Skip to Main Content Skip to Main Navigation Skip to Footer
UNG Logo
  • Info For...
    • Accepted Students
    • Current Students
    • Parents & Family
    • Faculty & Staff
    • Alumni
    • Business & Community
    • International Students
  • Quicklinks
    • Directories
    • myUNG
    • Academic Catalogs
    • Athletics
    • Banner
    • Bookstore
    • Calendars
    • Campuses & Maps
    • Continuing Education
    • D2L
    • Employment / HR
    • IT Service Desk
    • Libraries
    • UNG Foundation
  • Admissions
  • Corps of Cadets
  • Academics
  • Cost & Aid
  • Student Life
  • News & Events
  • Athletics
  • About Us

Find the most up-to-date information on the Presidential Search site.

Degrees & Programs
  • Pathways
  • Bachelor's
  • Graduate
  • Online
  • Nexus
  • Admissions
  • Costs & Aid
  • Visit Us
    1. UNG
    2. Academics
    3. Degrees & Programs
    4. Bachelor's Programs

    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

    • Dahlonega Campus

    Request Information How to Apply

    Criminal Justice at UNG

    student practicing handcuffing

    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

    Catalog Listing Plan of Study Tuition & Fees Visit Us

    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.

    Internship Information

    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.
    UNG President Dr. Bonita Jacobs views an exhibit in the art gallery.

    Experience the Arts

    Find outdoor sculptures across our campuses. Visit our galleries to see student and faculty art exhibitions. Art is all around!

    Art Galleries

    students at a multicultural student affairs event posing for a social media photo

    Where All Are Welcome

    We're all different, and we encourage & empower you to be you. We provide a safe space to celebrate and to learn from each other.

    Multicultural Student Affairs

    a newly formed fraternity pose for a photo

    Find Friends for Life

    Members of our fraternities, sororities, and gender-inclusive organizations find friendship in community service & leadership.

    Fraternity & Sorority Life

    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 our tool to explore different careers related to this degree program. You can download a customized career profile, learn about location-based salaries, and discover the skills you need to get the job you want.

    Start Your Journey

    Apply Now

    Start Your Application

    Learn More

    Request Information

    Department Info

    Department Site

    Related Programs

    Political Science Major with Pre-Law Concentration (B.S.)

    Strategic and Security Studies (B.A.)

    History (B.A.)

    Explore All Majors

    UNG Logo
    • Contact Us
    • Request Information
    • Quick Facts
    • Campus Maps & Directions
    • Student Consumer Information
    • Campus Safety
    • Emergency Information
    • Employment/HR
    • UNG Policies & Procedures
    • UNG Alumni Association
    • UNG Foundation
    • Ethics & Compliance Hotline
    • Human Trafficking Notice
    • Equal Empl. Opportunity

    © 2023 The University System of Georgia and the University of North Georgia.

    UNG follows the section 508 Standards and WCAG 2.0 for web accessibility. If you require this content in another format, please send an email to the ADA Coordinator.

    Use of military-themed imagery does not constitute endorsement by the U.S. Department of Defense.

    • Accreditation
    • Accessibility
    • Privacy Policy
    Establishing Connection...
    AskNigel