Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice (120 Hours)

Program Outcomes

Apply foundational theories of crime, law, and justice to analyze criminal behavior, legal processes, and the operation of justice institutions.

Demonstrate proficiency in research methods and data interpretation to evaluate criminal justice policies, programs, and practices.

Communicate effectively in written and oral forms using discipline-appropriate conventions to address issues in policing, courts, and corrections.

Evaluate ethical dilemmas and professional responsibilities in criminal justice settings, applying principles of equity, civil rights, and procedural justice.

Analyze how social, cultural, and structural factors influence crime, victimization, and the criminal justice system’s outcomes.

Essential Liberal Arts Courses (31 hours)

Required

Course NumberCourse TitleCredits
CCC102Public Speaking

3

 

MATH100Mathematics for the Liberal Arts

4

Or

MATH101Intermediate Algebra

4

 

XXXX
Scientific Inquiry

4

 

Great Conversation Series

Required

Course NumberCourse TitleCredits
GCON110Great Conversation: The Meaning of Life

3

GCON120Great Conversation: Western Civilization

3

GCON130GCON130 - Great Conversation: Global Civilization

3

GCON140GCON140 - Great Conversation: Art

3

GCON150GCON150 - Great Conversation: What It Means to Be A U.S. Citizen

3

Criminal Justice B.A. Core (29 hours)

Required

Course NumberCourse TitleCredits
SOC104Introduction to Sociology

3

SOC381Sociological Theory

3

SOC385Social Research Methods

3

SOC407Capstone: Senior Research

3

SCJ225Intro to Criminal & Juvenile Justice

3

SCJ360Criminology & Prevention

3

SCJ363Corrections and Rehabilitation

3

SCJ366Criminal Law

3

SCJ393Criminal Procedure & the Courts

3

SCJ399Professional Internship

1-6

All students must choose a track from

  • Law Enforcement
  • Corrections and Rehabilitation
  • Law and the Judiciary
  • Forensic Literacy

Law Enforcement Track (9 hours)

Choose 9 hours required from the following:

Course NumberCourse TitleCredits
SCJ267Criminal Investigation & Forensics

3

SCJ361Police and Urban Society

3

SCJ362Sociology of Gangs in Contemporary Society

3

SCJ404Issues in Homeland Security

3

Program Outcomes

  1. Apply evidence-based policing strategies and principles of community engagement to assess and respond to public safety challenges.

Corrections and Rehabilitation Track (9 hours)

Choose 9 hours required from the following:

Course NumberCourse TitleCredits
SCJ266Juvenile Justice & Delinquency

3

SCJ308Sex Discrimination and Violence Against Women

3

SCJ364Drugs in American Society

3

SCJ405Issues in Prison Reform

3

Program Outcomes

  1. Evaluate correctional practices, treatment models, and rehabilitation strategies to make informed decisions about offender management and reintegration.

Law and the Judiciary Track (9 hours)

Choose 9 hours required from the following:

Course NumberCourse TitleCredits
SCJ396Constitutional Law I: Powers of Government

3

SCJ397Constitutional Law II: Individual Liberties

3

SCJ400Freedom of Expression and Crime

3

SCJ402Wrongful Conviction Seminar

3

SCJ403Capital Punishment in the United States

3

Program Outcomes

  1. Demonstrate an applied understanding of legal reasoning, judicial processes, and courtroom procedures in analyzing cases and interpreting statutory and constitutional law.

Forensic Science Literacy Track (9 hours)

Choose 9 hours required from the following:

Course NumberCourse TitleCredits
SCJ267Criminal Investigation & Forensics

3

SCJ402Wrongful Conviction Seminar

3

BIOL221Principles of Genetics

3

CHEM304Quantitative Chemical Analysis

3

CHEM306Quantitative Chemical Analysis Laboratory

1

Program Outcomes

  1. Demonstrate foundational literacy in forensic science methods and evaluate how forensic evidence is collected, analyzed, and used within the criminal justice system.

Note:

  • General elective credit hours will vary dependent upon the following degree requirements:
    • Must complete a minimum of 120 credit hours
    • Must complete a minimum of 30 credit hours of coursework at the 300 or 400-level
  • Courses requiring prerequisites and corequisites are noted on the course which can be found in the course description section of the catalog.