Criminal Justice (BS)

The Criminal Justice bachelor's degree program prepares students for professional careers in the field of criminal justice. Through this course of study, students are expected to acquire the communication, logic, critical thinking and ethical reasoning skills essential for both the understanding of complex global and domestic criminal justice issues and for effective career performance and progression.

Upon completion of the program, graduates are expected to:

Explain the historical backgrounds, agencies, professions, purposes, functions and administration of the American criminal justice system.
Analyze, evaluate and apply social science research methods to complex issues within the criminal justice system.
Apply criminological theories and causes of crime, and appropriate methods of control and prevention of criminal behavior to situational contexts within the American criminal justice system.
Explain the complex responsibilities, procedures and policies of law enforcement agencies operating in the American criminal justice system.
Critically evaluate evidence used to support criminal justice issues and generate appropriate recommendations.
Explain conflicts that arise in diverse communities in relation to criminal justice administration.
The program’s judicious mix of criminal justice and arts and sciences courses is intended to develop and enhance each student’s critical thinking and effective communication skills, as well as their appreciation for diversity, citizenship, leadership and public service. In keeping with the unique curriculum and varied career opportunities available to graduates of the Criminal Justice program, students are encouraged to take advantage of available internship, study abroad and elective course opportunities that target their specific interests and goals.