Program Overview

Introduction to the Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice

The Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice (BSCJ) with a specialization in forensic investigations offers students an unparalleled opportunity to prepare for careers as criminal investigators or "detectives" who work within law enforcement agencies.

Program Overview

The BSCU criminal justice degree with a specialization in forensic investigations focuses on the investigation of crimes and teaches students to gather and analyze evidence to help identify, arrest, and convict those responsible for crimes. Students also gain a broad understanding of the social conditions in which crime occurs.

Why Study Criminal Justice with a Specialization in Forensic Investigations

• Most extensive internship program in the U.S.: Students are required to complete 400 hours with an approved criminal justice organization, allowing them to bring what they learn in the classroom into the real world and explore different jobs in the field.
• Highly qualified faculty: Faculty members are well-respected nationally and have decades of professional crime laboratory work experience.
• Active student organization: The Justice Student Association is open to all students with an interest in the criminal justice system.
• Graduate options: The nationally ranked Master of Science in Criminal Justice (MSCJ) program at BGSU prepares students for leadership positions in criminal justice agencies, law school, or a doctoral program.
• Criminal Justice Learning Community: This community provides projects and experiences beyond the traditional classroom, including early internships, trips and tours, service learning opportunities, and more.

Career Paths

Students with a criminal justice degree and a forensic investigations specialization are prepared for a variety of careers, including:

• Local, state, and federal law enforcement
• Commercial loss prevention
• Private investigation
• Environmental protection
• Pretrial services
• Defense investigation
• Homeland security
• Undercover investigations

Internships

The BGSU criminal justice degree has the most extensive, required internship program of any criminal justice program in the country. Students are required to complete 400 hours with an approved criminal justice organization.

Curriculum

The course curriculum features an introduction to the types of crimes students will be investigating and the fundamental techniques they will employ as investigators. The curriculum includes:

• Crime scene procedures like rolling fingerprints, bagging evidence, and recording gunshot trajectories
• Social and behavioral sciences, with core courses in law, government, sociology, and psychology
• Oral and written communication skills necessary for teamwork in solving crimes
• Two forensic investigation elective courses that allow students to tailor their education toward their intended career
• Four criminal justice core electives that focus on psychology, management, government, child development, drug and alcohol use, and related subjects

Sample Courses

• Law, Evidence and Legal Issues in Forensic Science
• Digital Crime and Criminal Justice
• Human Anatomy and Physiology
• Forensic Neuroscience
• Psychology of Abnormal Behavior
• Pharmacology and Toxicology of Drugs of Abuse
• Computer and Mobile Forensics
• Criminal Justice Ethics

Accreditation

Bowling Green State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. The most recent reaffirmation of accreditation was received, with the next reaffirmation of accreditation scheduled for a future date. Questions should be directed to the Office of Institutional Effectiveness.