Department of Behavioral Sciences

Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice and Criminology

The curriculum in Criminal Justice and Criminology is designed to prepare students for occupations in a wide variety of industries. This includes policing, security, corrections, social services, and transportation security.  The requirements are innovative and designed to meet policing needs in the 21st century.  These include a Spanish language requirement, a Geographic Information Systems (GIS) option, and a curriculum that encourages a second minor or major in diverse and impactful areas, including Cybersecurity and Emergency Management. The program affords a transition opportunity for students who have completed an AAS in Law Enforcement Certification or Associate’s Degree in Criminal Justice. It gives a strong base for graduate study in law, criminal justice, or criminology. Also, completion of the program provides a foundation for the Behavioral Sciences' Master’s Degree in Applied Sociology, which has an emphasis in criminal justice studies.  

 

(1) Basic Requirements

 (2) Policing: Choose 3 hours from:

(3) Courts: Choose 3 hours from:

(4) Society: Choose 3 hours from:

 (5) SOC 1003 Introductory Sociology, ANTH 2003 Cultural Anthropology or ANTH 1213 Introduction to Anthropology, and POLS 2003 American Government

 (6) Complete a minor, an associate's degree or a second degree in one of the following: Sociology, Cybersecurity,       Emergency Management, Political Science, Psychology, Pre-Law, Cybersecurity, or Law Enforcement

Curriculum

The matrix below is a sample plan for all coursework required for this program.

1See appropriate alternatives or substitutions in "General Education Requirements".
2A minor or second degree must be completed.
3At least 40 of the total hours required for graduation must be 3000 - 4000 level courses.
4See appropriate options in "Policing", "Courts", & "Society" areas:
Policing: Choose 3 hours (UD) from:
CJ/SOC 3153 Prisons and Corrections
CJ/SOC 3103 Juvenile Justice
CJ/SOC 4033 Policing and Society
Courts: Choose 3 hours (UD) from:
CJ/POLS 3023 Judicial Process
CJ 4023 Law and the Legal System
Society: Choose 3 hours (UD) from:
CJ/SOC 3083 Social Deviance
SOC 4003 Minority Relations
SOC 4023 Sociology of Gender
SOC 4063 Social Stratification