B.A. Degree in Criminal Justice
Description
Criminal Justice majors examine the criminal justice system and its components within a multidisciplinary framework. The major provides a broad analysis of the criminal justice system and its historical and contemporary social contexts. To receive the B.A. Degree in Criminal Justice, the student must meet the minimum university requirements and specific requirements for the program. Completion of 120 credits is required for this degree which includes the Liberal Arts and Sciences Core (42 credits).
Student Learning Outcomes
- Exhibit an understanding of the content of the field, including theory and methods.
- Exhibit an ability to apply the concepts of the field to social issues.
- Exhibit an ability to think critically.
- Exhibit an understanding of social research, including the ability to apply research findings to social issues.
- Exhibit an ability to organize knowledge, ideas, evidence, information, and argument.
- Exhibit an ability to use library, internet, and community resources.
- Exhibit effective written and verbal communication.
Program Delivery Mode
Land plus: face-to-face where some online courses may be available or required
Core Requirements
( 17 credits )
CJ 200 Introduction to Criminal Justice (4)
CJ 300 Criminology (3)
CJ 335 Criminal Law (3)
CJ 337 Criminal Procedure (3)
CJ 400 Seminar in Criminal Justice (4)
Related Requirements
( 6 credits )
Students are required to complete at least six credits in research methods courses: SOC 350 Methods and Statistics for Social Research (4), and one of the following: SOC 351 Quantitative Methods (3), or SOC 352 Qualitative Research Methods (3). Students must take SOC 351 or SOC 352 as the required Writing Intensive course for the major.
Restricted Electives
( 12 credits )
Students must complete a minimum of 12 credits of restricted electives selected from the list below or any Criminal Justice course at the 200-level or above, with the exception of CJ 469.
CJ 201 Introduction to Juvenile Justice (3)
CJ 301 Delinquent Behavior (3) or
SOC 301 Delinquent Behavior (3)
CJ 303 Punishment and Prisons (3) or
SOC 303 Punishment and Prisons (3)
CJ 304 Community Corrections (3) or
SOC 304 Community Corrections (3)
CJ 306 Gangs (3)
CJ 309 Law and Society (4) (WI) or SOC 309 Law and Society (4) (WI)
CJ 380 Global Criminal Justice (3)
CJ 385 Crime, Justice, and Media (3)
CJ 390 Topics in Criminal Justice (1-3)
CJ 497 Readings in Criminal Justice (1-3)
POL 230 Introduction to the Law (3)
POL 332 Constitutional Law I: Institutional Powers and Constraints (3) and
POL 333 Constitutional Law II: Civil Rights and Liberties (3)
PSY 261 Personality (3)
PSY 317 Alcoholism and Drug Abuse (3)
PSY 463 Abnormal Psychology (3)
SOC 220 Social Deviance (3)
SOC 311 Sociology of Law Enforcement (3)
SOC 390 Topics in Sociology (1-3)
SOC 497 Readings in Sociology (1-3)
SW 402 Child Welfare Services (3)
SW 411 Chemical Dependency (3)
SW 490 Topics in Social Work (1-3)
Recommended Electives
An internship is not required for the major. Internships are important as networking opportunities for those seeking employment. These are usually completed in the Junior or Senior year and may be taken in any academic term. Most students intern during the summer. Internship credits do not apply toward the Criminal Justice major requirement total of 42 credits.
Internship Contact Information
Dr. Geraldine Hendrix-Sloan
sloan@mnstate.edu
218-477-2037
Lommen 212L
Emphasis in Political Science
Program Requirements
( 9 credits )
POL 120 American National Government and Politics (3)
POL 230 Introduction to the Law (3)
POL 332 Constitutional Law I: Institutional Powers and Constraints (3) or
POL 333 Constitutional Law II: Civil Rights and Liberties (3)
Emphasis in Psychology
Program Requirements
( 9 credits )
PSY 113 General Psychology (3)
PSY 220 Social Behavior (3)
PSY 261 Personality (3)
Emphasis in Social Work
Program Requirements
( 9 credits )
SW 250 Introduction to Social Welfare and Social Work (3)
SW 330 Human Behavior and the Social Environment (3)
SW 402 Child Welfare Services (3) or
SW 411 Chemical Dependency (3)
Emphasis in Sociology
Program Requirements
( 9 credits )
SOC 110 Introduction to Sociology (3)
SOC 120 Social Psychology (3)
SOC 302 Social Theory (3)
Emphasis in Law Enforcement Track
Program Requirements
Our Criminal Justice Program provides the opportunity for students to complete the Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) certification through completion of specific coursework. Please contact Dr. Joel Powell for more information on the licensure and certification process: powell@mnstate.edu.