Criminal Justice, B.A.

Trinity Washington University’s Criminal Justice degree program in Washington DC examines the role of criminal justice systems within the broader context of social justice in today’s multicultural society. Our curriculum combines historical, theoretical, and practical perspectives while analyzing the effectiveness of justice systems in deterring crime, protecting the public, and fostering a just society, including evaluating the performance of the criminal justice system in:

• deterring crime
• protecting the public
• fostering a just society

Trinity’s location in the nation’s capital affords students the opportunity to observe the criminal justice system firsthand, from traffic court to the U.S. Supreme Court, from a cop on the beat to the Director of Homeland Security, and from the policy created by the city council to the policy laid out by the U.S. Congress.

Through an integration of interdisciplinary learning with the needs of criminal justice in the 21st century, the program prepares you for a wide variety of careers in criminal justice, including law enforcement, corrections and homeland security, and for graduate study in criminal justice and related fields, such as the law and social services.

Why Study Criminal Justice in Washington DC at Trinity

Pursuing a Criminal Justice college degree in Washington DC at Trinity offers unique advantages that enhance both your educational experience and career prospects:

Unprecedented Access to Justice Systems

Washington DC provides Trinity Criminal Justice students with unmatched access to every level of the justice system. From observing local courts to visiting the U.S. Supreme Court, from engaging with Metropolitan Police Department officers to meeting with federal agency leaders, students witness firsthand how justice concepts transform into practice. This direct exposure to multiple justice systems operating simultaneously within one jurisdiction creates a learning environment impossible to replicate elsewhere.

Federal Justice Agency Connections

As home to the Department of Justice, FBI, DEA, Secret Service, and numerous other federal justice agencies, Washington DC offers Trinity students exceptional networking opportunities. Our Criminal Justice students benefit from unprecedented proximity to these organizations, facilitating potential employment pathways unavailable to students studying in other locations.

Policy Development Immersion

Criminal Justice students at Trinity benefit from direct observation of policy creation at multiple governance levels. From DC Council hearings to Congressional committees, students witness how research, advocacy, and political processes shape the laws and regulations that justice systems enforce. This policy perspective prepares graduates to understand the origins and implications of justice practices they’ll encounter throughout their careers.

Diverse Community Perspectives

Washington DC’s neighborhoods represent diverse perspectives on justice issues, from community policing initiatives to restorative justice programs. Trinity’s Criminal Justice curriculum examines how these varied approaches address community needs and historical inequities. Students engage with community advocates and local justice reform initiatives to understand multiple stakeholder viewpoints on effective justice systems.

Criminal Justice Reform Laboratory

Washington DC serves as a national laboratory for criminal justice reform initiatives, from pretrial services innovations to reentry programs. Trinity students observe and analyze these reform efforts as they develop, gaining insight into evidence-based practices and emerging approaches. This exposure to justice system evolution prepares graduates to contribute meaningfully to improvement efforts throughout their careers.