Our Criminal Justice program gives you extensive first-hand knowledge of the full criminal justice system. Alumni of the program have worked for the U.S. Secret Service, Interpol, and the Vermont Attorney General’s Office, as well as social justice nonprofits, advocacy organizations, law firms, and law enforcement agencies. Our student-centered curriculum is unique, and flexible, and allows you to focus on the areas of the legal system that appeal to your interests. No matter your focus, you’ll graduate well-prepared to start your career or pursue law school and other graduate studies.
Why Study Criminal Justice at Vermont State?
- Strong career placement: Graduates have moved on to careers with the U.S. Secret Service, Interpol, the Vermont Attorney General’s Office, court systems, social justice nonprofits, and law enforcement agencies.
- Study abroad in Ireland: Students can participate in a study abroad program, Comparative Justice Ireland, offered each summer.
- Flexible program: We offer summer, winter, condensed, and online classes to work with your schedule and make it possible for you to finish your degree early.
- Marketable skills: Classes like investigation sciences, GIS crime mapping in communities, advanced GIS techniques, as well as a course on program evaluation and policy analysis (Criminal Justice Administration) will help you develop the skills you need to stand out in the job market.
- Community impact: Students are engaging in and facilitating community-based restorative justice practices through the “Youth Justice Panel” program offered through the Community Restorative Justice Center in partnership with the Caledonia County District Attorney’s office.
- Excellent law school preparation: Prepare for a successful law school application and build your resumé with internships at the Vermont Attorney General’s Office, public defender’s offices, and other top organizations in the region.
- Focus on restorative justice: Our program is unique in the region for offering coursework in the emerging field of restorative justice.
Concentrations in Criminal Justice
Students in this program choose a concentration to combine with their foundational classes.
- Criminology
- General Criminal Justice
- Restorative Justice
To apply, please select Criminal Justice from the list on the application. You will have opportunity to identify your concentration interest after you apply.
Financial Aid for Criminal Justice Students
Vermont State University is providing a high-quality, affordable degree in criminal justice to students across Vermont and Beyond. More than 80 percent of Vermont State students are awarded financial aid, including new students, transfer students, international students, out-of-state students, and first-generation students. Our financial aid team is here to help you explore all your options.
Internships and Experiential Learning
There are many opportunities for you to gain practical skills in criminal justice and law through internships, professional development, and career services.
- Recent internships have taken place at the Howard Center, Vermont Department of Liquor Control, Vermont Criminal Justice Training Council, Victim Advocate within State Attorney’s Office, and Rutland County Public Defender’s Office.
- Students who are enlisted in the military will find opportunities that let them balance work, training, and school.
- There are opportunities to intern with local and state police departments, and scheduling a ride-along with an officer is part of some classes.
- Our program provides excellent preparation for law school and legal careers. Students have interned at the Vermont Attorney General’s Office.
Minors Available in the Criminal Justice Program
Interested in adding a minor to your degree program? See minors available in the Criminal Justice program below.
- Criminal Justice
- Criminology
Student Stories
“This is really the only school that has in-depth classes on the subject of restorative justice. I put a lot of value on that … Not a lot of people have a belief in restorative justice going into the criminal justice field. I feel like I have the ability and motivation to change the system to make it fairer.”
Cole Stillson ’19
Criminal Justice
“The most educational part of the internship for me was the hours I spent in a ride-along scene with multiple state troopers. This provided insight into what types of events I would be doing if this was the career path I chose.”
Josh Sickles ’20
Criminal Justice
