Undergraduate Catalog (2026-2027)

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Criminal Justice Studies (BS)

Federal CIP: 45.0401 Criminology

Learning Outcomes

Students completing the Bachelor of Science (BS) in Criminal Justice Studies are expected to:

  1. Describe the structure and function of the criminal justice system and how components interact within society. (Criminal Justice Systems)

  2. Explain the principles of criminal law, criminal justice processes, and legal procedures, including the rights of individuals and the roles of law enforcement, courts, and correctional systems. (Criminal Law and Procedures)

  3. Evaluate policies and practices in law enforcement, the judiciary, and corrections within the context of a biblical worldview. (Critical Thinking and Analysis)

  4. Ethical decision-making within the context of criminal justice, including issues related to fairness, justice, and respect for human rights. (Ethical and Professional Practices)

  5. Develop a biblical and theological framework for thinking about the criminal justice system. (Biblical and Theological Framework)

  6. Effectively communicate their ideas through properly researched written reports and oral presentations. (Research and Communication Skills)

Degree Requirements

Major Courses

Completion of major courses requires a minimum grade of C-.

Course NumberCourse TitleCredits
CRJS 1001Cornerstone in Criminal Justice

1
CRJS 1253Introduction to Criminal Justice

3
CRJS 1263Corrections

3
CRJS 1273Health and Fitness

3
CRJS 2403Courts and Procedures

3
CRJS 2413Criminal Law

3
CRJS 2423Ethics in Criminal Justice

3
CRJS 3453Criminal Investigation

3
CRJS 4113Careers in Criminal Justice

3
CRJS 4703Capstone in Criminal Justice Studies

3
FRSC 2103Introduction to Forensic Science

3
RSCH 2803Research Methods

3
SOSC 1233Information Literacy

3
STAT 2203Statistics

3

Note:

CRJS 1001 is intended for freshmen and transfer students without previous coursework in criminal justice studies.

Concentrations

Choose at least one 15-hour concentration (a minimum of 5 courses). Courses may not be applied to multiple (or more than one) concentration. Completion of concentration courses requires a minimum grade of C-.

Applied Criminology

Course NumberCourse TitleCredits
CRJS 3233Terrorism

3
CRJS 3243Profiling

3
CRJS 3253Criminology

3
CRJS 3263Juvenile Delinquency

3
PSYC 3353Forensic Psychology

3

Policing

Course NumberCourse TitleCredits
CRJS 1151Basic Pistol

1
CRJS 1161Basic Rifle

1
CRJS 1171Basic Shotgun

1
CRJS 2153Firearms Evidence

3
CRJS 2273Police Tactics

3
CRJS 2283Police and Community

3
FRSC 3123Fingerprint Analysis

3

Electives

In addition to core curriculum (40-44 credit hours) and major course requirements, students must complete elective coursework appropriate to their degree. A minimum of 120 credit hours is required for most bachelor's degrees, including elective coursework. Students are strongly encouraged to work with their advisor to identify courses that complement their program area.

Summary

Core Curriculum Requirements 40-44 hrs.
Major Requirements 40 hrs.
Criminal Justice Concentrations 15 hrs.
Electives 21-25 hrs.
Total: 120 hrs.