Criminal Justice Major (33 hours)

This program is designed to provide perspective on the entire criminal justice system: crime as a social problem and society’s reactions to it, the organization and operation of the criminal justice system, and the correctional process, as well as causes of crime and delinquency and other current issues. While the goal of the program is to provide knowledge and skills necessary for students interested in careers in criminal justice, it will support a number of related areas. In addition, students will be well prepared to pursue professional or graduate work in law, criminology, or other areas.

Students should consider internships. Not all students are guaranteed internships and some placements require the applicant to undergo security checks. Applications are required.

Required Prerequisites

The following courses are required before taking any of the core courses. These hours are not included in the 33-hour requirement for the major.

SOC 2000 - Principles of Sociology Credits: 3 hours
or
SOC 2100 - Modern Social Problems Credits: 3 hours
SOC 2600 - Introduction to Criminal Justice Credits: 3 hours

Writing Expectation

Students should have completed ENGL 1050 or equivalent and write at the college level before enrolling in the following advanced courses.

Baccalaureate Writing Requirements

Students who have chosen the Criminal Justice major will satisfy the Baccalaureate Writing Requirement by successfully completing SOC 4660 Advanced Criminology.

Required Core Courses

All of the following courses (18 hours) are required. It is important to check with the advisor so courses are taken in proper sequence.

SOC 3620 - Criminology Credits: 3 hours
SOC 3630 - Criminal Justice Process Credits: 3 hours
SOC 3640 - Sociology of Law Enforcement Credits: 3 hours
SOC 3650 - Correctional Process Credits: 3 hours
SOC 4540 - Juvenile Delinquency Credits: 3 hours
SOC 4660 - Advanced Criminology Credits: 3 hours

Required Research Methods

SOC 2820 - Methods of Data Collection Credits: 3 hours
SOC 2830 - Methods of Data Analysis Credits: 3 hours

Electives

To complete the required total of 33 hours, students may take any of the following courses.

Contemporary Issues in Sociology and Criminology

AFS 3000 - Black Experience: From the African Beginnings to 1865 Credits: 3 hours
LAW 3840 - Criminal Law and Procedure Credits: 4 hours
SOC 3140 - Ethnic Relations Credits: 3 hours
SOC 3200 - Introduction to Social Psychology Credits: 3 hours
SOC 4120 - Child Abuse Credits: 3 hours
SOC 4560 - Social Stratification Credits: 3 hours
SOC 4950 - Special Topics in Sociology or Criminal Justice: Variable Topics Credits: 1 to 3 hours
SOC 5600 - Corporate and Governmental Crime Credits: 3 hours
SOC 5610 - Violence and U.S. Society Credits: 3 hours
SOC 5620 - Victimology Credits: 3 hours
SOC 5630 - Gender and Justice Credits: 3 hours
SOC 5680 - Race, Ethnicity, and Justice Credits: 3 hours

Corrections

SOC 4650 - Non-Instituitional Corrections

Criminal Justice Major (33 hours)

Required Prerequisites

Writing Expectation

Baccalaureate Writing Requirements

Required Core Courses

Required Research Methods

Electives

Contemporary Issues in Sociology and Criminology

Corrections

Courts

Juvenile Justice

Internship and Directed Study

Law Enforcement Administration