Service Coordinator
  • Park Ranger
  • Magistrate
  • Judicial Services Coordinator
  • Police Officer
  • Corrections Officer
  • Correctional Case Manager
  • Postal Service Investigator
  • Security Specialist
  • Fish & Game Warden
  • Pre-Trial Services Officer
  • Parole Case Analyst
  • Loss Prevention Specialist
  • Private Security Officer
  • Deputy Sheriff
  • Probation and/or Parole Officer
  • Juvenile Court Counselor
  • Judicial Assistant
  • Public Safety Officer
  • SBI Agent
  • Victim Services Specialist
  • School Resource Officer
  • Youth Services Behavioral Specialist
  • Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, Explosives Special Agent
  • District Attorney Investigator

Jobs Requiring Additional Education or Experience

  • Attorney
  • Social Research Associate
  • FBI Agent
  • Criminal Investigator
  • Warden
  • Criminologist
  • Project Director
  • Corrections Facilities Manager
  • Police Detective
  • Policy Analyst
  • University Professor
  • Substance Abuse Counselor
  • Private Investigator
  • Program Manager

Governmental Employment Links

Potential Salary Information

  • Lawyer- $120,000
  • Police/Detective- $63,800
  • Paralegals- $50,940
  • Private Investigator- $50,090
  • Homeland Security - $77,000
  • FBI Agent- $64,060
  • Forensic Science Technician - $59,150

 Scholarships and Funds 

V.A. Leonard Scholarship
V.A. Leonard founded Alpha Phi Sigma in 1942. The V.A. Leonard Scholarship was established in 1982 in honor and recognition of Dr. Leonard’s leadership and hard work in the field of Criminal Justice. This Scholarship is based on academic achievement, professional recommendations, and extracurricular activities. The recipients will receive a scholarship of $1,500 and a certificate.

Applicants must:

  • Follow the stipulated scholarship guidelines below.
  • Submit a paper on “My Perception of Alpha Phi Sigma.”
  • Describe your perception of Alpha Phi Sigma and what direction you would like to see the Honor Society take in the future, in approximately 5-7 pages.
  • In an additional 2 pages, state “Why I Deserve this Scholarship.” Why you deserve the scholarship and how you intend to use the scholarship money.
  • Submit a copy of your most recent transcript signed by your chapter advisor.
  • Submit 3 letters of recommendations, preferably from faculty

Regina B. Shearn Scholarship
Dr. Regina B. Shearn is the first Executive Director of Alpha Phi Sigma. The Honor Society has grown considerably and continues to grow and thrive under her leadership and tutelage. The Regina B. Shearn Scholarship was established in 2001. This Scholarship is based on academic performance, leadership, service, personal statement, and evaluation reports. Recipients will receive a scholarship of $1,500 and a certificate.

Applicants must:

  • Follow the stipulated scholarship guidelines below.
  • Academic Performance — submit most recent transcript, signed by your chapter advisor.
  • Leadership and Service on the campus and in the community—submit a current copy of your resume with leadership, service, and honors/awards listed (on campus and in the community).
  • Personal statement of educational perspective, purpose, and objectives, approximately 5 -7 pages.
  • Evaluation reports from three individuals who are in a position to attest to your performance, citizenship, and character.

Criminal Justice Scholarship Award
Crimcheck offers an annual $500 scholarship award to a student who is currently enrolled, or recent high school graduates who are pursuing post-secondary education with the goal of a career in the criminal justice field. Established in 2014, this award recognizes outstanding achievements in academics as well as a desire to make a positive difference in the world.

This scholarship is open to:

  • Students who are currently enrolled in post-secondary education or high school seniors/recent high school graduates who are pursuing post-secondary education in the criminal justice field
  • A minimum GPA of 3.0
  • Must be full time or part time students enrolled in classes for the current year.

The criminal justice program offers an internship program, which allows students to obtain experience in an area of interest. A limited number of internships may be available for students with senior standing. Internships typically are unpaid, and subject to additional restrictions. Internships must be prearranged with the agency and the university at least one semester before the start of the internship. Please consult with the criminal justice internship coordinator for an internship packet.

Below are Albemarle area agencies that may accept criminal justice majors as student interns. Internships must be prearranged with the agency and the university at least one semester before the start of the internship. Internships are available outside the Albemarle area with prior approval.

Corrections

Courts and Judicial Services

Law Enforcement

Victim Services

Youth Services

 

Dr. Tina Craddock

Visiting Assistant Professor, Program Coordinator, Criminal Justice
344 Gilchrist Complex
Phone: (252) 335-3844
tbcraddock@ecsu.edu