Criminal Justice

Whether you're currently a professional looking to expand your opportunities through education or interested in starting a career in criminal justice, this program is designed to work for you.  You will learn how the criminal justice system works; form crime prevention and enforcement, to the legal system, corrections, and more.

Mission Statement

The mission of the Criminal Justice program is to provide students with an overall understanding of the criminal justice system and all of its major players (officers, professionals, victims, and offenders). We aim to give students the knowledge, skills, and critical thinking capabilities that will prepare them for successful careers within the criminal justice field. Students are exposed to both established and contemporary theory, to research and writing skills, and to the requirements of practice in the field.

Learning Outcomes for Criminal Justice, Major

Upon completion of this program, students will be able to:

  • Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding and knowledge of the practical components of the criminal justice system.

  • Apply learned knowledge of the principles underlying human deviant behavior and social/psychological relationships.

  • Apply critical thinking skills and logic to analyze and solve complex problems in the criminal justice environment.

  • Cite effective practices and trends and anticipate the impact of programs and services that are effective in combating crime.

Learning Outcomes for Criminal Justice, Minor

Upon completion of this program, students will be able to:

  • Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding and knowledge of the practical components of the criminal justice system.

  • Apply learned knowledge of the principles underlying human deviant behavior and social/psychological relationships.

  • Apply critical thinking skills and logic to analyze and solve complex problems in the criminal justice environment.

  • Cite effective practices and trends and anticipate the impact of programs and services that are effective in combating crime.

Bachelor of Science Criminal Justice - Minor Required

General Education Core33
Required Courses
CJUS 121Intro to Criminal Justice3
CJUS 125Funds of Forensic Science3
CJUS 215CJ and Community3
CJUS 220Intro to Corrections3
CJUS 230Police Org and Behavior3
CJUS 236Intro to Research Methods3
CJUS 325American Criminal Law3
CJUS 330Admin of Juv Justice3
CJUS 335Victimology3
CJUS 356Sociology of Violence3
CJUS 421Criminal Justice Ethics3
CJUS 427Deviance & Social Control3
CJUS 494Seminar3
SOCI 211Introduction to Criminology3
SW 423Addiction Studies3
COMX 412Communication and Conflict3
Minor and Advisor Approved Electives (12 credits must be upper division) including the following:39
CJUS 226Introduction to Probation
CJUS 228Diversity in Criminal Justice
CJUS 413Administration Law Enforcement
CJUS 440Gender, Crime and Justice
CJUS 488Forensic Crime Lab & Beyond
CJUS 498Cooperative Education
Total minimum credits required for degree/minor120

Minor Criminal Justice

Required Courses
CJUS 121Intro to Criminal Justice3
SOCI 211Introduction to Criminology3
Select 2 courses from the following:
CJUS 125Funds of Forensic Science3
CJUS 220Intro to Corrections3
CJUS 230Police Org and Behavior3
CJUS 236Intro to Research Methods3
Select 4 courses from the following:
PSYX 340Abnormal Psychology3
CJUS 330Admin of Juv Justice3
CJUS 335Victimology3
CJUS 356Sociology of Violence3
CJUS 421Criminal Justice Ethics3
CJUS 427Deviance & Social Control3
CJUS 494Seminar3
COMX 412Communication and Conflict3
SW 423Addiction Studies3
Total minimum credits required for minor24