Criminal Justice (B.S.)
The primary purpose of the B.S. Program in Criminal Justice is to provide a rigorous course of study that will prepare students to work successfully with agencies (police, courts, and corrections) that administer law, achieve justice, reduce crime, and enhance domestic security. It is also designed to prepare students for graduate level studies in such areas as criminal justice and law. The program takes advantage of the proximity of MGA to federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies in our service area.
Students may declare the B.S. in Criminal Justice as their major during the admissions process to the University or at any time during their college career. Students who are thinking of changing their major are encouraged to speak with an academic advisor in the Department. Freshman and sophomore students should follow the curriculum outline for the degree presented below. Transfer students are welcomed to the Criminal Justice Program. General education and supporting courses will be evaluated for credit during the admission process. Students transferring academic credits in the program must meet all university residence and transfer-of-credits requirements. A transfer grade intended to satisfy any Criminal Justice core requirement or major elective course must be at least a "C."
The B.S. program in Criminal Justice allows for considerable free elective choices, including in CRJU courses.
- Please note that CRJU 1100 (Introduction to Criminal Justice), CRJU 2316 (Introduction to Criminology), CRJU 2317 (Introduction to Criminal Law) and CRJU 2318 (Introduction to Corrections) all must be completed with grades of "C" or higher.
- In addition to the academic regulations of the University, all Criminal Justice core and major electives must be completed with a grade of "C" or higher. Student must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.00 to remain in good standing.
Curriculum for Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice
Core Curriculum (Credit: 42 hours)
See listing of requirements
Area F: Lower Division Major Requirements (Credit: 18 hours)
Required Courses (Credit: 12 hours)
| CRJU 1100 | Introduction to Criminal Justice | 3 credits |
| CRJU 2316 | Introduction to Criminology | 3 credits |
| CRJU 2317 | Introduction to Criminal Law | 3 credits |
| CRJU 2318 | Introduction to Corrections | 3 credits |
Electives (6 hours)
Choose any two (2) 1000- and/or 2000- level courses.
Upper Level Core (Credit: 39 hours)
Required Courses (Credit: 24 hours)
| CRJU 3020 | Research Methods Criminal Justice | 3 credits |
| CRJU 3100 | Ethics in Criminal Justice | 3 credits |
| CRJU 3110 | Theories of Criminal Behavior | 3 credits |
| CRJU 3200 | Criminal Procedure & Evidence | 3 credits |
| CRJU 3311 | Police Systems, Practices, and Administration | 3 credits |
| CRJU 3315 | The American Judicial System | 3 credits |
| CRJU 3320 | Juvenile Justice System and Delinquency | 3 credits |
| CRJU 4147 | Criminal Justice Report Writing | 3 credits |
Capstone Elective (Credit: 3 hours)
Students must select one of these two capstone courses.
| CRJU 4930 | Criminal Justice Internship/Capstone | 3 credits |
| OR | |
| CRJU 4999 | Criminal Justice Independent Study/Capstone | 3 credits |
Criminal Justice Electives (Credit: 12 hours)
Choose any four (4) 3000- and/or 4000-level criminal justice courses.
Note: Students opting for the track in Homeland Security and Emergency Management must take CRJU 4310, 4507, 4550, 4660.
Optional Track in Homeland Security and Emergency Management
Students opting for the track in Homeland Security and Emergency Management must take the following 4 courses:
General/Free Electives (Credit: 21 hours)
Choose any seven (7) lower- or upper-level courses.
Total Hours: 120