Academic Catalog - 2024-2025

College of Social and Behavioral Sciences

Department of Criminology and Criminal Justice

Criminology and Criminal Justice, Bachelor of Science


Academic Information

This degree provides students with the opportunity to engage in diverse coursework to increase knowledge and analytical skills appropriate for a variety of career paths. These career paths include work in an area of the public justice system, such as police, courts, corrections, regulatory agencies, and environmental protection, or in community-based programs related to crime prevention, rehabilitation, and victim assistance, as well as pursuit of further education in graduate or law school.

In addition to a minor in Criminology and Criminal Justice the Department offers a minor in Law, Rights and Justice for those interested in pre-law.

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Academic Catalog - 2024-2025

College of Social and Behavioral Sciences

Department of Criminology and Criminal Justice

Criminology and Criminal Justice, Bachelor of Science


Careers

What Can I Do with a Bachelor of Science in Criminology and Criminal Justice?

If you have a passion for helping others and want to explore the relationships between law and society, a major in Criminology and Criminal Justice might be for you. The degree allows exploration of patterns and causes of crime and in-depth study in such areas as immigration, border security, terrorism, environmental crime, and other areas relevant to crime and justice. You'll learn about how justice is applied specifically to juveniles, women, and diverse ethnic groups. You will engage in examining how cultural and political issues are related to criminal justice around the world.

The available coursework will teach you how to put theory into practice (for example, learning how to make schools safer, then going into a local school and developing violence prevention programs for young people). You may also study how American media and entertainment outlets shape public perceptions of the criminal justice system, how innocent people can be convicted of crimes, and sort through case evidence and trial transcripts with faculty members and local attorneys.

Career opportunities that might be pursued:
  • Court administration
  • Victim advocacy
  • Youth work
  • Probation/parole administration
  • Law enforcement
  • Corporate security
  • Corrections

With further education, one of these paths is possible:
  • Attorney
  • Judge
  • Prosecutor
  • Public defender
  • Public policy analyst

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Academic Catalog - 2024-2025

College of Social and Behavioral Sciences

Department of Criminology and Criminal Justice

Criminology and Criminal Justice, Bachelor of Science


University Requirements

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Academic Catalog - 2024-2025

College of Social and Behavioral Sciences

Department of Criminology and Criminal Justice

Criminology and Criminal Justice, Bachelor of Science


Overview

In addition to University Requirements:

Students may be able to use some courses to meet more than one requirement. Contact your advisor for details.

Minimum Units for Completion 120
Major GPA C
Highest Mathematics Required MAT 114
University Honors Program Optional
Accelerated Undergraduate/Graduate Plan Optional
AZ Transfer Students complete AGEC-A Recommended
Progression Plan Link View Progression Plan

Student Learning Outcomes

Purpose Statement

The undergraduate degree program in Criminology and Criminal Justice (CCJ) combines foundational knowledge of criminal justice with a critical understanding of its institutions, processes and operations. CCJ students learn how social forces influence lawmaking, approaches to criminal justice, perceptions and experiences of justice; and how, in turn, criminal justice trends influence society. In accordance with our commitment to promote a more just society, CCJ students develop a firm understanding of the cultural, political, economic and moral complexities surrounding the creation and enforcement of law, and are prepared to become practitioners, advocates and defenders of social justice. CCJ students accomplish this through critical examinations of how power and privilege shape the social realities of criminal justice globally, nationally and locally and by utilizing the latest in legal and social science research to develop critical understandings of how these realities impact diverse groups of people. In addition, CCJ students investigate how social and cultural identities are related to differential experiences of criminalization, victimization, offending, and justice work. 
 
We use the latest theories, research and investigative traditions in our interdisciplinary field to explore contemporary real world issues and their impacts on policy, public opinion and criminal justice work. Through direct contact with leading scholars and respected practitioners of justice, CCJ students obtain career and academic mentoring that facilitate connections between their classroom learning and real world experience. Both in and out of the classroom we place a high priority on collaborative and experiential learning so that students can practice the skills needed to succeed within a justice related setting. CCJ students apply their writing, intercultural, research and analytic skills to demonstrate specialized knowledge about a subject area most related to their future aspirations.
 
Criminology and Criminal Justice graduates use their knowledge of criminology and justice to pursue meaningful and rewarding careers with integrity. Our graduates are critically informed citizens, who value diversity and social justice, and use this knowledge to advance the cause of justice.  

Student Learning Outcomes

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Academic Catalog - 2024-2025

College of Social and Behavioral Sciences

Department of Criminology and Criminal Justice

Criminology and Criminal Justice, Bachelor of Science


Details

Major Requirements
Minor Requirements
Accelerated Bachelor's to Master's Program
General Electives
Additional Information
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Academic Catalog - 2024-2025

College of Social and Behavioral Sciences

Department of Criminology and Criminal Justice

Criminology and Criminal Justice, Bachelor of Science


Campus Availability

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