Criminal Justice (B.S.) with P.O.S.T. Certification

The Bachelor of Science with a major in criminal justice with a Peace Office Standards and Training Council (P.O.S.T.) certification provides foundational exposure to all important aspects of the criminal justice system. There are options in major elective courses to specialize in a specific field of the criminal justice discipline.

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. 

The various criminal justice classes will address improving attention to detail, critical thinking skills, problem solving skills, and to communicate clearly, both written and orally. 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 Peace Office Standards and Training Council (P.O.S.T.) certification.

Degree Type

Bachelor of Science

Campus Availability

Criminal Justice at UNG

students training in combat

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 Criminal Justice Major with 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

What your Journey Could 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 engaged with hands on training in 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.

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.
students learn leadership skills on the ropes course at Pine Valley

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

Criminal Justice Abroad

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

Study Abroad

SMMC Staff working with student

Make Your Money Count

Take control of your personal finances. Attend budgeting workshops, make a financial action plan or connect with a money mentor.

Financial Well-being

Where Can This Program Lead You?

Upon graduating with your Bachelor of Science degree and P.O.S.T. certification, you will be much more marketable at graduation than the average Georgia P.O.S.T. 12-week academy graduate.

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.

Start Your Journey