Description and Outcomes

The Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice program is designed to offer a level of academic study that provides you with a solid foundation in criminal justice and a broad liberal arts knowledge base. The baccalaureate program combines the professional skills of various specialized areas of criminal justice with research and analytical skills.

If you seek a practice-based program, the Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice is designed to enhance your qualifications to help you pursue more challenging responsibilities in criminal justice agencies and corporations. Upon graduation, you may seek employment opportunities in various criminal justice environments such as law enforcement, courts, adult and juvenile corrections, corporate security, public safety, loss prevention, private protective services or investigations, or community-based programs and services. It should be noted that some positions may require additional academy training and experience.

If you have already completed an associate’s or bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, you may be eligible for degree requirements to be waived and replaced with advanced start credit. Refer to Advanced Start Credit in Bachelor’s Degrees for details.

This program is available in ExcelTrack. Speak with your University representative for any limitations. For more information on ExcelTrack, see Learning Paths in the Approach to Learning section of the Catalog.

Concentrations

The bachelor's degree program offers you the opportunity to personalize a degree with a concentration in law enforcement, forensic psychology, crime scene investigation, homeland security, socially responsible leadership, or juvenile justice.

Program Length

The Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice program consists of a minimum of 180 quarter credit hours. Upon successful completion of the program, you will be awarded a bachelor of science degree.

Accelerated Master's Degree Options

If you are interested in earning a master's degree in human services, legal studies, psychology, or public administration, consider an accelerated master's degree option. Refer to the Progression Requirements section for details.

Program Outcomes

Discipline-Specific Outcomes

1. Criminological Theory: Use biological, sociological, and psychological criminological theories to understand the reasons individuals commit criminal acts.
2. Law: Apply the principles of criminal law and civil liabilities to keep officers and agencies from committing criminal acts and violating civil liabilities.
3. Research Methods: Use scientific methods to make professional and logical decisions.
4. Leadership: Build relationships within the community by understanding organizational culture, community relations, and theories of behavior.
5. Operations: Use available resources to make sound operational decisions for the criminal justice agency.
6. Technology: Apply new technology to improve the operations within a criminal justice agency.
7. Internationalism: Understand and evaluate worldwide criminal justice systems and enterprises.