Welcome to the Department of Criminal Justice & Legal Studies!

The Department of Criminal Justice and Legal Studies offers students the option of studying in two separate degree programs: Criminal Justice and Legal Assistant.

Students interested in the area of law enforcement, corrections, juvenile delinquency and criminal justice administration may pursue one of two degree options available in the Criminal Justice Program: (1) An associate of science degree with a major in criminal justice or (2) A bachelor of science degree with a major in criminal justice with an emphasis in administration, law enforcement, juvenile delinquency or corrections.

Students interested in working as a professional legal assistant may major in the Legal Assistant Program. Missouri Western’s Legal Assistant Program is a voting member of the American Association for Paralegal Education. In addition, the Program has received national recognition by being approved by the American Bar Association. In the Program, students may pursue a course of study leading to an associate of science degree with a major in legal assistant, a certificate, or a B.S. Degree in Criminal Justice with an emphasis in Legal Studies.

Our Mission
To provide a high quality education which includes the knowledge, skills, critical thinking, and applied learning that will prepare students to succeed in professional careers in criminal justice and legal studies or pursue graduate education in their chosen field.