Bachelor of Science Degree - Criminal Justice
The Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice degree actively prepares students for professions in legal, policing, corrections, and support positions. The curriculum blends scientific theories, facts, and practical knowledge, giving students a comprehensive approach to the complex criminal justice system. Additionally, the faculty incorporate current issues and trends into coursework.
Overview
The Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice is a major within the School of Professional Studies. If you have questions regarding this program, please contact dsu.hawk@dickinsonstate.edu or call 1-800-279-HAWK.
Degree Requirements:
- General Education Courses
- Major Courses
- Electives
Degree available DSUlive and online
Student Learning Outcomes
Criminal Justice graduates will:
- Analyze, interpret, and use data and information in learning and research. (This learning outcome directly addresses Institutional Learning Outcomes III, IV, V, VII, and VIII.)
- Use technology as both a learning and professional application tool.(This learning outcome directly addresses Institutional Learning Outcomes VI, and VIII)
- Communicate ideas clearly through visual, verbal, and written forms using graphs, models, and the vocabulary specific to criminal justice. (This learning outcome directly addresses Institutional Learning Outcomes IV, V, VII, and VIII.)
- Demonstrate an ability to build upon and apply criminal justice knowledge and skills in various settings and environments.(This learning outcome directly addresses Institutional Learning Outcomes II, V, VII, and X.)
Career Options
Why should you pursue a Bachelor of Science Degree - Criminal Justice?
A degree in criminal justice gives students an understanding of the three main elements of the justice system: the courts, policing and corrections. The study of criminal justice and corrections involves research methods for criminology, criminological theory and the psychology behind criminal behavior. This program provides training for such occupation as a police officer, state patrol, corrections officer, security guard and parole, and rehabilitation administrator.
Possible Career Paths
- Federal, State, and Local Law Enforcement
- Probation and Parole
- Juvenile Justice
- Corrections
- Case Management
- Child Protective Services
- Bail Bonds Services
- Criminal Psychologist
- Forensic Specialist
Requirements
General Education Course Requirements
Required as part of general education:
Core Courses
| CJ 201 | The Criminal Justice System | 3 |
| CJ 210 | Policing in America | 3 |
| CJ 253 | Juvenile Justice and Delinquency | 3 |
| CJ 320 | Deviant Behavior | 3 |
| CJ 330 | Courts and Criminal Procedure | 3 |
| CJ 325 | Research Methods | 3 |
| CJ 341 | Criminal Law | 3 |
| CJ 351 | Introductions to Corrections | 3 |
| CJ 361 | Victims and Victimology | 3 |
| CJ 365 | Ethics in Criminal Justice | 3 |
| CJ 385 | Criminology | 3 |
| CJ 374 | Comparative Criminal Justice Systems | 3 |
| CJ 390 | Gangs and Organized Crime | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 39 |
Electives
Select 9 credits from the following electives:
| CJ 310 | Sex and Drugs in Society | 3 |
| CJ 326 | Criminal Investigation | 3 |
| PSYC 360 | Forensic Psychology and Criminal Profiling | 3 |
| PSYC 420 | Drugs, the Brain and Behavior | 3 |
| SWK 250 | Interpersonal Skills | 3 |
| SWK 256 | Development of Social Welfare | 3 |
| SWK 330 | Human Behavior and the Social Environment | 3 |
| SWK 381 | Cultural Diversity | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 9 |
Semester Sequence
First Semester
Second Semester
Third Semester
| CJ 351 | Introductions to Corrections | 3 |
| CJ 374 | Comparative Criminal Justice Systems | 3 |
| COMM 110 | Fundamentals Of Public Speaking | 3 |
| CSCI 101 | Introduction To Computers | 3 |
| General Education | Natural Science Course/Lab (GEOL 100 - GEOL 100L) | 4 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 16 |
Fourth Semester
Fifth Semester
Sixth Semester
Seventh Semester
Eighth Semester
| Elective | Any course of your choice | 3 |
| Elective | Any course of your choice | 3 |
| Elective | Any course of your choice | 3 |
| Elective | Any course of your choice | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 15 |