Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice

The Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice program is primarily designed for students who intend to pursue a professional career in such fields as law enforcement, corrections, probation and parole, court administration, or the juvenile justice system. The program also provides a solid foundation for students who wish to pursue graduate studies. Career Opportunities Employment opportunities for the criminal justice professional are extensive with well over 200 different career patterns in the field. Typical careers of graduates include career law enforcement officer positions at the local, state, and federal levels; professional positions in the field of corrections, probations, and parole; positions in court administration and in the juvenile justice system; social work; and positions as industrial security specialists with major security companies and corporations. Program Goals and Mission: Generally, the program goals intend to help students to acquire a higher level of knowledge, understanding, and competencies specific to criminal justice professions through curricula and other activities: Foundation of Knowledge: Students will develop an understanding of the major concepts, basic, and advanced terms, theories, and empirical findings in the discipline. Applications of Knowledge: Students will develop an understanding of the theoretical perspectives, sociocultural factors, and empirical findings important to policing a democratic society. Professional Ethics: Students will develop an understanding of personal and professional values to function ethically as individuals and professionals in their work group; local, and global communities. Science: Students will develop an understanding of important social scientific concepts and methods of scientific inquiry. In the accomplishment of these goals, the program mission is for students to: develop a higher-level fund of personal and professional knowledge; become competent problem solvers who apply knowledge to criminal justice settings and problems; translate knowledge into informed professional practices; and convey knowledge through the delivery of high-quality services that are responsive to the needs of the community and the profession.