BA in Criminal Justice

Area of Study Overview

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The Bachelor of Arts BA degree program in Criminal Justice prepares law enforcement officials and adult learners for career change, advancement or graduate education.

Students in the BA in Criminal Justice program focus on the interdisciplinary study of crime and the functioning of the criminal justice system, and develop critical analytical skills, and knowledge of the research findings and methods used in the field. In addition, students develop a broad general knowledge of the traditional liberal arts disciplines while developing a greater depth of knowledge in criminal justice.

Degree Requirements

  • A minimum of 18 credits must be upper level 300 level or above within the area of study.

Credit Distribution

Courses in the Area of Study are listed as a guide. Other courses may satisfy the areas. For TESU course options, please contact an Advisor.

I. General Education Requirements (60 Credits)

II. Area of Study (33 Credits)

A. Required Courses (24 Credits)

AOJ-101Introduction to Law Enforcement

3

SOC-291Criminology

3

AOJ-111Introduction to Corrections

3

AOJ-363American Juvenile Justice System

3

SOS-492Research Methods in Social Sciences

3

PHI-383Ethical Issues in Criminal Justice

3

B. Criminal Justice Electives 6 credits select two of the following

SOC-242Juvenile Delinquency

3

AOJ-303White-Collar Crime

3

AOJ-280Forensic Science

3

SOS-440Terrorism

3

HLS-355Critical Thinking for Homeland Security

3

HLS-410Counterterrorism: Constitutional and Legislative Issues

3

HLS-420Homeland Security: Preparedness, Prevention, and Deterrence

3

HLS-429Protecting the Homeland: Response and Recovery

3

This list is a guide. Other criminal justice courses may be appropriate for this area of study. For other TESU course options, please contact an Advisor.

C. Capstone

LIB-495Liberal Arts Capstone

3

III. Electives (27 Credits)

For TESU course options, go to Elective Courses.

Total Credit Hours: 120

Learning Outcomes

Graduates of the Criminal Justice program will be able to:

  • consistent with the criteria established by the Academy of Criminal Justices Sciences ACJS, apply concepts in areas of: administration of justice, corrections, criminological theory, law adjudication, and law enforcement;
  • communicate, both verbally and in writing, in a clear and professional manner;
  • critically analyze and evaluate social science and criminal justice research, theories, and policies; and
  • employ ethical perspectives and judgment and apply principles of diversity in criminal justice practice.