Undergraduate Academics
Find Your Path in Security, Forensics, and Criminal Justice
Develop the skills to shape policy, protect communities, and pursue justice through a variety of academic options.
Security, Sociology, and Criminal Justice
Whether you're interested in protecting digital landscapes or ensuring physical security, these programs provides the knowledge and practical skills needed to succeed in fields like criminal justice, criminology, digital security, and more. You’ll explore topics that impact the future of society while gaining the tools to address some of the world’s most pressing issues.Â
You’ll be part of a collaborative community where real-world experience and academic growth go hand in hand. Real-world learning through internships, research opportunities, and community engagement allows you to apply your knowledge in meaningful ways.
Hands-on learning: Gain practical experience through internships, community projects, and research directly related to public policy, social sciences, and security.Â
Impactful change: Learn how to drive positive change, whether it's by shaping public policy or supporting the well-being of others.
Collaboration and networking: Connect with industry professionals, alumni, faculty, and peers who share your passion for justice and public service.Â
Problem-solving skills: Develop critical thinking abilities to tackle complex social and legal challenges with creative solutions.Â
Leadership development: Build leadership skills through projects and activities that prepare you for influential roles.Â
Cutting-edge technology: Explore fields like cybersecurity, where you’ll work with the latest tools and techniques to protect and secure digital spaces.Â
Career Opportunities in Security, Forensics, and Criminal Justice
Community Service Manager
Oversee programs that support communities, such as nonprofit organizations, government agencies, or social services. Community service managers ensure these programs run smoothly and effectively.
$77,030 national median pay
Bureau of Labor Statistics
Correctional Officer
Supervise jails and prisons, maintaining safety and order. Correctional officers help manage daily operations and typically need additional training.
$53,300 national median pay
Bureau of Labor Statistics
Cybersecurity Analyst
Protect organizations from cyber threats by monitoring systems and securing data as an information security analyst. Security certification is encouraged for this career.
$120,360 national median pay
Bureau of Labor Statistics
Emergency Management Director
Plan and coordinate responses to natural disasters and emergencies. Emergency management directors ensure communities are prepared and safe in times of crisis.
$83,960 national median pay
Bureau of Labor Statistics
Forensic Scientist
Collect and analyze evidence from crime scenes to help solve investigations. Use scientific methods to support law enforcement and the justice system.
$64,940 national median pay
Bureau of Labor Statistics
Police Officer or Detective
Protect communities by enforcing laws, investigating crimes, and ensuring safety. Criminal investigators and FBI agents undergo additional training to perform their duties effectively.
$74,910 national median pay
Bureau of Labor Statistics
Political Scientist or Policy Analyst
Research and analyze political systems, policies, and trends, including in health policy and international relations. Political scientists and policy analysts help shape public decisions across various industries. A master's degree is often required.
$132,350 national median pay
Bureau of Labor Statistics
Probation Officer
Supervise people on probation and help them reintegrate into society. Probation officers, also called correctional treatment specialists, guide individuals and may need extra training and certification.
$61,800 national median pay
Bureau of Labor Statistics
Discover Your Path
Not sure where to start? The Find Your Fit quiz helps you explore Penn State’s majors, campuses, athletics, and student groups. Get personalized recommendations to explore options that fit your goals.
More Than Big Ideas
Entrepreneurship
Explore, experiment, and build.
Whether you’re launching a startup or just curious, Penn State’s ecosystem connects you to mentors, support, and potential funding.
Research and Innovation
Tackle big challenges—from fighting disease to protecting the environment. With top-ranked programs and hands-on research, you can contribute to discoveries that matter.
Social Good
Gain the tools to promote fairness, build community, and create meaningful change—on campus and in communities around the world.
Learn More About Our Programs and Resources
Develop valuable skills that will prepare you for a successful career in areas like public safety, criminal justice, and community well-being. You’ll be challenged to think critically, solve problems, and communicate effectively, all while learning how to make a positive difference in your community and the world.
Critical thinking: Learn how to evaluate situations, think on your feet, and make smart decisions in fast-paced environments.
Problem-solving: Gain the skills to come up with creative solutions to real-world challenges in law enforcement, community agencies, and more.
Effective communication: Improve how you express your ideas clearly, both in writing and when speaking, to different audiences.
Leadership: Build your confidence to lead groups, manage projects, and influence others toward positive change.
Research and analysis: Learn how to gather information and analyze data to understand important issues and drive change.
Ethical decision-making: Develop a strong sense of ethics, learning how to make decisions that are fair and just.
Penn State Eberly College of Science’s Forensic Science program is accredited by the Forensic Science Education Programs Accreditation Commission (FEPAC), ensuring a curriculum that meets the highest standards in forensic education. This accreditation recognizes programs that provide students with the scientific knowledge, hands-on training, and ethical foundations essential for careers in forensic investigation.
With access to advanced crime lab and crime scene facilities, students gain real-world experience using the latest forensic techniques. This strong academic foundation, combined with expert faculty and a comprehensive crime-scene-to-courtroom approach, prepares graduates for forensic science careers in law enforcement, laboratories, and beyond.
Thinking about law school? Penn State’s pre-law advising helps students in any major navigate the path to a legal career.
Whether you’re exploring if law school is right for you or preparing applications, dedicated advisors provide expert guidance through info sessions, workshops, and one-on-one appointments. Get support in choosing the right courses, finding internships, and selecting the best law school for your goals.
Throughout your experience in this pathway, you’ll be prepared to take on leadership roles in various fields. You’ll learn how to guide teams, make impactful decisions, and influence change in ways that benefit your community and society. From group projects to internships, you'll have the opportunity to develop leadership skills that will set you up for success in any career.
Teamwork and collaboration: Work closely with peers on real-world projects, learning how to lead and contribute to team efforts.
Conflict resolution: Develop strategies to manage and resolve conflicts in a productive, fair, and ethical way.
Project management: Gain hands-on experience in managing tasks, timelines, and people, preparing you to lead large projects.
Public speaking and communication: Build confidence in presenting ideas clearly and persuasively, whether in the classroom, at events, or in the workplace.
Decision-making and accountability: Learn how to make informed decisions, take responsibility, and lead by example in challenging situations.
At Penn State, undergraduates can dive into research projects that explore new ideas and trends. This experience will set you apart and give you a deeper understanding of your field.
We are dedicated to shaping the future by fostering a community where all students are encouraged to share their unique perspectives. We believe that progress happens when we embrace and amplify ideas, ensuring that every voice is heard and valued.
Our commitment goes beyond the classroom, weaving together integrity, leadership, and social responsibility. With a focus on creating positive change, Penn State prepares students to lead with purpose and make a lasting impact. From cutting-edge initiatives to global learning opportunities, we empower students to drive social good.
Our degrees in security, forensics, and criminal justice open doors to more opportunities, whether you're planning to start your career or continue your education.
With a strong foundation from your undergraduate studies, you can pursue graduate programs in fields like law, public policy, criminology, and more. These advanced programs help you specialize in areas that will take your career to the next level, preparing you for leadership roles and making a bigger impact in your field.
Learn more about security, forensics, and criminal justice graduate opportunities.
Penn State offers comprehensive career services to help students confidently navigate their career. Our dedicated advisers provide personalized career counseling, resume workshops, interview prep, mock interviews, and job placement assistance.
With over 50,000 career preparedness programs annually and career fairs featuring top employers, we ensure you're well-equipped to succeed. There's a reason recruiters turn to Penn State graduates again and again.
You’ll also have access to networking opportunities with alumni, recruiters, and industry professionals to jumpstart your career.
At Penn State, we provide unmatched networking opportunities through our world’s largest dues-paying alumni network, connecting students to a lifelong community of professionals.
With access to alumni and industry leaders, you’ll gain valuable insights, career advice, and potential job opportunities. Our alumni network and partnerships with top employers ensure that you're building relationships that will support your career for years to come.
Participate in internships and co-op programs to gain valuable real-world experience by connecting you with leading companies across industries.
These opportunities allow you to apply classroom learning to professional settings, build industry-specific skills, and network with potential employers.
Internships are short-term, hands-on positions, while co-ops involve alternating work and study periods for a more in-depth experience. Both are designed to give you a competitive edge, preparing you for a successful career after graduation.
Penn State offers a range of opportunities for students eager to launch their own businesses or drive innovation within existing industries. Through Invent Penn State, you'll have access to programs that support entrepreneurial education both in and outside the classroom.
Our signature programs provide students with the knowledge, resources, and mentorship needed to bring bold ideas to life. Whether you want to start your own venture or lead innovation within a company, Penn State provides the support to turn your entrepreneurial dreams into reality.
Broaden your perspective with over 300 study abroad programs in more than 50 countries, available year-round for all majors.
Whether through embedded programs that let you take classes while traveling during breaks or global service opportunities like alternative spring break, these experiences will deepen your understanding of international business and culture. Gain the global insights and connections that today’s leaders need to succeed.
Penn State’s Integrated Undergraduate-Graduate (IUG) degree programs allow students to pursue both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree as a continuous course of study. This streamlined path accelerates the completion of the master's degree and offers early exposure to graduate-level coursework. IUG students also benefit from networking opportunities with graduate students and faculty who share similar academic and career interests.
Take your education further with honors programs, where high-achieving students gain access to small, discussion-based classes, faculty mentorship, and unique academic experiences.
With honors opportunities available across our campuses and Schreyer Honors College, you’ll engage in research, leadership development, and hands-on learning that sets you apart. Personalized advising, study abroad options, and career resources help you make the most of your college journey.
We offer more than sixty articulation agreements with colleges and universities around the world to help transfer students continue their education at Penn State. With hundreds of academic majors and campuses across Pennsylvania, you'll have plenty of options to find the right path for your future.