COURSE CURRICULUM

The Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice at the University of New Haven provides students with a comprehensive foundation in the study of crime, justice systems, and public safety, preparing them for careers in law enforcement, corrections, courts, public service, and related social service fields, as well as for advanced graduate study. The program is structured around core learning outcomes that emphasize the ability to apply criminological theories, research methods, and empirical findings to real-world issues involving policing, corrections, and judicial systems. Students are trained to critically analyze a broad body of criminal justice literature and to integrate key concepts effectively through both written and oral communication. Ethical reasoning is a central component of the curriculum, ensuring graduates are able to evaluate moral and professional challenges within criminal justice practice and policy environments. The program also develops strong analytical and problem-solving skills through courses in scientific methods and quantitative applications in criminal justice. The Criminology, Corrections, and the Community concentration prepares students specifically for roles in correctional institutions, community supervision agencies, reentry programs, and case management positions. This concentration emphasizes understanding the causes of criminal behavior, the factors influencing desistance, and the role of structural and social conditions in shaping justice outcomes. Students also study risk assessment, evidence-based supervision strategies, and program evaluation techniques used in correctional and community settings. Key coursework focuses on corrections, client-based criminal justice practice, community supervision, and macro- or micro-level analyses of criminal justice systems and inequalities. In addition, students engage in problem-solving coursework that emphasizes planning, evaluation, and applied decision-making in justice contexts. Alongside major requirements and general education courses, students complete free electives that allow exploration of related disciplines. Overall, the program equips graduates with practical, analytical, and ethical competencies necessary to address complex issues within modern criminal justice systems and to contribute effectively to community safety and justice reform efforts.