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Department of

Government
and Criminal Justice

College Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences

The Department of Government and Criminal Justice at ACU equips you for ethical leadership in the political arena and public service, providing powerful understanding of domestic and international politics along with criminal justice theory and practice. Our immersive learning opportunities, including study abroad trips in Europe and internships at every level of government, give you valuable firsthand experience and perspective to lead the way as agents of change.
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The Department of Government and Criminal Justice at ACU equips you for ethical leadership in the political arena and public service, providing powerful understanding of domestic and international politics along with criminal justice theory and practice. Our immersive learning opportunities, including study abroad trips in Europe and internships at every level of government, give you valuable firsthand experience and perspective to lead the way as agents of change.

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ALL GOVERNMENT AND CRIMINAL JUSTICE DEGREE PROGRAMS

Criminal Justice (BS/BA)

We offer three majors and four minors. Our graduates have been accepted at the finest law schools in America and have gone on to accomplish careers in Congress, as leaders in federal and state agencies, district court judges, city managers, political science professors at major universities, legislative assistants in Congress, partners in major law firms and in elected offices nationwide.

OVERVIEW

Our Department aims to prepare students for Christian public service and leadership throughout the world.  Department of Government alumni serve in Congress, in numerous positions such as in federal and state agencies, district court judges, city managers, political science professors at major universities, legislative assistants in Congress, partners in major law firms, and also in elective office at the local, state, and federal level. To facilitate this goal, the Department offers:

  • Jack Pope Fellows Program, named for the former Chief Justice of the Texas Supreme Court, which trains and awards scholarships to outstanding ACU students who intend to pursue careers in public service
  • Study Abroad programs in Europe
  • Internships at the local, regional, state, and national level of the government spectrum
  • Opportunities to become involved in the university through special programs, such as internships with International Rescue Committee, International Justice Mission small group chapel, interning with the local congressional office, and the ACU chapter of Habitat for Humanity.

The faculty of the Department utilize their educational background, research, work experience, expertise in the fields of political science and criminal justice, trips abroad, and professional ties to give our students the best training and instruction. Our alumni have been accepted into the finest law and graduate schools in America and are accepted into law enforcement academies at a high rate.

In short, it is the Department’s goal to facilitate students’ understanding of domestic and international politics and prepare them for informed and active participation in the political arena and public service.