Criminal Justice Major with Forensics Concentration (B.S.) and P.O.S.T. Certificate

If you have a goal of being a crime scene investigator or another type of investigative work, the Criminal Justice major with a Concentration in Forensics will assist in building a foundation for the career. Interests in research, investigation, problem solving, and the ability to be poised under pressure are key characteristics to being successful in the program.

The UNG Public Safety Academy (PSA) experienced staff will guide you into federal, state, and local law enforcement opportunities. Peace Officers Standards and Training Council (P.O.S.T.) the PSA provide individual hands-on training that students need in the law enforcement field.

Courses may include in-depth investigations in policing, courts, corrections, or forensics. An internship experience is a requirement and participating in the Public Safety Academy for the (P.O.S.T.) certification.

Degree Type

Bachelor of Science

Campus Availability

Criminal Justice at UNG

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Our faculty members have years of experience on the job in criminal justice. As active-practitioners, the program uses "pracademics" which combines the real world experience and practices into academics.

Our faculty were or are currently:

  • Police officers
  • Detectives
  • Judges
  • Prosecutors
  • Defense attorneys

Experience the Forensics Concentration

The Criminal Justice Department as a whole is unique due to the number of professors who were also practitioners. The Criminal Justice major with a concentration is Forensics has key features that distinguishes us from other universities and colleges. The professors are able to provide real-life experiences outside of the textbook.

The forensic professors were former practitioners with over 30 years of experience combined

Classes have crime scene exercises and a crime scene house for hands-on experience

The program has a robust internship program with many networking opportunities

What Your Journey Might Look Like

  1. First Year - You will start with introductory courses, building your foundation in Criminal Justice.
  2. Sophomore Year - Continue building upon the foundations with courses in criminology, rules of evidence, and criminal investigation
  3. Junior Year - At this point, you will be diving into courses about criminal behavior, firearms, pursuit driving, crime scene investigation, and evidence collection.
  4. Senior Year - You will apply your knowledge and participate in a required internship at a Criminal Justice Agency.

Experience the P.O.S.T. Certification

The UNG Public Safety Academy provides extensive advanced training that exceeds far beyond the basic certification requirements. This includes advanced certifications in taser, ASP baton, patrol rifle familiarization, standardized field sobriety and radar/lidar certifications. 

We position our graduates for higher starting salaries and better opportunities for early advancement. These certifications are not usually received until after an officer has been with their agency for a while. You will enter Field Training Programs with the confidence and the tools necessary to be successful and move forward into your agency assignment. 

Advance Training and Academics beyond the GA Basic Mandate Academy

Individual one-on-one training

Recruitment opportunities in progressive law enforcement agencies

Define Your Own College Experience

College life isn't just about academics. It's about the relationships you make, the experiences you have, and the new things you can discover not just about yourself, but about the world around you. UNG provides many opportunities on each campus and beyond to help you explore your interests and find new passions.
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Have a New Adventure

Sign-up for an adventure trip, rent camping equipment, or climb to new heights on the Pine Valley Ropes Course.

Outdoor Pursuits

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Stay Active & Well

From state-of-the art workout facilities, to over 35 different intramural sports, there are lots of ways to stay fit at UNG.

Campus Recreation & Wellness

Criminal Justice Abroad

Learn about different justice systems around the world, with immersive programs in Africa, Europe, and the Asia/Pacific region.

Study Abroad

Where Can This Program Lead You?

At the completion of Criminal Justice with a concentration in Forensics program, the student should have a strong foundation of crime scene principles and skills. The principles cannot only be applied to crime scene investigation, but other areas in the criminal justice system too.

Where Our Students Have Interned

  • Federal Bureau Investigation (FBI)
  • Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI)
  • Crime Scene Unit
  • U.S. Marshals Service
  • Georgia Department of Natural Resources
  • Police Departments and Sheriff's Offices all over Georgia
  • White County District Attorney
  • More locations

Where Our Students Found Jobs

  • Federal Bureau Investigation (FBI)
  • Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI)
  • Crime Scene Unit
  • Secret Service
  • Crime Scene Unit
  • Dunwoody Police Department
  • Douglas County DA
  • Hall County Sheriff’s Office
  • Alpharetta Police Department
  • And more

Where Our Students Have Gone to Grad School

  • University of North Georgia
  • Liberty University
  • Regents University

Use the career insights tool to explore different opportunities related to this degree program. Learn about average salary and discover the skills you need to get the job you want.

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