Program Overview

Introduction to the Criminal Justice Bachelor of Science Degree

The Georgia State Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice degree is designed to help students advance in their careers. The program offers two academic concentrations that can be earned on-campus or online: Crime and Justice or Legal Studies.

Program Highlights

• The Crime and Justice concentration provides a blend of traditional criminal justice curriculum and forward-thinking emphasis on digital criminology.
• The Legal Studies concentration is designed for criminal justice majors desiring more intensive exposure to law, often in preparation for law school.
• Students may also elect to pursue a minor in Digital Criminology online along with the Bachelor of Science.

Why the Criminal Justice Program at Georgia State Works

• Fair and open dialogue: The faculty have designed a program that stresses an integrated view of the criminal justice system, highlighting relationships among the many different institutions involved and the need for cooperation and humane practices across law enforcement, the courts, corrections, and the juvenile justice system.
• Theoretical framework combined with current events: Students will study how the criminal justice system was designed and examine the parts of the system, including the roles of victims and offenders. Paired with an examination of the causes and consequences of traditional and digital crime, students will receive a comprehensive criminal justice education to prepare them for a career that is relevant to the critical issues facing justice agencies of today and tomorrow.
• Your success matters: Students will work with the undergraduate advisement center throughout their time at Georgia State to ensure they are enrolling in the correct courses.

Program Details

• What does it cost?: Check out the cost calculator or visit student financial services for information on estimated costs.
• How long will it take?: A minimum of 120 credit hours must be completed. A full-time student may complete this program in four years.
• Where will I take classes?: Atlanta Campus, Online. All required classes to earn a degree can be completed online.
• Application Deadlines:
  • Fall: February 15
  • Spring: May 15
  • Summer: September 15
  • Note: If the 15th falls on a weekend, the application deadline will be extended to the first Monday of the following week.

Careers With a Criminal Justice Bachelor's Degree

• Career Fields: Criminal justice degree holders can pursue careers in a range of fields, including social work, law enforcement, and forensic science.
• Earnings Potential: Salaries for careers in criminal justice can vary depending on several factors, including geographic location and years of experience.
  • The median annual salary for forensic technicians is $61,930.
  • The median annual salary for police and detectives is $66,020.

Curriculum

• The curriculum includes:
  • 42 hours of undergraduate core curriculum courses (Areas A – E)
  • 18 hours of criminal justice core courses (Area F)
  • 12 hours of foundations of analysis courses (Area G)
  • Legal issues courses (Area H)
    • Crime and Justice Concentration: 3 hours
    • Legal Studies Concentration: 15 hours
  • Criminal justice issues courses (Area I)
    • Crime and Justice Concentration: 15 hours
    • Legal Studies Concentration: 3 hours
  • Capstone and internship courses (Area J)
    • Crime and Justice Concentration: 6-9 hours
    • Legal Studies Concentration: 6-9 hours
  • 21 or 24 hours of electives
  • Total of 120 credit hours

Department of Criminal Justice and Criminology

The Department of Criminal Justice and Criminology emphasizes issues of crime and justice occurring in urban environments from a multicultural, interdisciplinary perspective to inform science, policy, and practice. The department produces students who are critical and ethical thinkers, knowledgeable about the issues of crime and justice, and prepared for leadership positions in public and private criminal justice.