A dual degree in pastoral studies and criminology and justice prepares you to become a more effective and compassionate professional in the field of criminology and justice. It is aimed at criminal justice administrators, researchers, and private security professionals as well as those in justice ministries such as such as victim services, prison ministry, re-entry, and delinquency prevention. In this program, students develop a theological and spiritual foundation for their work supporting the transformation of individuals and community.

Pope Francis encourages criminal justice professionals “to encourage, help and enable … a rehabilitation which everyone seeks and desires: inmates and their families, correctional authorities, social and educational programs … [and] which benefits and elevates the morale of the entire community and society” ("Message to Detainees").