The Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice is designed to provide students with advanced knowledge of the theories, policies, and practices that shape the contemporary criminal justice system. Building upon foundational coursework, the program develops students' analytical, research, ethical decision-making, and leadership competencies in preparation for professional careers and graduate study. Through an interdisciplinary curriculum, students examine the complex interactions among law enforcement, the courts, corrections, and community-based organizations while exploring the legal, social, and policy dimensions of crime and justice.

The curriculum prepares graduates for professional positions across a broad range of criminal justice and related fields, including law enforcement, court administration, probation and parole, corrections, community supervision, human and social services, victim advocacy, and private and specialized security organizations. A required internship provides students with supervised experiential learning that integrates academic knowledge with professional practice. Students must successfully complete 160 hours of field experience and fulfill all academic requirements associated with the internship, thereby demonstrating the application of classroom learning in a professional setting.

The program also serves criminal justice professionals seeking career advancement by providing the theoretical foundation, applied knowledge, and professional competencies necessary for supervisory, administrative, and management roles. Emphasis is placed on leadership, organizational decision-making, policy analysis, and evidence-based practice to prepare graduates for increasing levels of responsibility within public, private, and nonprofit organizations.

A distinguishing feature of the curriculum is the culminating CJ-480 Criminal Justice Capstone, in which students synthesize disciplinary knowledge and research methodologies to investigate a contemporary issue in criminal justice. Through the application of scientific inquiry and critical analysis, students evaluate existing policies and practices, develop evidence-based recommendations, and propose informed solutions to complex challenges facing the criminal justice system.

The Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice also provides a strong academic foundation for graduate and professional education in criminal justice, criminology, law, homeland security, forensic science, and related disciplines. Graduates are prepared to contribute to the advancement of equitable, ethical, and effective criminal justice policies and practices through informed leadership, scholarly inquiry, and community engagement.

The program level objectives for students completing the BS in Criminal Justice are as follows:

1. Articulate the contemporary issues affecting the criminal justice system
2. Describe and evaluate the impact of diversity, race, gender, class, ethnicity and sexual orientation on policing, bail, sentencing, incarceration and criminal justice reform
3. Apply criminal justice research in measuring, interpreting and analyzing quantitative and qualitative data within research design and evaluating different research models, their advantages and disadvantages
4. Effectively demonstrate knowledge of information technology on criminal justice research
5. Demonstrate competency and fluency in applying academic theory to practical experiences in professional settings or within policy recommendations
6. Develop and refine the requisite oral, written communication and leadership skills to advance in criminal justice related fields

Requirements

Recommended Sequence 

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Electives should be chosen based on advisement.

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For CJ majors seeking a career in law enforcement, CJ-285 Police Academy Scholars is strongly recommended.