Laurie Dodge, Ph.D., Interim Dean, Arts and Sciences
Jeremy Korr, Ph.D., Associate Dean, Arts and Sciences
William Sokoloff, Ph.D., Associate Dean, Arts and Sciences
Robert Dunkley, Ph.D.
John "Rocky" Hewitt, M.A.
Robert Hill, D.P.A.
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? The Bachelor of Arts degree in Criminal Justice leads students to examine these and other questions about the scientific study of criminal behaviors in their complex sociological settings. The B.A. in Criminal Justice (BACJ) 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.
The BACJ degree program utilizes the subject matter expertise from criminal justice, social science, sociology, political science, and organizational leadership. The course offerings provide adult learners the requisite tools to quickly become valuable and valued members of both public and private sector organizations, possessing effective communication skills, analytical problem-solving skills, strong ethical principles, and both a practical and theoretical understanding of organizational dynamics.
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.
Basic Skills (12 credits): |
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Introduction to Sociology |
3 |
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Social Research Design |
3 |
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Technical Writing |
3 |
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Leadership and Professional Ethics (or PHLU 304, Multicultural Ethics)
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3 |
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Core Requirements (18 credits): |
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Introduction to the Administration of Criminal Justice |
3 |
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Introduction to Law |
3 |
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Sociology of Deviant Behavior |
3 |
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Social and Political Theory |
3 |
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Integrative Seminar for the Social Sciences I |
3 |
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Senior Capstone |
3 |
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Criminal Justice Institutions (12 credits): |
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Correctional Systems |
3 |
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Police and Society |
3 |
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Constitutional Rights |
3 |
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Sociology of Organizations and Institutions |
3
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Major Electives (6 credits. At least one course must be upper division.): |
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Students may choose from criminal justice (CJCU), organizational leadership/administration (OLCU/ORGU), political science (POSU), psychology (PSYU), social science (SSCU), or sociology (SOCU) courses. |
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Total credits
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48 |
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A minor in criminal justice requires a total of 18 credits chosen from the criminal justice major and distributed as outlined below.
Minor Core: (9 credits) |
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Introduction to the Administration of Criminal Justice |
3 |
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Correctional Systems |
3 |
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Police and Society |
3 |
Minor Electives: (9 credits. At least one course must be upper division.) |
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Any three courses from the criminal justice major above.
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Total credits |
18 |
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