Computer Forensics Minor
Advantages
Develop investigative techniques to identify and analyze data from computer devices, systems, or networks that are admissible in court.
Outcome
Computer Forensics Investigator
A major in criminal justice will jumpstart your career in law, corrections, public service, and beyond as you learn the intricacies of the local, state, and federal criminal justice systems.
Major & MInor
On Campus
Our criminal justice degree won't just prepare for you for your career—you'll graduate with a deep understanding of complex social issues, ready to advocate for a more just society no matter what field you choose.
You'll get a comprehensive understanding of the interrelations between theory, research, and practice through an emphasis on the study of crime and the social and behavioral sciences. And you won't just talk the talk—through internships, experiential learning, and research projects, you'll build a range of powerful, portable skills to set you apart in the field.
Follow your personal interests while getting a well-rounded criminal justice education. Our curriculum emphasizes the development of analytical and research skills, which prepare you to effectively meet the challenges of administering justice in applied settings. The major is broad-based, emphasizing the study of crime through a variety of frameworks and perspectives.
View all curriculum and requirements in the Loading....
College is about exploration. At Widener, you'll complete a general education curriculum that supports just that. You'll have the flexibility and freedom to dive deep into the topics that spark curiosity, challenge your mind, and power your personal and academic growth.
Along the way, you'll cultivate critical, meaningful skills employers seek, including:
It all starts with ASC 101: Thinking Through — a selection of around 40 course topics that will encourage you to go deeper and examine complex issues that shape our world and our ways of relating to one another. When you dive into the possibilities, you're sure to find multiple courses that inspire and intrigue you, regardless of whether they align with your major! Think of it as an opportunity to step outside of your comfort zone and truly learn something new. Then, in your senior year, you'll come full circle with a capstone course that takes your Thinking Through topic to new heights strengthened by everything you've cultivated along your college journey.
All students are required to participate in a 200-hour internship in a criminal justice agency throughout their time as an undergraduate. You'll get to choose the agency and gain valuable first-hand exposure to put your classroom learning to work.
Criminal justice is one of the majors traditionally chosen by students interested in going to law school. Our students have the opportunity to participate in a pathway for pre-law.
You'll have the flexibility to customize your education with another major.
We have established double majors with:
Structured to fit within the four-year curriculum, these options encompass the requirements of both programs while allowing you to tailor research courses and internships to fit your intellectual interests and professional goals.
Earning an accelerated master's degree will enhance your job opportunities and prepare you for rapid career growth—all while saving you time and money.
Fast Track to a Criminal Justice MCJ Degree
As a criminal justice major, you have the unique opportunity to complete a bachelor's and a master's degree in as little as five years in our accelerated CJ BA/MA program.
Earn an Accelerated Master's in Another Field of Study
Widener also makes it possible to complete a 4+1 degree in a different field of study through our Accelerated Advantage 4+1 program.
Develop investigative techniques to identify and analyze data from computer devices, systems, or networks that are admissible in court.
Computer Forensics Investigator
Apply psychological principles to better understand how the brain affects our behavior and cognitive functions.
Criminal Profiler
Expand your understanding of principles of governing life processes at all levels–molecular, cellular, organismal, and ecological.
Forensic Science Technician
Explore how to synthesize and apply social work theories, policies, and research to develop comprehensive solutions to major social problems.
Parole Officer
Dive into accounting courses that will prepare you for a career investigating and preventing financial fraud.
Forensic Accountant
Deepen your understanding of politics and power from domestic, international, and comparative perspectives and learn how to legally solve confrontations.
Homeland Security Agent
Employment of community and social service occupations—including social workers, probation officers, school counselors, and more—is expected to increase 10% by 2031, faster than the average for all occupations.
Along with our annual criminal justice career fair, you'll find countless opportunities to connect with alumni, learn from experienced speakers on and off campus, and network with professionals in an internship setting.
You'll also have the opportunity to join various clubs and organizations across campus, including the Alpha Phi Sigma - Criminal Justice Honor Society, and many more.
We want to get to know you and see you succeed. Professors will pay attention to how you learn and what you want to accomplish. Your Personal Student Success Team—faculty and peer mentors and liaisons for campus resources—will make sure your first year runs smoothly.
Without skipping a beat, you’ll have what you need to make Widener your second home. And you’ll know how to invest in the greater community, from professional opportunities in Philadelphia to volunteer experiences in your new backyard.
Lean more about faculty mentorship
Explore resources for academic & career support
Find support for health & wellbeing
"From when I first learned about Widener, not only did I love the academics, but I loved the plethora of opportunities for extracurricular activities."
"It was great to [intern with] a winning campaign. Being a field officer is such an energetic role and it taught me so much about our current political system."
"To have [a supportive network of faculty and alumni] in your corner is amazing. They helped me gain the confidence to go into the field and to be on my ‘A’ game."
I enjoy mentoring students inside and outside the classroom. It is a pleasure to watch individuals grow from being criminal justice students to criminal justice professionals, influencing and bettering the system. Seeing their success as alumni is so rewarding for me! In addition, our flexible curriculum allows students to direct their academic career in a way that makes the most sense for their career goals. I am also excited about our accelerated 4+1 program that allows strong students to complete an undergraduate and graduate degree in five years.
"Our criminal justice programs provide students with one-on-one individualized attention to nurture the student's growth academically and professionally. I enjoy the small class sizes and teach by facilitating discussions and welcoming diverse worldviews. This pedagogy fosters student participation, listening, and critical thinking skills."
"As a former police officer and current urban ethnographer and educator, my greatest service and reward is to share my real-world experiences and insights with students and other community stakeholders around issues of social justice, anti-racism, inequality and much needed police reform. My goal continues to be mentoring students into cosmopolitan citizens, who see themselves as change agents and collaborators for the building of a 21st century public safety rooted in justice and equity."
Widener welcomed Lisa Grimm as dean of the College of Arts & Sciences on July 1.
The Widener University Observatory perched atop Kirkbride Hall is a stellar place for area stargazers to gather and see the celestial sights.
A new partnership with TELUS Health offers students a comprehensive wellness app for mental health support and resources, emphasizing accessibility and convenience.
Our admissions and financial aid teams are here to support you every step of the way. Have a question? Ask away!
Applying to Widener is easy—and free! Simply complete our Widener Application or the Common Application. You'll also need your official high school transcript and either an admissions essay or your SAT/ACT scores. We're a test-optional school, so there's no need to submit both.
Know you're interested in applying to Widener but unsure if you're ready to zero-in on a major? You can apply as an Exploratory Studies student with an undecided major. This program will help you start your college journey on the right foot while you explore which undergraduate program is the right fit for you.
We accept applications on a rolling basis—there are no hard deadlines. Apply when you're ready and we'll take a look as soon as we receive your app.
Key dates to keep in mind:
Once we receive your application and all materials, you can expect to hear back from us quickly. Along with your application decision, you'll also find out about any merit-based scholarship awards. You're automatically considered for merit scholarships as soon as you apply—you don't need to apply separately.
If you apply before November 1, you are considered an Early Action applicant which comes with benefits like:
All applications are non-binding, so why wait? Apply today!
Our admissions team will help you make the most of college-level credits earned after high school. We maintain strong partnerships and articulation agreements with numerous local community colleges and also accept a wide range of course credits earned at accredited colleges and universities.
Curious about how many credits may transfer? Email your transcripts to transfer@widener.edu and our transfer coordinator will personally review your coursework as an unofficial credit evaluation. Applicants are given priority during busy seasons, but you don't have to apply to work with our transfer coordinator.
Transferring doesn't have to be a guessing game—share your stats and we'll take it from there!
Widener University serves as a "second home" for students from around the world. We are located just outside of Philadelphia and close to New York City and Washington, D.C.—offering many unique professional and personal opportunities to explore.
Want to know what it's like to be an international student on campus or need assistance navigating English proficiency requirements? We're here to help, and our international admissions director will support you through the application process.
This support doesn't end with admissions—our International Student Support team will serve as a valuable resource throughout your Widener journey—meeting Visa/immigration requirements, getting acclimated to campus, and much more.
Learn more about applying as an international student
Learn more about life at Widener as an international student
Because Widener is a private institution, we're able to offer financial assistance that brings an exceptional education within reach. Complete your admissions application today to determine your financial aid package, including scholarships and grants.
Submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the first step to getting you the financial assistance to make the cost of college—an investment in your future—affordable. This free, online application is the gateway to grants, loans, and other forms of financial aid. Every year, the U.S. Department of Education offers billions of dollars in financial aid to eligible students. Widener gets in on the action, too, annually awarding aid to students with need.
You and at least one parent or caregiver will need a separate FSA ID to access the Federal Student Aid's online system and serve as your legal signatures. Make sure to create your unique FSA IDs before you get started. Our school code is 003313.
Nearly 100% of new full-time undergraduate students receive significant financial aid offers that reduce out-of-pocket costs and make a Widener education not only affordable, but well worth the investment. In fact, once your total financial aid is calculated, the cost of a Widener education is often equal to if not lower than other competitive universities–but with far superior outcomes for your career and earning potential.
The first step to see how much aid you qualify for is submitting the FAFSA.
Funding you don't have to pay back after graduation? That's a win-win! Scholarships and grants are a way for the university and other organizations to honor the academic, merit, and talent-based achievements of our students.
In the Accelerated Advantage 4+1 program, you can save up to a year of tuition by pursuing a master's degree—resulting in thousands of dollars in savings. During your fifth year of study, you can also apply for graduate-level scholarships and assistantships to further reduce education costs. To learn more about graduate scholarships and assistantships, please speak with your academic advisor during the spring semester of your senior year.
Cadets in the ROTC program are given the opportunity to have a significant portion of their education paid for through scholarships—as high as 100% full-tuition coverage. If eligible, the scholarship program has numerous benefits for cadets including room and board, a monthly stipend, and more.
After graduation, cadets also have a direct pathway to a paid career with the option to advance into the military as a commissioned officer.
To visit Widener is to fall in love with the place. But don't take our word—experience it for yourself. Plan a visit to connect with our students, faculty, and staff.
We offer a variety of events to get to know Widener—from virtual sessions, workshops, and private tours, to the big splash of our signature open houses.
Have a question about Widener? Drop us a line and an admissions counselor will be in touch. We're always happy to help!
Applying online is easy—and it's free! We also accept the Common Application. Take the next step toward joining the Widener Pride.
Muller Hall
University Pl
Chester, PA 19013
Kapelski Learning Center, Room 232