Criminal Justice, B.S.

Location(s): Dickinson Campus, Online, DSUlive

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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

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
Attorney
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:

MATH 103 - College Algebra Credits: 3
PSYC 111 - Introduction to Psychology Credits: 3
SOC 110 - Introduction to Sociology Credits: 3
SOC 115 - Social Problems Credits: 3

Subtotal: 13

Core Courses

CJ 201 - The Criminal Justice System Credits: 3
CJ 210 - Policing in America Credits: 3
CJ 253 - Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Credits: 3
CJ 320 - Deviant Behavior Credits: 3
CJ 330 - Courts and Criminal Procedure Credits: 3
CJ 325 - Research Methods Credits: 3
CJ 341 - Criminal Law Credits: 3
CJ 351 - Introduction to Corrections Credits: 3
CJ 361 - Victims and Victimology Credits: 3
CJ 365 - Ethics in Criminal Justice Credits: 3
CJ 385 - Criminology Credits: 3
CJ 374 - Comparative Criminal Justice Systems Credits: 3
CJ 390 - Gangs and Organized Crime Credits: 3

Subtotal: 39

Electives

Select 9 credits from the following electives:

CJ 310 - Sex and Drugs in Society Credits: 3
CJ 326 - Criminal Investigation Credits: 3
PSYC 360 - Forensic Psychology and Criminal Profiling Credits: 3
PSYC 420 - Drugs, the Brain and Behavior Credits: 3
SWK 250 - Interpersonal Skills Credits: 3
SWK 256 - Development of Social Welfare Credits: 3
SWK 330 - Human Behavior and the Social Environment Credits: 3
SWK 381 - Cultural Diversity Credits: 3

Subtotal: 9

Total: 61

Semester Sequence

First Semester

CJ 201 - The Criminal Justice System Credits: 3
ENGL 110 - College Composition I Credits: 3
HPER 100 - Concepts of Fitness & Wellness Credits: 2
MATH 103 - College Algebra Credits: 3
SOC 110 - Introduction to Sociology Credits: 3
UNIV 100 - Freshman Seminar Credits: 1

Subtotal: 16

Second Semester

CJ 253 - Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Credits: 3
ENGL 120 - College Composition II Credits: 3
PSYC 111 - Introduction to Psychology Credits: 3
General Education - Creative Expression Course Credits: 3
General Education - Social Science Course Credits: 3

Subtotal: 15

Third Semester

CJ 351 - Introduction to Corrections Credits: 3
CJ 374 - Comparative Criminal Justice Systems Credits: 3
COMM 110 - Fundamentals of Public Speaking Credits: 3
CSCI 101 - Introduction to Computers Credits: 3
General Education - Natural Science Course/Lab (GEOL 100 - GEOL 100L ) Credits: 4

Subtotal: 16

Fourth Semester

CJ 341 - Criminal Law Credits: 3
CJ 361 - Victims and Victimology Credits: 3
CJ 385 - Criminology Credits: 3
SOC 115 - Social Problems Credits: 3
General Education - Literature Course Credits: 3

Subtotal: 15

Fifth Semester

CJ 210 - Policing in America Credits: 3
CJ 320 - Deviant Behavior Credits: 3
CJ 330 - Courts and Criminal Procedure Credits: 3
Criminal Justice Elective - Criminal Justice course of your choice Credits: 3
Elective - Any course of your choice Credits: 3

Subtotal: 15

Sixth Semester

CJ 325 - Research Methods Credits: 3
CJ 365 - Ethics in Criminal Justice Credits: 3
Criminal Justice Elective - Criminal Justice course of your choice Credits: 3
General Education - Global Perspectives Course Credits: 3
Elective - Any course of your choice Credits: 3

Subtotal: 15

Seventh Semester

Criminal Justice Elective - Criminal Justice course of your choice Credits:3
Elective - Any course of your choice Credits: 3
Elective - Any course of your choice Credits: 3
Elective - Any course of your choice Credits: 3
Elective - Any course of your choice Credits: 3

Subtotal: 15

Eighth Semester

Elective - Any course of your choice Credits: 3
Elective - Any course of your choice Credits: 3
Elective - Any course of your choice Credits: 3
Elective - Any course of your choice Credits: 3

Subtotal: 15

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.)