Criminal Justice, BS

Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice

Normal Time for Completion: Four Years

This program is offered on campus and online. 

Program courses are available in the evening. Students should consult with their advisor regarding the evening course schedule.

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.

The Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice degree is not designed to fulfill the educational requirements for any professional credential, such as a police officer certification. Post University assists in researching and providing information regarding licensure; however, each state has different requirements for such licensure outside of the required education. Such state requirements may include licensure exams, background checks, certain work experience, and more. It is ultimately the responsibility of each student to manage their own licensure process and to ensure that all requirements are met in order for the student to obtain licensure. Post University does not speak on behalf of any licensing board or body and does not guarantee licensure. Requirements for licensure are subject to change without notice. Learn about law enforcement and public safety careers through the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Undergraduate students enrolled in the Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice (BS CRJ) program, with the approval of the Master of Public Administration (MPA) department, have the opportunity to enroll in the following MPA courses: PAD 610 , PAD 616 , or PAD 625 . Students approved to enroll in MPA courses may enroll in one MPA course each term. Qualified students will be selected on a first-come, first-serve basis. 

To be eligible for consideration, students must meet the following requirements:  

• Meet the MPA program's work experience requirements as determined by the MPA Program Chair. 
• Have a 3.25 GPA and Senior standing.
• Be enrolled as a full-time student majoring in the BS CRJ program.
• Obtain a recommendation from the Criminal Justice Program Chair.
• Submit a 500-word essay to the MPA Program Chair explaining why they want to obtain the graduate degree and should be permitted to take a course(s) in the MPA program. E.g., time to devote to a graduate-level course and interest in the field of study.
• If approved, obtain prior permission from the MPA Program Chair for each course.

Students must earn a grade of B or higher to associate to the MPA curriculum. 

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.