Criminal Justice Studies BA

The interdisciplinary Criminal Justice Studies major attracts students who want to study the criminal justice system and key criminal justice actors, processes, and institutions. Courses in the major examine such topics as criminal behavior, social and governmental efforts at control, and practices developed to rehabilitate offenders. In general, students learn the application of social science findings in an effort to evaluate and analyze contemporary criminal justice issues. Courses in the major draw on a number of different disciplines in the social sciences, including Sociology and Political Science. The major also provides for practical experience through coursework that encourages students to apply classroom knowledge to actual situations in the field.

Upon completion of this program a student is able to:

1. Articulate key concepts and approaches in criminal justice studies.
2. Identify key criminal justice actors, processes, and institutions at the local, state, and federal levels within the United States.
3. Describe the historical framework upon which current American criminal justice practices are built.
4. Explain the nature and causes of crime.
5. Evaluate and analyze contemporary criminal justice issues and their implications for society.
6. Critically think about complex issues and communicate them effectively in both oral and written form.