The criminal justice studies curriculum is contemporary and reflects a balance of academic emphasis and professional knowledge. A wide range of classes are offered including classes in diversity, international criminal justice, and women in criminal justice. Students in criminal justice studies have the opportunity to engage in internships in various criminal justice agencies.

In their criminal justice studies major students have a choice of concentrations in corrections, law enforcement or pre-law. Students in the corrections or law enforcement concentration are required to have a minimum grade point average of 2.5 for graduation. Pre-law concentration students must have a minimum grade point average of 2.8 for graduation.

Criminal justice seniors have the opportunity to participate in department sponsored community seminars to make presentations demonstrating their expertise in a criminal justice topic.

Programs

Students can obtain the Bachelor of Science degree, a minor, or a certificate in Criminal Justice Studies. The Bachelor of Science degree requires a minimum of 120 credit hours and the Associate of Science degree a minimum of 60 credit hours. The minor requires 21 credit hours emphasizing acquiring knowledge of the structure and process of the criminal justice system, a basic understanding of criminal law, an introduction to crime causation, ethics and professional focus.

The Director of Criminal Justice Studies is a recognized international author who has published seven texts with major publishing companies on criminal justice and dozens of articles.

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice Studies, the graduate will be prepared to:

1. Demonstrate knowledge of the American criminal justice system from a social science perspective that emphasizes knowledge of policing, courts, and corrections in terms of human behavior, social response, organization, and social values.
2. Demonstrate knowledge of theories of crime causation, offending, and rehabilitation.
3. Demonstrate an understanding of the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to function in a professional position in the field of criminal justice.
4. Demonstrate the ability to think critically and understand complex ideas related to justice, civil liberties, due process, community security, social values, problem solving, rehabilitation and other issues related to criminal justice.
5. To be able to effectively communicate ideas in written and oral communication in various formats including professional communication and the explanation of complex social problems and research data.
6. Demonstrate an understanding of values, ethics, and diversity as they relate to the administration of justice, constitutional rights, and social justice.