The Criminal Justice & Public Service programs at Abilene Christian University blend policy, service, and leadership to build up the next generation of public servants. Develop the skills to analyze laws, investigate crimes, and shape government decisions through ethical leadership and critical thinking.
Criminal Justice & Public Service Programs
ACU’s Department of Government and Criminal Justice offers programs designed to prepare students for careers in law enforcement, public administration, legal studies, and government. Through hands-on training, internships, and coursework rooted in ethical leadership, students develop the skills to protect communities, shape policy, and advocate for justice.
Available Programs
Criminal Justice (BS/BA)
The Undergraduate Criminal Justice program equips you with the foundational knowledge you need in law enforcement, corrections, homeland security, and investigative work to break into the criminal justice field. You cover topics including domestic violence, ethics & professionalism, and law enforcement leadership to prepare you for careers in local, state, and federal agencies.
Government (BS)
The Undergraduate Government program equips you with foundational knowledge in both domestic and international politics, law enforcement, and global institutions, which can help you break into the field of politics and law. You cover core topics such as public administration, international organizations and their functions, and public service and policy. Our program prepares you for careers in agencies at the local, state and federal level.
About ACU
Abilene Christian University is a diverse, welcoming, academically rigorous community redefining what it means to be a Christian university in the 21st century.
Founded in 1906, ACU provides a hub of rigorous academic excellence committed to innovative, energized learning, and student success. When you step on campus, you join a devoted community of thinkers and learners dedicated to unlocking the power of potential and creating the solutions that address the opportunities of today and tomorrow.
4,000+ Undergraduate students from 50 states and 56 nations
88 Undergraduate majors
77 Master's Degree Programs
5 Doctoral Programs
272-Acre World-Class Academic Campus
13:1 Student-faculty ratio
Awards
One of America's Best Colleges
Recognized as one of America's Top Online Colleges for the third consecutive year by Newsweek and Statista Inc., ACU proudly stands among the nation's premier online institutions. Seamlessly combining a top-tier education with the flexibility of an online format, ACU Online offers you a transformative learning experience. Discover the perfect balance of academic excellence and online convenience as you chart your course to success with ACU.
Hear From Our Students
"I remember telling my friends this school was so different from any of the others, as it had a certain ‘feel’ about it. This feeling definitely came from the community of loving individuals who not only want to see you excel academically, but in all areas of life."
Lexi Burns
"I am grateful for not only the academic enrichment I have received but also the spiritual and professional investment I will carry with me for years to come from faculty and fellow peers. I look forward to implementing the same culture into my future workplace!"
Tiley Elliot
"ACU has provided me with amazing clinical opportunities that foster so much growth!"
Kaleigh Tom
"When I picked ACU, I knew the community was tight-knit and the professors are experts and leaders in our profession, but I could not have anticipated how much I would love being a part of this program."
