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Criminal Justice Advising FAQ
Who do I talk to if I'm interested in Criminal Justice as a major?
Visit the Criminal Justice Advising Center in Alpine Hall 133 where we have an advisor dedicated to helping students who wish to become Criminal Justice majors or need assistance in planning for a criminal justice career. The Criminal Justice Advising Center Coordinator provides academic assistance to both prospective and continuing Criminal Justice majors. You can also send an email to Criminal Justice Advising.
Another great resource is our Faculty of the Division of Criminal Justice. Our faculty come from many areas of expertise and are happy to discuss potential career paths.
In addition, each student in the major is assigned a faculty advisor to assist with navigating through the Criminal Justice degree. We recommend that students meet with a Criminal Justice advisor once per semester to discuss course planning and graduation.
Can I minor in Criminal Justice?
No, the minor is suspended at this time because we are an impacted major.
Do you have an overview for being a Criminal Justice major?
Yes! The Four-Year Plan shows an overview of the courses you would take over a four-year undergraduate career, including suggested General Education courses, and the approximate order in which to take them. Transfer students should look at Years 3 and 4.
The Major Planning Worksheet provides a checklist for your major required courses on the first page, and a list of major electives on the second page.
Do you have any career information?
Yes! We have printable Advising Guides for these career options:
- Corrections
- Policing
- Crime and Intelligence Analyst
- Law School Preparation
- Graduate School Preparation
In addition, our Criminal Justice faculty and the Criminal Justice Advising Center are both good resources for more insight into available careers in Criminal Justice.
Another avenue to consider is the Law Enforcement Candidate Scholars' (LECS) Program. LECS partners with multiple law enforcement agencies including the Sacramento Police Department to provide a pathway for motivated students to transition directly from college to the police academy and a career in law enforcement.
Do you offer internships? Are they required?
While they are not required to graduate, they are highly recommended. Internships are a great way to gain career experience and we encourage them. Seniors can use an internship for up to two semesters of elective course credit through CRJ 195. Visit the Criminal Justice Internship page for more information.
Are there online classes?
Yes! This program offers some classes in an online or hybrid (split between in-person lecture and online teaching days) formats. You can also take online courses through CSU Fully Online, which lets you take one online course from another CSU campus each semester with no additional fees, along with your regular courses. We will accept these equivalent courses toward your degree. Many Criminal Justice classes are only available in-person though and you cannot complete the program with only online classes.
If you need a fully online program, please see the Criminal Justice Degree Completion Program offered through the College Of Continuing Education (CCE). This program is designed for working professionals who have completed their General Education requirements and are ready to finish their baccalaureate degree. This program offers the same content, is taught by the same instructors, and you will earn a degree identical to the traditional program.
I keep hearing about the WPJ. What is it and why is it important?
The Writing Placement for Juniors (WPJ) exam is one of the ways to satisfy the Graduation Writing Assessment Requirement (GWAR), where students demonstrate their proficiency in writing in an academic setting. All students are required to satisfy GWAR for graduation.
Students are required to write two essays for the WPJ. The first essay asks students to respond and make an argument about a topic represented by several texts. The second essay asks students to discuss their writing history and practices. The standard WPJ is a two-hour essay exam: 15 minutes for instructions, 15 minutes to read the prompts and brainstorm, 1 hour for the first essay, and 30 minutes for the second essay.
This is important because one of your required courses, CRJ 190, is designated as a Writing Intensive (WI) course and requires a WPJ placement score for enrollment. You should take this course in your final semester.
Because you are required to take CRJ 190, you do not need to take another WI course from the General Education course offerings.
You should take the WPJ exam at the earliest opportunity once you become a junior to ensure that you have a WPJ placement score on your record in time to register for your final semester. It can be a month or more before scores are posted, so take this into consideration if you schedule your exam late in your academic career.
If you don't feel confident about the exam, you have the option of taking ENGL 109 instead.
Can I get help with my studies, even outside Criminal Justice?
Yes! Criminal Justice usually has a tutor available around mid-semester to help Criminal Justice majors. Check with the department for more details.
There are more resources available to students as well. Visit our Undergraduate Advising page for more details.
I'm worried, need someone to talk to, or help with basic needs.
Student Health, Counseling & Wellness Services offers physical and mental health services for students. They also have a confidential support advocate to assist students who have experienced sexual assault, intimate partner violence, sexual harassment, and stalking.
The CARES Office provides support to students who are in crisis or experiencing unique challenges to their education including housing, transportation, financial and food insecurity.
The ASI Food Pantry provides student with free food and basic necessities.
Are there any scholarships available?
Yes! Sacramento State has a Scholarships Office. You can fill out a single application and the system will automatically match you with all the scholarships for which you qualify. Application periods are generally between October and March, so it is important to check back to see if new scholarships have become available.
I need to apply for graduation. When and how do I do that?
Graduation is not automatic. When you have completed 85 units, the Graduation Application will become available in your Student Center.
Applying for graduation elevates your registration priority. For your final semester, as a graduating senior, you will have one of the highest registration priorities, and one of the earliest registration times to help you get the last classes you need.
How do I sign up for Commencement?
Commencement is the ceremony held to celebrate your graduation. Sacramento State holds a ceremony at the end of the spring semester at the Golden 1 Center in Sacramento.
You need to submit a participation request to participate in the ceremony and get tickets for the event.
Where do I get a cap and gown for the commencement ceremony?
The ASI Student Shop on the 3rd floor of the University Union sells caps and gowns, stoles, and other regalia.