2020-2021 University Catalog 
    
    Nov 21, 2024  
2020-2021 University Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Criminal Justice, BS


Return to {$returnto_text} Return to: All Programs

Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice

Normal Time for Completion: Four Years

This program is offered on Main Campus, online, evenings, and weekends.

Students in the Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice program develop skills in report writing, fingerprinting, and crime scene investigation. Students will gain well-rounded knowledge in the areas of law enforcement, forensic science, corporate security, courts and corrections. Students are encouraged to seek out internships that will grant them hands-on access to work in corrections, the court system and local, state, and federal law enforcement. Graduates are prepared for a variety of career options at the federal, state and local levels of law enforcement, court systems, and corrections. Graduates may consider employment opportunities with the Federal Marshall's office, FBI, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF), Department of Homeland Security, or IRS.  Some career options may require additional training or credentialing as mandated by the states or agencies in which graduates choose to reside after graduation.  It is the responsibility of students to research and become aware of any subsequent training or credentialing requirements for the career options they pursue. 

Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice Program Outcomes

  1. Students will examine the structure of the American Criminal Justice System, including, but not limited to identifying and demonstrating an understanding of the branches of government, their functions, and how they interrelate with juvenile and adult proceedings.
  2. Students will be able to describe the nature of criminal law and its derivative in Common Law, analyze and apply the U.S. Constitution to contemporary issues in criminal justice.
  3. Students will be able to assess theories relating to the causation of crime and criminal activity and identify the categories of crimes, penalties and their defenses.
  4. Students will develop and demonstrate leadership in analyzing vital issues of concern within their field.
  5. Students will be able to compare and contrast the foundations of American criminal law and demonstrate how they translate to modern day criminal law.
  6. Students will be able to distinguish and identify discretion in the context of a criminal justice professional and demonstrate an understanding of ethical and professional responsibility.
  7. Students will develop and demonstrate effective communication on a college level to write and articulate criminal justice principles in the field.
  8. Students will be able to explain the role and function of law enforcement, including municipal police, the county sheriff, local agencies, state and federal law enforcement, and the public and private security industry.
  9. Students will be able to demonstrate an understanding of the purpose and function of probation, parole, and imprisonment.
  10. Students will be able to identify, analyze, and apply research-based techniques to complex issues facing criminal justice practitioners.

Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice


General Education: 60 Required Credits


Liberal Arts: 24 Required Credits


Math: 6 Required Credits


Science: 3 Required Credits


Open Electives: 15 Required Credits


  • Elective 3 Credits
  • Elective 3 Credits
  • Elective 3 Credits
  • Elective 3 Credits
  • Elective 3 Credits

Major, Core, & Concentrations: 54 Required Credits


Designated Writing Course: 3 Required Credits


Directed Electives: 9 Credits


Selected under advisement.

  • 100-400 Level Elective 3 Credits
  • 300-400 Level Elective 3 Credits
  • 300-400 Level Elective 3 Credits

Concentration/Directed Electives: 15 Required Credits


Selected under advisement.

  • Elective 3 Credits
  • Elective 3 Credits
  • Elective 3 Credits
  • 300-400 Level Elective 3 Credits
  • 300-400 Level Elective 3 Credits

College to Career Core: 6 Required Credits


Total Program Credits: 120 Required Credits


Concentrations


In lieu of one of the concentrations listed below, students majoring in Criminal Justice may choose five Directed Electives within the program. At least two of the Directed Electives must be at the 300-400 level. This plan should be guided by the Academic Department and the student's Main Campus Academic Advisor or Accelerated Degree Program Academic Success Counselor. Students who choose a concentration in Legal Studies will choose a 3-credit Directed Elective, in addition to the 12-credit concentration.

Correctional Counseling Concentration: 15 Required Credits


Law Enforcement Concentration: 15 Required Credits


Legal Studies Concentration: 15 Required Credits


Return to {$returnto_text} Return to: All Programs