Why Earn Your Criminal Justice Degree at Saint Leo University?
A criminalistics degree will provide you the knowledge and training you need to solve the crime. Saint Leo's Criminal Justice - Criminalistics Specialization trains you in crime scene investigation and forensic science. Crime scene analysts process evidence—like DNA, fingerprints and bullets—in a forensics lab to help identify suspects and reconstruct the events of a crime.
This program is offered:
Campus
Education Center
Online
Students pursuing either the Criminalistics Specialization or Homeland Security Specialization should take the required courses below in place of or along with the concentration courses and electives listed above.
Est. Time to Complete:
4 years
Credit Hours:
120 hours
Undergraduate Criminal Justice Program Details
Criminalistics is the application of scientific methods to the recognition, collection, identification, and comparison of physical evidence generated by criminal or illegal civil activity. It also involves the reconstruction of such events by evaluation of the physical evidence and the crime scene.
Flexible Learning, Focused on Your Success
Learn your way at Saint Leo University with flexible options—online, campus, or at an education center. Each program has its own modality to fit your needs. Whichever option you choose, Saint Leo University is committed to your success. View the details below to see how this degree program is offered.
Campus
Immersive Campus Experience, A Community That Feels Like Home
Saint Leo University's campus in Saint Leo, Florida, offers a transformative educational experience amidst scenic landscapes, including Lake Jovita and rolling green spaces. Home to over 2,000 students from all 50 states and more than 100 countries, the university fosters a tight-knit, inclusive community.
Campus students benefit from comfortable residence and dining halls, advanced learning facilities, and a vibrant student life with numerous clubs and organizations. The proximity to Tampa Bay provides additional cultural and recreational opportunities, enriching the overall student experience.
Experience Campus Life
Flexible Education Centers, Learning Close to Home
Saint Leo University operates Education Centers in two states, offering flexible, hybrid learning options tailored to diverse student lifestyles. These centers provide eight-week academic terms starting six times per year, with evening and weekend classes to accommodate busy schedules. Students can choose from a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs, benefiting from a 25:1 faculty-student ratio that fosters personalized attention and support. Each center maintains the university's commitment to academic excellence, ensuring the same quality education as the main campus.
Explore Our Education Centers
Convenient Online Learning, Empowering Your Future
Saint Leo University provides flexible and convenient online programs designed for busy students. Courses are taught by experienced faculty with real-world expertise. Students can access coursework anytime while balancing personal and professional commitments. Support services, career resources, and virtual engagement opportunities ensure a well-rounded online learning experience.
Discover Online LearningCareer Outlook
No matter which learning experience you choose, you will receive plenty of professional development opportunities, industry knowledge from expert professors, and support from the Saint Leo community. All this together means that you will be ready for a successful career or continued studies upon graduation.
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How will you gain real experience?
Field placement
Earn your police standard certificate with training at the Pasco-Hernando Police Academy. Intern with agencies such as the U.S. Secret Service, U.S. Customs, Drug Enforcement Administration, U.S. District Court and Florida Department of Law Enforcement.
Hands-on learning
Testify and sit on a jury for a courtroom role-playing assignment. Stand in the death chamber of the Florida state prison. Examine fingerprints in a forensics lab.
Co-curricular activities
Become an active member of Alpha Phi Sigma, the national criminal justice honor society.
What can you do with an undergraduate criminal justice degree?
Graduates rapidly advance in the criminal justice system and pursue graduate study in criminal justice administration and related fields.
What are the top criminal justice degree jobs?
- Crime Scene Investigator
- Forensic Documents Examiner
- Medical Examiner
Where are Saint Leo criminal justice graduates now?
- Secret Service
FBI
Tampa Police Department
Atlanta Police Department
Student Stories
Saint Leo’s nursing program gave me courage to have confidence in myself and my skills. Doing the DEU program expanded my knowledge and independence in my skills. After completing the DEU program, I felt confident in every unit I went to.
Grace Lundfelt
I chose Saint Leo’s nursing program because of its dedication to building a brand new nursing program that is committed to excellence and student success. The program's emphasis on hands-on clinical experience with the DEU preceptorship model and a supportive learning environment aligns perfectly with my goals as a future nurse.
Emma Hayhurst
Our simulations were very well thought out and creative, using the most up-to-date technology, allowing us to experience certain health situations such as delivering babies and providing wound care.
Laynee Marsee Graduate of the inaugural nursing class; Graduated May 2025
I got to apply everything I learned in real time with a single preceptor. The hands-on experience made the lectures come to life and helped me build confidence in my skills. (Regarding Saint Leo Nursing Program's partnership with Advent Health Zephyrhills dedicated education)
Avae Valenti - Graduate of the inaugural nursing class; Graduated May 2025<
Being a part of a program that just is going to grow and grow as the years go by, and to be remembered as the first class is really special.
Nathanael Allen - Graduate of the inaugural nursing class; Graduated May 2025
Being part of the first Saint Leo Nursing cohort has been an incredibly unique and rewarding experience. There was something really special about growing alongside the program. We had the chance to help shape the culture and set the tone for future nursing classes. It wasn’t always easy—there were definitely growing pains—but the sense of community, support, and dedication from the faculty made a huge difference. I felt seen, heard, and truly supported, both academically and personally.
Graduate Brenna Reinhard
College of Arts, Sciences, and Allied Services
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Saint Leo's College of Arts, Sciences, and Allied Services provides students with a broad education that lays a durable foundation for critical and independent thinking. For our students, learning takes place not only in the classroom but also beyond: They travel to different countries for cultural immersion and research, attend film screenings and professional development events, as well as contribute to our literary magazine.
With professors in fields from biology to sociology, the College of Arts, Sciences, and Allied Services supports 34 programs and provides educational experiences to more than 3,000 students at education centers in seven states, and worldwide through Saint Leo's online degree programs.
Accreditation
Saint Leo University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award associate, bachelor’s, master’s, specialist, and doctoral degrees.