Criminal Justice, B.S.

(45 credits)

The Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice prepares students to understand crime, justice, and the institutions that protect and serve society. Through the study of criminology, criminal law, policing, courts, corrections, and research methods, students develop the critical thinking, communication, and analytical skills needed to evaluate complex issues and promote justice in diverse communities.

Students examine the criminal justice system through legal, sociological, and policy perspectives while exploring how race, ethnicity, gender, socioeconomic status, and other social factors influence crime and justice. Experiential learning opportunities, including internships and community engagement, prepare graduates for careers in law enforcement, corrections, courts, victim advocacy, social services, government, nonprofit organizations, and graduate study.

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of a degree in Criminal Justice, students will:

• Explain the structure, functions, and interrelationships of policing, courts, and corrections within the American criminal justice system.
• Apply professional terminology accurately and appropriately in academic and professional settings.
• Analyze crime and criminal behavior by applying major criminological theories to contemporary issues and real-world scenarios.
• Critically evaluate criminal justice literature and communicate evidence-based analyses through effective written communication.
• Apply constitutional and criminal law principles to analyze legal issues involving criminal responsibility, evidence, and procedural due process.

MAJOR REQUIREMENTS

REQUIRED CORE (39 credits)

CJ 111 - Introduction to the Criminal Justice System
SO 218 - Statistics for Behavioral Sciences
SO 219 - Research Methods
CJ 231 - Deviance and Criminology
CJ 232 - Juvenile Delinquency
CJ 233 - Corrections
CJ 234 - Contemporary Issues in Criminal Justice
CJ 248 - Correctional Administration
SO 242 - Race, Ethnicity and Racism
CJ 338 - Criminal Evidence
CJ 345 - Criminal Law and Procedure
CJ 380 - Internship
CJ 391 - Senior Seminar: Ethics

CRIMINAL JUSTICE ELECTIVES (6 credits)

Select two (6 credits):

SO 111 - Introduction to Sociology
SO 121 - Contemporary Social Problems
SO 241 - Urban Sociology
SO 310 - Sociology of Law and Social Control
CJ 239 - National Security & Civil Liberty
CJ 250 - Police & Community Relations
CJ 255 - Special Topics
CJ 280 - Criminal Justice Practicum
CJ 335 - The U.S. Constitution & Bill of Rights

*ADP students may substitute CJ 390 for CJ 380

WRITING IN THE DISCIPLINE DESIGNATED COURSE

CJ 338 - Criminal Evidence

4+1 BS in Criminal Justice/MS in Criminal Justice

The 4+1 BS in Criminal Justice/MS in Criminal Justice program is designed for high-achieving traditional undergraduate students who seek to complete both a bachelor's and master's degree in an expedited timeframe. This program offers a streamlined pathway to advanced criminal justice education, enabling students to complete both degrees efficiently while receiving comprehensive academic support and preparation for leadership roles in law enforcement, corrections, policy, and related fields.

Students admitted to a 4+1 program complete the requirements for both degrees, typically totaling at least 150 credits, including a minimum of 120 undergraduate credits and 30 graduate credits. During the senior year, students may enroll in up to two graduate-level courses, one in the fall and one in the spring semester, which may be applied to both undergraduate and graduate degree requirements. These are the only credits that may be double-counted between the two programs.

Admission Requirements
Students must apply to a 4+1 program during the junior year a upon completion of no more than 90 credits. Admission is competitive and requires a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher, unless otherwise specified by the program. Applications submitted after the junior year may not be considered. Final acceptance is granted by the graduate program. 

Enrollment and Advising
Upon acceptance, students are assigned a graduate advisor in addition to their undergraduate advisor. Students remain classified as undergraduate students until the bachelor’s degree is conferred.

Academic Standards and Progression
To continue in the 4+1 program, students must maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 and earn a grade of B or higher in all graduate-level coursework. Students may not exceed the maximum number of graduate credits permitted prior to completion of the bachelor’s degree, as defined by the program.

Tuition and Financial Aid
Graduate courses taken during the undergraduate phase are billed at the undergraduate tuition rate when included as part of a full-time undergraduate course load (12–18 credit hours per semester), unless otherwise noted; in these cases, no additional tuition is charged for the graduate coursework. After the bachelor’s degree is awarded, students are charged graduate tuition rates for all remaining coursework. Financial aid eligibility may change upon transition to graduate status and is subject to federal, state, and institutional regulations.

Program Completion
Students are expected to complete all graduate degree requirements within a defined timeframe following conferral of the bachelor’s degree, typically within one year, unless otherwise specified by the program.

Withdrawal or Dismissal
Students who withdraw from or become ineligible to continue in a 4+1 program may apply completed graduate coursework toward their undergraduate degree as elective credit, where applicable, provided a passing grade is earned. If a student later regains eligibility and is formally readmitted to the graduate program, previously completed graduate coursework in which a passing grade was earned may be applied toward the graduate degree, subject to program approval and applicable time limit requirements.

Eligibility
4+1 programs are limited to full-time, matriculated traditional undergraduate students in designated majors.