Program Overview

Bachelor of Science Degree (BS) in Justice Studies Criminal Justice with a Concentration in Social Justice

The Bachelor of Science Degree (BS) in Justice Studies Criminal Justice with a Concentration in Social Justice is a comprehensive program designed to provide students with a thorough understanding of the justice system and its various components. The program requires the completion of 120 semester credits.

Program Structure

The program is structured to provide students with a solid foundation in justice studies, as well as a concentration in social justice. The curriculum includes a mix of core courses, electives, and general education requirements.

Course Sequence

The following is a sample course sequence for the program:

First Semester

• JUS1100: Introduction to Justice Studies (3 credits)
• CIS1115: Computer Applications (3 credits)
• SOC1123: First Year Experience (3 credits)
• ENG1105: Writing and Research (3 credits)
• SOC2231: Human Relations (3 credits)

Second Semester

• JUS1110: Communication Skills for Criminal Justice Professionals (3 credits)
• SOC2210: Introduction to Sociology (3 credits)
• ENG2205: Writing through Literature (3 credits)
• Liberal Arts Elective (3 credits)
• Justice Studies Elective (3 credits)

Third Semester

• SOC2218: Police and Society (3 credits)
• SOC2220: Criminology (3 credits)
• MAT2215: Statistics I (3 credits)
• HUM2225: Introduction to Ethics (3 credits)
• JUS2000: Career Development (3 credits)

Fourth Semester

• JUS2205: Criminal Law (3 credits)
• SCI2230: Forensic Science (3 credits)
• JUS2201: Criminal Procedure (3 credits)
• Free Elective (3 credits)
• Justice Studies Elective (3 credits)

Fifth Semester

• ENG3316: The Confident Writer (3 credits)
• JUS2235: Juvenile Justice (3 credits)
• SOC3320: Gender, Race, and Class (3 credits)
• Liberal Arts Elective (3 credits)
• Humanities Elective (3 credits)

Sixth Semester

• JUS3307: Corrections, Probation, and Parole (3 credits)
• HUM3355: Social Justice Issues (3 credits)
• Liberal Arts Elective (3 credits)
• English Elective (3 credits)
• Mathematics/Science Elective (3 credits)

Seventh Semester

• SOC3360: Law and Society (3 credits)
• JUS4460: Capstone Project (3 credits)
• Liberal Arts Electives (6 credits)
• Free Elective (3 credits)

Eighth Semester

• JUS4483: Internship (3 credits)
• Liberal Arts Electives (9 credits)
• Free Elective (3 credits)

Justice Studies Electives

The following are some of the available Justice Studies Electives:

• HUM3360: Law and the Humanities (3 credits)
• ITM3300: Fundamentals of Network Security (3 credits)
• JUS2210: Community Relations and the Police (3 credits)
• JUS2220: Justice and the Media (3 credits)
• JUS2225: Criminal Investigations (3 credits)
• JUS2260: Contemporary Issues in Justice Studies (3 credits)
• JUS2270: Special Topics in Justice Studies (3 credits)
• JUS2293: Internship (3 credits)
• JUS3301: Police Administration and Management (3 credits)
• JUS3302: Homeland Security (3 credits)
• JUS3314: Introduction to Intelligence (3 credits)
• JUS3315: Terrorism (3 credits)
• JUS3330: Crime Scene Investigation (3 credits)
• JUS4401: Corporate Security Management (3 credits)
• JUS4402: Private Security Management (3 credits)
• JUS4403: Cyber Crime (3 credits)
• JUS4404: White Collar Crime (3 credits)
• JUS4405: Transportation Security (3 credits)
• JUS4407: Global Security (3 credits)
• JUS4470: Special Topics in Justice Studies (3 credits)
• LAW2235: Immigration Law (3 credits)
• LAW3320: Constitutional Law (3 credits)
• NTS1102: Introduction to National Security (3 credits)
• NTS2215: Introduction to Emergency Management (3 credits)
• NTS2216: U.S. Policy and National Security (3 credits)
• NTS2217: Ethics and Homeland Security (3 credits)
• NTS3307: Threat & Risk Assessment (3 credits)
• NTS3308: Systems Security and Auditing (3 credits)
• NTS4400: Weapons of Mass Destruction (3 credits)
• NTS4401: Emergency Planning (3 credits)
• NTS4402: Digital Forensics (3 credits)
• SCI3301: The Science of Addiction and Obsession (3 credits)
• SOC2230: Victimology (3 credits)
• SOC3318: Drugs and Drug Policy (3 credits)
• SOC3332: Understanding Social Behavior (3 credits)
• SOC4410: Lifespan Human Development (3 credits)
• SOC4415: Global Conflict (3 credits)

Program Requirements

To graduate, students must complete 120 semester credits. A major concentration must be declared by the beginning of the fifth semester. Nine credits of Major Concentration Courses must be at the 3000/4000 level. 15 credits of Liberal Arts Electives must be at the 3000/4000 level.

Eligibility for Internships and Employment

Eligibility for some internships required to obtain a degree and employment opportunities in fields related to this program may require candidates to meet specific health requirements or pass criminal background checks prescribed by law. Applicants for whom such requirements may be matters of concern are strongly advised to contact an Admissions Associate prior to enrolling in this program. Note that law enforcement jobs typically require the candidate to be physically and mentally fit and have a valid driver's license, a clean driving record, no felony criminal record, no domestic violence charges (felony or misdemeanor), no loan/credit card defaults, and the ability to be licensed (via your agency or department) to carry a firearm. A selection process involving qualifying examination and/or supplementary training may also be required. Job requirements for non-sworn personnel in criminal justice and related agencies vary.