Criminal Justice

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Bachelor Degree

The Criminal Justice Program at Gwynedd-Mercy College is dedicated to providing students with the theoretical, practical and professional knowledge needed to succeed in today’s environment in the fields of law enforcement, courts, corrections, probation, parole, private security and related social career services.  Emphasis is placed upon preparing the student to enter the professional workplace or continue studies in graduate school.

The curriculum is designed to provide students with expert instruction on the most current trends, policies and practices in the field.  Gwynedd-Mercy College has recruited faculty members who are professionals in their respective fields within the criminal justice system. All part-time faculty are practicing professionals in the areas in which they teach. Class instruction is therefore as current as the events of that day. The curriculum of the Criminal Justice Program is innovative and demands intensive classroom learning combined with extensive research and required field experience.

One such class is Forensics, in which the nature of physical evidence is defined and the limitations that technology and current knowledge impose on its individualization and characterization are examined.  By combining case stories and “hands on” application, this course endeavors to capture the pulse and fervor of forensic science investigations.

In addition, most courses offer an opportunity for field experience and require 120 hours of internship/field practicum. Examples of internship sites have included: the Pottstown Police Department, Lower Salford Township Police Department, Springfield (Montco) Township Police Department, the Montgomery County District Attorneys Office, Laurel House, and the Montgomery County Youth Detention Center.

The faculty of the Gwynedd-Mercy College Criminal Justice Program are professionals in their respective fields within the criminal justice system.

Municipal Police Officer Certification (Act 120)

Students with career goals in local law enforcement have the option of attending the Municipal Police Academy at the Montgomery County Public Safety Training Campus located at 1175 Conshohocken Road, Conshohocken, Pa., 19428.  The Academy is certified by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania through the Municipal Police Officers’ Education and Training commission.  This training is offered as part of their four-year degree without extended time or expense.  Students are eligible to apply for the Academy during their junior year in order to attend in their senior year.

Congratulations to the Criminal Justice Program graduates of 2011!

(back row, l. to r.) Amanda Pfister, Professor Walt Zdunowski, Matthew Johnson and Preston Easley (front row, l. to r.) Brittany Sumpf, Melissa Dinnell, Angelo Fiorentino, Micheal Longfellow, Stacey Dinnell and Wanda Rodriguez

Advisory Board Members

Alpha Phi Sigma National Criminal Justice Honor Society

Criminal Justice Club

Guest Speakers

Field Trips

Curriculum Information

MAJOR

Criminal Justice - 63 credits

Careers in Criminal Justice

	ATF Agent Criminalist Private Security Bailiff Criminologist Police Detective CIA Agent Customs Agent Police Officer Coast Guard DEA Agent Probation Officer Compliance Officer FBI Agent Private Investigator Corrections Officer Forensic Psychology Secret Service Court Reporter Forensic Science Sheriff Court Clerk INS Agent US Marshall Crime Scene Investigation Paralegal