Criminology and Justice Studies BS
Degree Awarded: Bachelor of Science (BS)
Minimum Required Credits: 120.0
Co-op Option(s): Two Co-op, One Co-op, No Co-op
Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) code: 45.0401
Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) code: 11-9199
About the Program
The BS in Criminology & Justice Studies prepares students to understand, analyze, and improve the criminal justice system in ways that shape public safety, fairness, and community well-being. Students study crime, the police institution, courts, and the carceral system while developing applied skills in research methods, spatial analysis, crime analysis, and digital forensic analysis. Coursework emphasizes evidence-based practice, ethical decision-making, experiential learning, and both global and community engagement. Students work with real-world datasets and industry-standard software, including ArcGIS Pro, RStudio, and SPSS, to examine crime patterns and evaluate prevention strategies.
The program also offers intensive courses abroad, community-engaged learning opportunities, and optional co-op experiences with justice agencies, law firms, nonprofit organizations, and intelligence partners. Graduates are prepared for careers in crime and intelligence analysis, policing, courts, corrections, community justice, policy research, private-sector security, and related fields, as well as graduate and professional study.
Additional Information
For more information about this program, please contact the College of Arts and Sciences
Degree Requirements
| University Requirements | ||
| EXP 1001 | Introduction to Experiential Learning | 3.0 |
| WRIT 1100 | Composition and Rhetoric I | 3.0 |
| or WRIT 1110 | English Composition I | |
| WRIT 1200 | Composition and Rhetoric II (Introductory Core Competency: Inquire and Analyze) | 3.0 |
| or WRIT 1210 | English Composition II | |
| Introductory Core Competencies 1 | ||
| Select one course from each of the three (3) categories of Introductory Core Competency Courses: | 9.0 | |
Introductory: Inquire and Analyze | ||
Introductory: Collaborate and Integrate | ||
Introductory: Apply and Engage | ||
| Free Electives (must be outside major department) | 15.0 | |
| College of Arts & Sciences Requirements | ||
| AS-I 1007 | Journeys in Arts and Sciences | 3.0 |
| AS-I 1008 | Data Fluency | 3.0 |
| AS-I 1009 | Interdisciplinary Ethics | 3.0 |
| Program Requirements | ||
| Global Competency | ||
| Any HIST (History) course 1000-4000; or BIO 1117 | 3.0 | |
| Math | ||
| Any MATH (Mathematics) course 1000-4000 | 3.0 | |
| Science | ||
| Any BIO (Bioscience & Biotechnology), CHEM (Chemistry), PHYS (Physics), course with a lab (course must be at least 4 credits) | 4.0 | |
| Understanding Society and Human Behavior | ||
| Any POLS (Politics) course 1000-4000; or any of the following PSY (Pyschology) courses: PSY 1001, PSY 1010, PSY 1020, or PSY 1030 | 3.0 | |
| Analyzing Cultures and Histories | ||
| Any HIST (History) 1000-4000; or ANY JWST 1000-4000; or any GSST (Gender and Sexuality Studies) 1000-4000 | 3.0 | |
| Department Requirements | ||
| CJS 1000 | Introduction to Criminal Justice | 3.0 |
| CJS 1001 | Criminology | 3.0 |
| CJS 2500 | Criminal Justice Research Design and Analysis | 3.0 |
| CJS 2600 | Justice in Our Community | 3.0 |
| CJS 2601 | Prison, Society and You | 3.0 |
| CJS 2604 | Cybercrime and Digital Offending | 3.0 |
| CJS 2605 | CrimeTech Innovation Lab | 3.0 |
| CJS 2700 | Sentencing and The Courtroom Workgroup | 3.0 |
| CJS 2801 | Crime and Urban Communities | 3.0 |
| CJS 3000 | Applied Statistics in Criminological Research | 3.0 |
| CJS 3300 | Crime Mapping Using Geographic Information Systems | 3.0 |
| CJS Program Electives | ||
| Take any CJS courses NOT listed above for a total of 15 credits | 15.0 | |
| Free Electives | ||
| Take an additional 14 credits of courses inside or outside of CJS | 14.0 | |
| Optional Co-op Experience | ||
| Co-op is an option for this degree for full-time on-campus students. Co-op cycles may vary. Students choosing this option will be required to complete COOP 1001 as preparation for their co-op experience. COOP 1001 registration is determined by the co-op cycle assigned. | 0.0 | |
| Total Credits | 120.0 | |
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A complete list of eligible Introductory Core Competency courses can be found here.
Program Learning Outcomes
Upon completion, students will:
- be able to proficiently collect, analyze, interpret, and visualize crime-related data to support evidence-based policy and practice;
- be able to apply criminological theories to critically analyze and creatively address complex urban crime and justice challenges;
- be able to compare and contrast justice systems globally, understanding how different frameworks shape responses to crime;
- possess professional skills, including co-op placement experience, report writing, and ethical fieldwork;
- have engaged with urban communities and justice-focused organizations, translating academic study into collaborative practice;
- be able to demonstrate an understanding of justice by evaluating practices and policies for their impact on equity, rights, and due process;
- have an understanding of how laws, courts, law enforcement, and legal procedures work and interact to uphold fairness and resolve disputes in society.