About the B.A. in Criminology and Criminal Justice
The Bachelor of Arts in Criminology and Criminal Justice is a comprehensive and interdisciplinary program designed to provide students with a deep understanding of the interconnected systems in which criminal justice exists and functions. Students will explore the many dimensions of criminal justice through multiple perspectives by exploring the social, cultural, political and economic factors that contribute to crime and its prevention.
Program Highlights
Practical Skills
This program combines theoretical knowledge with practical skills, preparing students for various careers within and related to the criminal justice field with an emphasis on ethical decision-making and social justice. .
Diverse Curriculum
The program offers a diverse curriculum that addresses key areas pertaining to the criminal justice system, including law enforcement, courts, probation, corrections, youth and delinquency, and the law, along with focused topics such as the influence of media, criminal behavior and the impact on victims
Flexible Class Options
Choose between fully online or on-campus course formats and fit your degree around your busy schedule.
Advanced Degree Options
Students will gain knowledge to pursue further education in graduate programs related to criminal justice, law, or criminology.
What You Will Learn
The program offers a diverse curriculum that addresses key areas pertaining to the criminal justice system, including law enforcement, courts, probation, corrections, youth and delinquency, and the law, along with focused topics such as the influence of media, criminal behavior and the impact on victims.
Critical Thinking
Students will develop a solid foundation in critical thinking, research methodology, and analytical skills. Throughout the program, students will have opportunities to engage in hands-on learning experiences, such as internships, case studies and simulations. These practical experiences will allow students to interact with criminal justice professionals, gain valuable insights into the inner workings of the criminal justice system, and apply their knowledge in real-world scenarios. This program is designed to equip graduates with the necessary skills and knowledge to pursue a wide range of career opportunities in the broad areas of criminal justice and adjacent fields at the local, state and national levels.
Law and the Justice System
Structure and function of criminal law; Establishing crime and intent; Types of defenses; Legal rights and responsibilities of law enforcement; The American court system; Trials, juries, sentencing, appeals, and wrongful convictions; Constitutional law.
Ethics and Diversity
Ethical challenges in civil society; Tensions in criminal justice system; Discrimination and ethical issues in criminal justice; Ethical discretion of law enforcement; Maintaining professionalism.
Punishment and Corrections
Types of incarceration; Institution administration; Classification, orientation, rules, and release procedures; Vocational and rehabilitation services; Welfare agencies, halfway houses, and drug rehabilitation; Legal aid services.
Sociology and Psychology
Social norms and deviance; Contextual factors in decision making; Theories and causes of deviant behavior, personality development, and social control mechanisms; Racial and gender differences within sociology; Social control devices.
Criminal Justice Minor
The Criminal Justice minor provides students with a foundational understanding of the criminal justice system, including its components such as law enforcement, law, courts, and corrections. Students will examine crime, offenders, and criminal behavior, offering students insights into the causes of crime and strategies for prevention. concepts and theories of criminology to understand criminal behavior and its cause. The minor combines theoretical knowledge with practical skills, preparing students for various careers related to the criminal justice field with an emphasis on ethical decision-making and social justice
Career Outlook
With a degree in Criminal Justice, you’ll be set up for a wide range of careers that are growing fast. Careers in law enforcement, criminal investigation, corrections, legal and advocacy roles, juvenile and social justice, and are some of the career paths within this field. Specific jobs include police officers, private investigators, crime prevention specialists, probation officers, correctional treatment specialists, youth correctional officers, victim advocates, social and community service managers, court administrators, and forensic psychologists. There are also pathways into the legal field including paralegals and legal assistants and with further education, the law profession.
Some of the careers that our B.A. in Criminal Justice will prepare you for are:
- Police officer
- Forensic scientist
- Security specialist in a business setting
- Juvenile justice caseworker
- Paralegal
- Correctional officer
- Probation officer
- Private investigator
These careers may require fulfillment of additional federal, state, county or municipal requirements.
*https://www.bls.gov/ooh/protective-service/police-and-detectives.htm
