The Criminal Justice major at Alliance University is designed to equip its students with the integrity and Christian character needed to face the unique challenges of working in the criminal justice field. With a biblical cornerstone, the program trains students to understand the legal, philosophical and moral foundations of the criminal justice system. Students are prepared to be community engagers as well as practitioners who seek to help and comfort.
Why Study Criminal Justice at Alliance University?
The criminal justice program at Alliance University is unique due to the emphasis on the restorative justice approach. Restorative justice is a philosophical framework which emphasizes the need to focus on the way in which crime harms relationships and communities. This framework is firmly rooted in the biblical principles of healing, restitution and reconciliation. The student’s educational experience culminates in a hands-on internship experience giving them the unique opportunity to gain practical experience, insight and skills into the criminal justice domain.
Restorative Justice Approach
Biblical Principles
Hands-On Experience
What Will I Study?
The program is structured to meet the content area mandates as recommended by the Academy of Criminal Justice Science. These mandates include having coursework in the following areas: administration of justice, corrections, criminological theory, law adjudication, law enforcement as well as research and analytic methods.
Students will be able to:
- theorize about crime and criminal behavior with an understanding of religious, cultural, legal and ethical factors.
- understand the political implications of crime and enforcement.
- successfully incorporate other topics in criminal justice (ethics, punishment, process) which mandates students to consider when applying criminal law.
- acquire knowledge of the limitations and misinterpretations associated with constitutional rights.
- understand the constitutional provisions most important to criminal law.
- self-analyze how personal values may conflict with the ethical standards held by criminal justice.
- demonstrate evidence of critical reflection on the concept of restorative justice.
Career Opportunities
The degree provides a solid education on the current philosophical framework in criminal justice and prepares students for careers in the following areas: policing, probation and parole, corrections, private security, social welfare services, loss prevention, intelligence specialist, and court professionals.

Testimonials
Meet Key Faculty

Dr. Miguel Sanchez
Associate Professor of Criminal Justice and Sociology
Miguel.Sanchez@allianceu.eduView Profile