Criminology and Criminal Justice Sciences Major

Program Overview

Barton College's Criminology and Criminal Justice Sciences program equips students with a comprehensive understanding of the criminal justice system through a combination of theory, research, and practical applications. The program offers specialized coursework in areas like forensic science and terrorism, and provides opportunities for field instruction and basic law enforcement training. Graduates are prepared for careers in various areas of the criminal justice system, including law enforcement, corrections, and research.

Program Outline

The program exposes students to all aspects of the criminal justice system, including law enforcement, the courts, corrections, juvenile justice, and criminal and constitutional law. It emphasizes instructional methods that integrate theory and research with practical applications.

• Objectives:
• Equip students with a comprehensive understanding of the criminal justice system.
• Prepare students for the scientific study of crime.
• Offer specialized coursework in areas like forensic science or terrorism.
• Provide opportunities for graduate study in Criminology and Criminal Justice Sciences.
• Description:
• The program combines rigorous scientific study with practical applications.
• It offers a generalist approach, equipping students with a broad understanding of the criminal justice system.
• It provides specialized coursework in areas like forensic science, terrorism, and organized crime.
• It offers a 3+2 accelerated graduate program for students who want to earn both a B.S.
and M.S.
• The program includes courses in subjects such as:
• Forensic Science
• Criminal and Constitutional Law
• Policing
• Juvenile Delinquency and the Juvenile Justice System
• Criminology
• Courts and the Legal System
• Corrections
• Prevention of Crime and Delinquency
• Criminal Justice Administration
• Terrorism
• Organized and White Collar Crime
• International Crime
• Investigation of Complex Crime
• Victims
• Women and Criminal Justice
• Field Instruction Assignments:
• During their senior year, CCJS majors complete a minimum of 10 semester hours of field instruction with agencies like:
• North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation
• North Carolina Department of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention
• North Carolina Department of Corrections (Probation and Institutional)
• North Carolina Governor's Crime Commission
• U.S. Department of Justice, Drug Enforcement Administration, Federal Bureau of Prisons, and the Marshals Service
• U.S. Customs Service (now Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Department of Homeland Security)
• The City of Wilson Police Department
• Wilson County Sheriff’s Department
• Wake County City-County Bureau of Investigation (forensic investigative agency)
• This provides students with "hands-on" experience in real-world settings.
• Basic Law Enforcement Training:
• Students who choose the law enforcement academy option complete a rigorous 16-week Basic Law Enforcement Training program.

Teaching:

• The program uses instructional methods that integrate policy and professional practice with theory and research.
• It is taught by distinguished faculty with expertise in various areas of Criminology and Criminal Justice.

Careers:

• The program prepares students for careers in various areas of the criminal justice system, including:
• Law enforcement
• Corrections
• Courts
• Juvenile justice
• Security
• Research
• Education
• Many graduates go on to complete graduate studies at top-ranked schools or law school.
• The program has a nearly 100% internship completion rate with over 50 criminal justice agencies and related organizations.

Other:

• Nearly 30% of Barton students majoring in CCJS are members of Alpha Phi Sigma National Criminal Justice Honor Society.
• The program is affiliated with the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).
but can be accessed through their website.