Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice at the University of the Incarnate Word prepares students for careers in the criminal justice field by providing a comprehensive understanding of the justice system, emphasizing social justice issues, and offering unique courses and experiences. The program consists of 120 credit hours, including core criminal justice courses, a minor, and electives, and is taught by experienced faculty with a focus on practical application and ethical decision-making.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

• Overview: The Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)
in Criminal Justice in the College of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences (CHASS) at the University of the Incarnate Word develops ethical, responsible, well-informed, and profoundly conscientious criminal justice professionals and justice-minded individuals for a broad range of professions or law school.
• Objectives:
• Provide students with insight into the many facets of the justice system.
• Develop proficiency in critical data, research, and analytical skills.
• Emphasize a deep understanding of issues related to social justice.
• Program Description: The B.A.
in Criminal Justice is a 120-hour degree program that emphasizes the history and current operations of criminal courts, law enforcement, and corrections services. It fosters a critical analysis of criminal justice as a social institution. Students explore topics such as the U.S. Legal System, Criminology, Law Enforcement in America, Corrections, Statistics for the Behavioral Sciences, Research Methods in Criminal Justice, and more. Students are also required to earn a minor in any other discipline. UIW's Criminal Justice classes are typically smaller, allowing for more discussion and individualized attention. The program aims to develop informed and conscientious students who understand the responsibilities of working in the criminal justice field. Guided by the values of a UIW education, the criminal justice program promotes the pursuit of truth, social justice, and the common good.

Outline:

• Program Content: The B.A.
in Criminal Justice curriculum covers a wide range of topics, including:
• History and current operations of criminal courts, law enforcement, and corrections services
• Critical analysis of criminal justice as a social institution
• U.S. Legal System
• Criminology
• Law Enforcement in America
• Corrections
• Statistics for the Behavioral Sciences
• Research Methods in Criminal Justice
• Social justice issues
• Structure: The program consists of 120 credit hours, including:
• 48 hours of core criminal justice courses
• 21 hours of minor coursework
• 51 hours of electives
• Course Schedule: The course schedule for the B.A.
in Criminal Justice can be found on the UIW website.
• Modules: The program does not appear to be divided into modules.

Assessment:

• Assessment Methods: Assessment methods used in the program may include:
• Exams
• Quizzes
• Papers
• Presentations
• Class participation
• Criteria: Grading criteria will vary depending on the instructor and course.

Teaching:

• Teaching Methods: Teaching methods used in the program may include:
• Lectures
• Discussions
• Case studies
• Role-playing
• Simulations
• Field trips
• Faculty: The Criminal Justice program is taught by faculty with a broad range of specialties and experiences, including:
• Gender and delinquency
• Criminology
• Deviant behavior
• Penology
• Ethics
• Unique Approaches: UIW's Criminal Justice program emphasizes a deep understanding of issues related to social justice through innovative courses not typically offered at other universities, such as restorative justice and issues impacting specific or vulnerable groups.
Faculty also accompany students on field trips and off-campus experiences to provide practical insights into the different facets of the justice system. Students have visited correctional facilities, the state capitol, and participated in the National Criminal Justice Association competition.

Careers:

• Potential Career Paths: A B.A.
in Criminal Justice from UIW opens doors to a wide range of career opportunities, including:
• Police officer
• Private security officer
• Park ranger
• U.S. Customs agent
• U.S.
Postal Service investigator
• Pre-trial services officer
• Juvenile court counselor
• Probation officer
• Victim services specialist
• Further Education and Career Opportunities: Through additional education, UIW graduates can pursue careers as:
• Attorney
• Court administrator
• Criminal investigator
• FBI agent
• Police detective
• Substance abuse counselor
• Social worker