Program Overview

Overview of the Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice Program

The Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice program at Xavier University is designed to provide students with a comprehensive and dynamic curriculum that prepares them for a career in law enforcement, corrections, court systems, social justice, and related fields. The program blends rigorous academic theory with practical application, ensuring that students gain the critical thinking skills, ethical framework, and real-world experience essential for success.

Curriculum

The curriculum for the Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice program is as follows:

• First Year:
  • Fall:
    • CJUS 101: Intro to Criminal Justice (Social Science Elective) - 3 credits
    • ENGL 101: Composition or ENGL 115: Rhetoric - 3 credits
    • Second Language I - 3 credits
    • CORE 100: First Year Seminar or THEO 111: Theological Foundations - 3 credits
    • Core 101: Co-Curricular Program - 0 credits
    • General Elective - 3 credits
  • Spring:
    • CJUS 102: Intro to Law Enforcement - 3 credits
    • Historical Perspectives Elective - 3 credits
    • PHIL 100: Ethics Intro Philosophy - 3 credits
    • Second Language II - 3 credits
    • CORE 100: First Year Seminar or THEO 111: Theo Foundations - 3 credits
    • CORE 102: Co-Curricular Program - 0 credits
• Sophomore Year:
  • Fall:
    • CJUS 103: Intro to Corrections - 3 credits
    • Mathematical Perspectives Elective - 3 credits
    • Theological Perspectives Elective - 3 credits
    • English 205: Lit & Moral Imagination - 3 credits
    • Second Language III or General Elective - 3 credits
  • Spring:
    • CJUS 206: Criminology - 3 credits
    • CJUS 210: Basic Const. Law & Amer. Justice - 3 credits
    • PHIL 200: Philosophical Perspective - 3 credits
    • Ethics, Religion & Society (ERS) Flag - 3 credits
    • General Elective - 0 credits
• Junior Year:
  • Fall:
    • CJUS 381: Research Methods (Fulfills Scientific Perspectives) - 3 credits
    • Criminal Justice Elective - 3 credits
    • Humanities Elective - 3 credits
    • Solidarity and Kinship Flag - 3 credits
    • Quantitative Reasoning Flag - 3 credits
  • Spring:
    • CJUS 240: Criminal Law - 3 credits
    • Creative Perspective Elective - 3 credits
    • Natural Science Elective - 3 credits
    • General Elective - 3 credits
    • General Elective - 3 credits
• Senior Year:
  • Fall:
    • CJUS 321: Juvenile Justice - 3 credits
    • Criminal Justice Elective - 3 credits
    • General Elective - 3 credits
    • General Elective - 3 credits
    • General Elective - 3 credits
  • Spring:
    • CJUS 491: Practicum - 3 credits
    • CJUS 489: Senior Seminar/Capstone - 3 credits
    • Criminal Justice Elective - 3 credits
    • General Elective - 3 credits
    • General Elective - 3 credits
    • CORE 499 Reflection on XU Core - 0 credits

Outcomes

The Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice program at Xavier University has a strong track record of preparing students for successful careers. 98% of Xavier students, including those in the criminal justice major, are working, volunteering, or in graduate school within six months of graduating (Class of 2023). Alumni employers include the Cincinnati Police Department, U.S. Department of Justice, Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Corrections, Ohio State Highway Patrol, and the FBI.

Sample Courses

• Intro to Law Enforcement (CJUS 102): Overview of policing problems and procedures; legal and philosophical issues in law enforcement; organization and administration of police agencies.
• Criminology (CJUS 206): This course explores the cause of crime and deviance from varying theoretical perspectives in the social sciences.
• Basic Const Law and Amer Justice (CJUS 210): Studies the ratification and incorporation of the Bill of Rights. Examines judicial review, the jurisdiction and organization of federal and state court systems, and the Fourth, Fifth, Sixth, and Fourteenth Amendment provisions relevant to law enforcement and judicial process.
• Methods of Research in CJUS (CJUS 381): This course is designed to acquaint students with basic research methodology that is useful in understanding criminological and criminal justice scholarship.

Clubs

• Criminal Justice Society: The mission of the Criminal Justice Society is to provide an opportunity for students to learn about those working in and impacted by the criminal justice system.
• St. Thomas More Pre-Law Society: Pre-law students are strongly advised to join the St. Thomas More Pre-Law Society.
• Xavier Mock Trial Club: Xavier’s Mock Trial Club participates in regional and national intercollegiate competitions.
• Ohio Innocence Project-u: OIP-u is Ohio's collegiate network of innocence advocates.

Related Programs

• Related Majors:
  • BA in Political Science
  • BA in Philosophy, Politics and the Public (Honors Program)
  • BS in Psychology
  • BSW in Social Work
• Related Minors:
  • American Founding and Constitution
  • Corrections
  • Criminal Justice
  • Forensic Science
  • Social Work
• Related Graduate Programs:
  • Master of Science in Criminal Justice
  • Master of Science in Criminal Justice/ Master of Science in Nursing Dual Degree

Program Features

• Internships: Our 150-hour field placement offers real-world experience in law enforcement, courts, or corrections, including agencies like the FBI.
• Criminal Justice Practicum: Build a unique career focus through elective courses in topics like women in the criminal justice system, criminalistics, crime prevention, and legal aspects of corrections.
• Dedicated Faculty: Our professors bring a wealth of real-world knowledge into the classroom, providing you with insights from the front lines of law enforcement, legal practice, and social justice advocacy.
• Jesuit Education: Guided by our Jesuit values, you'll explore the moral dimensions of justice, learn to advocate for marginalized communities, and develop a strong sense of civic responsibility.

FAQ

• What jobs does the criminal justice major prepare students for?
  • Law Enforcement: Police Officer, Sheriff's Deputy, State Trooper, FBI Agent, DEA Agent, Homeland Security Agent
  • Corrections and Rehabilitation: Correctional Officer, Probation and Parole Officer, Juvenile Corrections Officer, Rehabilitation Counselor
  • Legal and Court Services: Lawyer, Paralegal, Court Administrator, Victim Advocate, Juvenile Court Officer
  • Other Related Fields: Private Investigator, Security Officer, Homeland Security Analyst, Fraud Investigator, Criminal Profiler, Crime Scene Investigator, Forensic Scientist, Intelligence Analyst
• Does the program offer any concentrations or specializations?
  • Students earning a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice at Xavier can choose to have a concentration in criminalistics.
• Who are the faculty in the Criminal Justice Department?
  • Faculty members in the Criminal Justice Department are highly qualified professionals with extensive academic and real-world experience.
• Does Xavier offer an honors program for criminal justice majors?
  • Yes, the University Scholars Honors Program offers incoming students a more challenging curriculum and close support from professors while completing their undergraduate degree.
• Does Xavier offer any criminal justice graduate programs?
  • Yes, Xavier offers a Master of Science (M.S.) in Criminal Justice and a dual-degree program that combines the M.S. in Criminal Justice with a Master of Science in Nursing (M.S.N.). Additionally, Xavier offers a Graduate Certificate in Criminal Justice Administration. All of these programs are offered online.