Criminal and Legal Studies
Bachelor of Science (B.S.)
Protect our communities, enforce laws and ensure justice.
Tailor your degree to fit your unique career and academic interests in the areas of criminal studies or law with a flexible program that ranks as one of the most popular at Frostburg State University.
You'll gain an understanding of the workings of the United States criminal justice system, including its agencies, personnel and diverse responsibilities.
Although the program is not offered as a minor, it is a degree that is often taken as a double major combined with political science, sociology or another compatible area of study.
You'll also be able to choose from multiple concentrations to further shape your degree.
- criminal studies, which is focused on law enforcement
- legal studies, which prepares students for law school or work in the court system
Criminal and Legal Studies Program Highlights
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Enter the exciting career field of law enforcement. Many of our criminal studies graduates hold positions with the state and local police departments, the ATF, corrections, juvenile justice and the secret service.
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Gain the background and knowledge you need to enter law school or attend graduate school in the area of public policy or another related field.
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Join Politics, Law & Society, an FSU student organization that promotes a deeper understanding of politics and law, and how they impact various aspects of our society
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Complete an internship working with the district attorney’s office, the courts or a law office, if desired.
What can I do with a criminal and legal studies degree?
Median pay for law enforcement officers (BLS 2021)
Related Occupations
Attorney
Paralegal
Private Investigator
Technical Writer
Police Officer
Law enforcement officers
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, job openings for law enforcement officers are expected to grow by 5 percent through 2022. Opportunities are expected to increase as public interest in the need for security grows. Opportunities vary regionally. For more information visit U.S. Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Lawyers
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics anticipates the career opportunities for lawyers to grow by 10 percent through 2022, which is on par with the national average across all occupations. For more information visit U.S. Occupational Outlook Handbook.
What You'll Learn
- Explore ethical issues such as abortion, euthanasia, physician-assisted suicide, the death penalty, censorship of pornography and hate speech, sex and marriage, social and economic justice, world hunger and global poverty, the environment and the treatment of animals.
- Study the social causes and consequences of criminal behavior. Learn about criminal law, the police, courts and correctional institutions.
- Apply analytical tools to American public policy areas.
I chose Frostburg State because I knew they had a good Criminal and Legal Studies program.
A’Lexus Blue ’17, Law & Society Major
Our Alumni
Our criminal and legal studies graduates have gone on to a variety of successful careers.
Job Titles
- Asst. State's Attorney
- Police Officer
Employers
- Baltimore County
A Frostburg State education: more valuable than ever.
With nationally recognized academic programs, real-world learning experiences, a top-notch support system, and a thriving student life, Frostburg State is a place where you can discover yourself, define your goals, and prepare for your future.