Bachelors of Science in Criminal Justice

The nature of and responses to crime are important social phenomena that affect all of our lives. The criminal justice program at SDSU provides students with an in-depth analysis of all facets of crime and crime control. Students who choose this major study the development, functions and structure of the criminal justice system. They examine the role of law enforcement agencies, courts, correctional agencies, and private agencies that aid in the prevention and control of crime and delinquency. The in-depth study of criminal and social justice issues is designed to foster the capacity for balanced and critical evaluation of criminal justice problems, including the role of the criminal justice system as it relates to other institutions in society. The criminal justice major will appeal to undergraduates who are interested in preparing for a career in criminal justice, policing, corrections, law, or a related field; students who are currently employed in the criminal justice community; and individuals who are generally interested in studying how public policies about crime and its control are created and implemented. The purpose of the criminal justice program is to provide current and future decision-makers in criminal justice with the foundation for critical, balanced, responsible and effective administrative responses. Lower-division course work for the major consists of classes focusing on sociology, psychology, statistics and American and California government and politics. Career Opportunities: The program is designed to prepare graduates for positions in public and community agencies that deal with various areas of crime and delinquency prevention and control. At the local level, graduates can begin service in various capacities with police, loss prevention, sheriff's and marshal's offices, probation, county supervisors, city administration, and criminal justice planning agencies. At the state level, graduates may enter the Highway Patrol, Attorney General's Office, California Youth Authority, or related agencies. At the federal level, graduates are eligible to be employed in such agencies as the FBI, Border Patrol, Secret Service, ATF and the CIA.