Criminal Justice

John Freed, Ph.D., Division Chair of Arts & Sciences

Stephanie Amedeo Marquez, Ph.D., Program Chair

Robert Hill, D.P.A.

Neil Lingle, M.S.

Myron Orleans, Ph.D.

Richard Utman, J.D.

Bachelor of Arts

Who commits crime? Is the United States correctional system tough or easy on criminals? Has Homeland Security effectively created a safer environment in a post 9/11 world? Chapman's undergraduate Criminal Justice program leads students to examine these and other questions about the scientific study of criminal behaviors in their complex sociological settings. Our program imparts leadership skills to a new class of specialist – a dedicated person who employs professional knowledge of social and organizational groups and the individuals within them to enhance the fairness and effectiveness of the American criminal justice system.

Our course offerings are highly inter-disciplinary and provide incoming students with a broad perspective and include courses in organizational leadership, political science and sociology as well as the more traditional criminal justice courses. Our program is structured both for students wishing to enter criminal justice careers as well as for adult learners with extensive law enforcement experience.

All courses taken in the major program must be passed with a grade equivalent of "C" or higher. Courses may be used to fulfill both major and general education requirements.

Admission

Admission to the major requires completion of all the other admission requirements listed in this catalogue, and an autobiographical essay describing the student's background, personal and career goals, and addressing the reasons underlying the decision to pursue a degree in criminal justice. This essay should be turned in to the campus office where the student expects to be taking the course work. This essay is an admission requirement, but it will not be evaluated for purposes of determining admission.

Minor in Criminal Justice