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2022-23 Undergraduate Academic Catalog | School of Natural and Social Sciences | Criminal Justice | Majors

Criminal Justice, B.S.

[Criminal Justice -- 2105]

The Bachelor of Science degree with a major in Criminal Justice provides an opportunity for students to prepare for service, as well as for graduate study, in the large and growing field of criminal justice and related fields. The degree program is based upon a broad liberal arts-based educational model to fulfill the objectives of educating the whole person for responsible citizenship, understanding the interdisciplinary nature of the field, and developing a comprehensive understanding of crime and of the criminal justice system within an analytical and conceptual framework. At Roberts, Criminal Justice is uniquely taught from a Restorative Justice perspective which is both Biblically-based and victim-centered, emphasizing restoration and reconciliation over punishment for the sake of punishment (as promoted by the current Retributive Model of justice typically practiced).

The Criminal Justice major prepares students for entry-level positions in the field, including the areas of judicial services, law enforcement, private security, probation services for both adults and juveniles, correctional institutions and programs, parole supervision of adults and juveniles, victim assistance programs, and community-based rehabilitation agencies. Employment opportunities have evidenced constant growth in recent years and may be found at the local, state, or federal government levels which administer these programs. Some students major in Criminal Justice as preparation for law school or entry into other graduate programs leading to a career in teaching and/or research.

The major provides for observation and internship opportunities beginning at the freshman level and culminating in a 15 to 20 hour-per-week, semester-long internship at the senior level. Students may explore internships from a variety of options, as the Rochester area includes all major types of criminal justice settings.   

SPECIFICS OF THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE BACHELOR OF SCIENCE DEGREE

Admissions Requirements: See institutional policies pertaining to admission. Students who plan to major in Criminal Justice should indicate so immediately upon entering the College.

Minimum Total Hours:  124

Total Liberal Arts Hours Required:  60

General Education Requirements:  Per General Education list (see General Education Council).

Exceptions:

  • Fine arts requirement (choose one): ARTS 1010, MUSC 1910, OR FNAR 1200
  • Behavioral science requirement (choose one): PSYC 1010 or 2030
  • History, economics, or social sciences elective requirement: SOCS 1010
  • Lab science requirement (choose one): BIOL 1030, CHEM 1110, NSCI 2070
  • Mathematics requirement: MATH 2400

Minimum Requirements:  Overall and major GPA of 2.0; no grade less than C- in the major.

Application to the Major: Formal application to the major should be made upon the successful completion of CRJU 1010. The standard Application to the Major form is accepted. A minimum overall GPA of 2.0 is required for acceptance to the major.

Major Requirements: 65-67 hours including 41-43 major core hours and 24 support core hours.

  • Major core courses: CRJU 1010, 2010, 2003, 2050, 2060, 3010, 3020, 3040, 3050, 3070, 3120, 4010, 4100, 3500, and 4500

  • Support core courses: PSYC 2080 or PSYC 3110, PSYC 402, POLS 2300 or 3100 or 3200, COMM 2206 or 2207 or 3302 or 4405, SOCS 1020, SOCS 2050, SOCS 2060, CSCI 1010, and CSCI 1040

  • Each student is strongly urged to consider the inclusion of an emphasis or a minor in the program of study. This should be selected in consultation with the faculty advisor and consideration given to specific professional aspirations, broad career preparation, and the unique academic interests of the student.

    Established emphasis tracks in the Criminal Justice program include:
    • Comparative Criminal Justice (additional courses required are CRJU 4070 and 4900)
    • Correctional Counseling (additional courses required are CRJU 3140, CRJU 4070 and PSYC 3300)
    • Juvenile Justice (additional courses required are CRJU 3120 lab, CRJU 3140 and lab, CRJU 4050, and CRJU 4070)
    • Law (additional courses required are CRJU 3080, POLS 2300, BUAD 2100, and BUAD 2110)
    • Law Enforcement (additional courses required are CRJU 1030, CRJU 2100, and CRJU 4070)
    • White Collar Crime (additional courses required are CRJU 2100, CRJU 3080, ACCT 2010, and CSCI 2640)

Transfer Requirements:  See institutional transfer policies.