Simpson has one of the premier criminal justice programs in the Midwest.  Students are offered excellent academic preparation for employment in the criminal justice system. Students can select an academic concentration within the major including justice, administration or corrections. Simpson’s program blends the theoretical and applied aspects of the criminal justice system and is strengthened by educational internships and field experience programs.  This program enables students to pursue various career paths including graduate or law school, law enforcement, probation and parole and social work.

• Students do various types of research on campus and work with local criminal justice agencies.

• Simpson students scored in the 99th percentile in the Educational Testing Service criminal justice exam comparing colleges and universities from across the country.

• Recent guest lecturers have covered topics ranging from criminal profiling to school shootings.

• Students have plenty of opportunities for hands-on experience from “ride alongs” with the local police department to interning with state, federal and international agencies.

• Recent graduate schools: University of Iowa, Iowa State University, Pepperdine University, University of Michigan, Nebraska University and Xavier University

Recent jobs and internships
Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, FBI, Iowa State Patrol, U.S.  Marshalls, Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement, Iowa Correctional Institute for Men, Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation, Border Patrol, Secret Service and U.S. Probation and Parole Service

“My Simpson education provided me with a solid foundation and understanding of the system. This enabled me to navigate through the U.S. Army Police Commissioned Officer Schools, as well as the U.S. Treasury Criminal Investigators School and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms National Academy.”

Carlton Tarver—Class of 1983
Special Investigator, U.S. Department of State

Learn more about the Social Sciences Department.