Criminal Justice, Criminology Concentration, B.A.

Program Mission Statement

The Criminal Justice Program promotes life-long learning among its students with the aim of turning them into professionals and leaders in the criminal justice system. The program empowers students to become critical thinkers, problem-solvers, policy initiators, ethical actors, and competent administrators in the study of crime and criminal behavior, crime prevention and justice at all levels of society. The curricula are dynamic, innovative and provide both substantive and practical knowledge that connects social-scientific theories with appropriate methodologies to serve a diverse multicultural environment. As a result, the program is divided into two specialized areas, including Criminal Justice, Criminology. Students are free and also encouraged to choose their area of particular interest.

Graduates are prepared for service in parole and probation agencies, correctional institutions, and federal, state, local, and private investigative or security agencies, juvenile justice programs, and law enforcement agencies. Graduates may choose to further their studies in graduate or law schools.

Program Goals

1. Students will demonstrate substantive knowledge in the field of criminal justice, including law enforcement, judicial and penal systems by engaging in scenario-based learning and applying theories to the practice.
2. Students will demonstrate the ability to effectively communicate in legal terminology of the criminal justice system by developing enhanced speaking and writing skills, critical thinking, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
3. Students will be able to demonstrate the ability to conduct scientific research using both quantitative and qualitative methods and be able to analyze and interpret data relevant to policy areas in criminal justice.
4. Students will demonstrate the ability to understand the ethical implications of criminal justice work and be able to perform with integrity.

Program Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the Criminal Justice Program, the graduate will be able to:

• Understand and critically analyze criminal justice, criminological, criminal law and delinquency concepts, theories and models.
• Perform and function effectively in any professional environment with a full understanding of the scope and importance of ethical behavior.
• Conduct scientific research using both quantitative and qualitative methods, analyze, and interpret data relevant to policy areas in criminal justice.
• Analyze the organizational, cultural and institutional characteristics and operations of the major criminal justice system, including law enforcement, corrections, courts, adjudications and the sociopolitical and legal implications.

This major field of study enhances student appreciation of applying science to the study of crime, criminals, and criminal behavior.

Graduation Requirements

This degree program requires a minimum of 121 semester hours for completion.