Criminal Justice (B.A.)
The B.A. program is distinctive in its combined emphasis of introductory professional skills and theoretical foundations. Career preparation reinforced by commitment to lifelong learning and advanced education that extends beyond the baccalaureate level are central to the study of this demanding field of inquiry. Simulations and review of problem-solving methods from actual cases are used to enhance the student’s understanding of lectures and materials. By examining decision-making processes, including policy analysis and the day-to-day practical operations of various components of the criminal justice system, participants learn to value and apply "theory to practice."
Exploration of traditional and contemporary models of crime prevention, criminal investigation, jurisprudence, punishment and rehabilitation, and organization and administrative theory help prepare graduates for eventual advancement to management positions in law enforcement, correctional, and court (probation and parole) agencies. Graduates of this rapidly developing field also find positions in corporate security firms and with government and private research agencies.
Upon successful completion of the criminal justice program, students will be able to
- demonstrate a working knowledge of criminal justice and how its component parts function;
- demonstrate skills in the use of research methods and statistics;
- demonstrate proficiency in written communication; and
- demonstrate an understanding of ethical issues and exhibit their application to social phenomena.
Degree Requirements — Criminal Justice
This degree requires 120 credits.
Liberal Arts Core and University Requirements
See University Requirements and the Liberal Arts Core for details.
Major Requirements
To fulfill the requirements of the major, all students in this program will take the following coursework in a sequence determined in collaboration with a faculty advisor. Some courses also satisfy Liberal Arts Core and/or University Requirements. A minimum grade of C- is required for all courses in the major.
Five (5) courses from the following:
| CJ 201 | Principles of Forensic Science | 3 |
| CJ 202 | Principles in Forensic Science II | 3 |
| CJ 205 | Crime, Media, and Culture | 3 |
| CJ 302 | Introduction to Counterintelligence | 3 |
| CJ 310 | Policing in American Society | 3 |
| CJ 311 | Correctional Institutions | 3 |
| CJ 320 | Cybercrime and Digital Terrorism | 3 |
| LA 302 | Criminal Litigation | 3 |
| PH 301 | Social and Political Philosophy * | 3 |
| PSY 220 | Social Psychology | 3 |
| PSY 230 | Abnormal Psychology * | 3 |
| PSY 332 | Psychology of Addictions | 3 |
| SOC 322 | Racial and Ethnic Diversity * | 3 |
Sample Degree Plan — Criminal Justice
Please note that this is a sample plan; all students must consult with an advisor in making course selections.
Year One — Fall
Year One — Spring
| CJ 200 | Careers in Criminal Justice | 1 |
| EN 102 | Composition II * | 3 |
| | | |
| PSY 101 | General Psychology * | 3 |
| | OR | |
| PSY 110 | Human Growth and Development * | 3 |
| | | |
| | Natural Science (NS) core course * | |
| CJ 209 | The Criminal Justice System * | 3 |
Year Two — Fall
| CJ 207 | Juvenile Justice | 3 |
| CJ 250 | Deviant Behavior | 3 |
| HI | Introductory History (HI-1) core course * | 3 |
| EN | Introductory Literature (LT-1) core course * | 3 |
| PH 100 | Introduction to Philosophy * | 3 |
Year Two — Spring
| CJ 300 | Writing for Criminal Justice * | 3 |
| LA 302 | Criminal Litigation | 3 |
| CJ 305 | Criminology * | 3 |
| PH | Advanced Philosophy (PH-2) or Philosophical Ethics (PH-E) core course * | 3 |
| | | |
| POL 104 | American Government * | 3 |
| | OR | |
| ECO 210 | Principles of Microeconomics * | 3 |
| | OR | |
| ECO 211 | Principles of Macroeconomics * | 3 |
| | OR | |
| | Natural Science (NS) core course * | |
Year Three — Fall
| CJ 304 | Applied Research Methods * | 3 |
| | Fine Arts (FNA), Advanced History (HI-2), or Advanced Literature (LT-2) core course (Advanced History recommended) * | |
| | One (1) major elective | |
| | Two (2) electives | |
Year Three — Spring
| | Two (2) major electives | |
| CJ 312 | Criminal Justice Management | 3 |
| | One (1) elective | 3 |
| | Fine Arts (FNA), Advanced Literature (LT-2) or Advanced History (HI-2) core course * | 3 |
| | Advanced Social Science (SS-2) core course * | |
Major elective: See Major Requirements for course selections.
Year Four — Fall
| CJ 495 | Senior Seminar * | 3 |
| | One (1) major elective | |
| | One (1) major elective | |
| | Fine Arts (FNA), Advanced Literature (LT-2) or Advanced History (HI-2) core course * | 3 |
| | One (1) elective | 3 |
Major elective: See Major Requirements for course selections.
Year Four — Spring
| CJ 400 | Internship * | 6 |
| | One (1) major elective | |
| | Two (2) electives | |
Major elective: See Major Requirements for course selections.
* Fulfills Liberal Arts Core/University Requirements. See University Requirements and the Liberal Arts Core and the Course Descriptions for further information.