Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice (BSCJ)

The he BSCJ requires the successful completion of a total of 120 credit hours of study, 60 of which are at the upper level (junior and senior years). Students must have completed a minimum of 60 semester credit-hours of college-level studies at the lower level (freshman and sophomore years).

A student must complete at least 30 credit hours in General Education of which six must be in Psychology and/or Sociology. A student must also complete 30 credit hours of Criminal Justice core courses. The remaining credit hours consist of major course (if applicable) and/or elective courses.

The BSCJ program includes an optional homeland security major which focuses on the main topics essential to homeland security professionals. Students desiring this major must specifically apply for this major when enrolling and take the five additional courses listed below.

BSCJ Program Objectives

Upon successful completion of the program, students will be able to:

  • Explain the fundamental concepts, roles, and functions of Criminal Justice and the Criminal Justice System

  • Demonstrate knowledge of the core elements of Administration of Justice topics

  • Apply practical knowledge to enforce the law while upholding the individual protections afforded by the US Constitution and the law

  • Analyze crime scenes and evidence utilizing technology and data analysis methods

  • Evaluate leading management theories and practices as applied to Criminal Justice Administration

BSCJ Major

  • This major is designed for criminal justice students who wish to focus on homeland security issues. 

    HS 100 Introduction to Homeland Security

    HS 130 Introduction to Terrorism and Counterterrorism

    HS 201 Emergency Preparedness

    HS 265 Introduction to International Relations

    HS 310 Critical Incident Response

General Education Courses (30 credit-hours)

  • Written and oral communication

  • Quantitative reasoning

  • Information literacy

  • Critical thinking

  • Natural and physical sciences

  • Social and behavioral sciences

  • Humanities

BSCJ Core Courses

  • CJ 100 Introduction to Criminal Justice

  • CJ 105 Introduction to Juvenile Justice

  • CJ 201 Introduction to Criminal Law

  • CJ 206 Introduction to Law Enforcement

  • CJ 211 Introduction to Corrections

  • CJ 216 Criminology

  • CJ 320 Introduction to Forensic Science

  • CJ 400 Criminal Courts System

  • CJ 420 Criminal Procedure

  • CJ 450 Criminal Justice Management

Recommended Electives