COURSE CURRICULUM

The Criminal Justice major requires 45 credits and is designed to provide students with a strong understanding of crime, law enforcement, legal systems, corrections, ethics, research, and social issues affecting the criminal justice system. The required curriculum begins with foundational courses such as Introduction to Criminal Justice and Criminology and Social Theory, which introduce students to the structure of the criminal justice system, crime patterns, and theories explaining criminal behavior and social responses to crime. Students also complete Professional and Legal Writing, which develops communication and analytical writing skills essential for criminal justice professionals. The program further examines the major components of the justice system through courses such as Police and Society, Courts and Judicial Process, and Corrections, Parole and Probation, helping students understand the responsibilities, operations, and challenges faced by law enforcement agencies, courts, and correctional institutions. Specialized courses including Juvenile Justice and Delinquency and Victimology explore youth crime, rehabilitation, victims’ rights, and the social impact of criminal behavior. Students also gain research and analytical skills through Criminal Justice Research Methods, where they learn to evaluate criminal justice data, research findings, and evidence-based practices. Criminal Justice Ethics focuses on ethical decision-making, professional responsibility, and legal standards within criminal justice professions. In the final stage of the program, students complete the Criminal Justice Capstone Seminar, which integrates theoretical knowledge and practical understanding gained throughout the curriculum while preparing students for professional careers or advanced academic study. In addition to the required coursework, students complete 12 credits of major electives, allowing them to explore specialized areas of criminal justice according to their interests and career goals. Students interested in advanced study, including the BA/MA Combined Degree Program, are encouraged to consult academic advisers before selecting electives. Overall, the curriculum combines criminological theory, practical knowledge, legal understanding, ethical reasoning, research skills, and professional communication to prepare graduates for careers in law enforcement, corrections, courts, homeland security, victim services, forensic fields, and other areas within the criminal justice system.