Criminal Justice Major

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Students majoring in Criminal Justice combine the study of theory and philosophical principles related to the causes, punishment, and prevention of criminal behavior in society with practical knowledge of how the various parts of the criminal justice system function. Classroom study is combined with a hands-on application of theory and principles through a state-of-the-art criminal forensics laboratory, field experiences as well as formal internships with various law enforcement agencies conducted under professional supervision. Graduates of the Criminal Justice program usually pursue professional careers in various areas of law enforcement, government, law, security and investigative services, education as well as the private sector.

Course Study Curriculum

Student Learning Outcomes for Criminal Justice

Upon completion of the Criminal Justice degree program, graduates will:

  1. Demonstrate knowledge of major terms and definitions used in the study of crime and the criminal justice system.
  2. Identify the principal theories on the causes of crime and the major concepts used in the study of the criminal justice system.
  3. Identify the various parts of the criminal justice system and the function of each part.
  4. Apply concepts, theory and specific practices used in criminal justice within a workplace environment.
  5. Be able to relate theory, concepts, and practices to current issues in the field of criminal justice through conducting computer-based and quantitative research.
  6. Demonstrate sufficient levels of academic preparation and related skills to successfully pursue professional employment.
Course Credit Requirements for a Major in Criminal Justice
Course Credits
General Education 49
Major Courses 33
      CRJ 300 Introduction to Criminal Justice 3
      CRJ 301 Law Enforcement Systems 3
      CRJ 302 Corrections, Probation, Pardon and Parole Systems 3
      CRJ 303 Judicial Systems 3
      CRJ 304 Criminal Law 3
      CRJ 305 Criminology 3
      CRJ 400 Juvenile Delinquency 3
      CRJ 401 Criminal Investigation 3
      CRJ 402 Special Problems in Administration of Justice 3
      CRJ 403 Internship 3
      CRJ 404 Criminal Forensics 3
Other Required Courses 13
      JRS 300 Junior Seminar 1
      PSC 304 American National Government 3
      SSC 401 Introduction to Social Research 3
      SPA 201 Intermediate Spanish I 3
      SPA 202 Intermediate Spanish II 3
Minor Courses 18
Electives 9
TOTAL 122

Minors

  • Students majoring in other disciplines who want to minor in Criminal Justice are required to complete the following courses:

    Course Credit Requirements for a Minor in Criminal Justice
    Courses Credits
    CRJ 300 Introduction to Criminal Justice 3
    CRJ 301 Law Enforcement Systems 3
    CRJ 302 Corrections, Probation, Pardon and Parole Systems 3
    CRJ 304 Criminal Law 3
    CRJ 400 Juvenile Delinquency 3
    CRJ 402 Special Problems in Administration of Justice 3
    TOTAL 18

  • Students majoring in other disciplines who want to minor in Criminal Forensics Studies are required to complete the following courses:

    Course Credit Requirements for a Minor in Criminal Forensics Studies
    Courses Credits
    CFS 300 Introductory Survey of Forensics Studies 3
    CFS 301 Crime Scene Forensics 3
    CFS 302 Criminalistics I: Impression Evidence 3
    CFS 303 Criminalistics II: Trace Evidence 3
    CFS 401 Forensics Evidence and Ethics 3
    CFS 402 Special Topics in Criminal Forensics 3
    TOTAL 18