Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice
The mission of Criminal Justice is to provide our students with a practical educational background in all facets of the criminal justice system. We believe students must develop a thorough understanding of the practical and theoretical aspects of criminal behavior.
Well prepared students will have completed a college prep program with an emphasis is English, Mathematics, Science and Social Studies. Students should have a sincere desire to be of service and assistance to humanity.
Upon completion of a substantial part of the Criminal Justice core curriculum, students may elect to enroll in a practical internship with an agency for 3-6 hours of credit. Completion of an internship provides students with increased job opportunities. We have student research projects, study abroad, international service learning programs and an honors program for students wishing to supplement traditional classroom education with more active learning and field placement experiences.
The following are core competencies of the curriculum.
- A working knowledge of the entire criminal justice process (adult and juvenile) and the issues surrounding each portion of the process.
- Ability to make linkages between theory and policy development in the criminal justice system.
- Ability to understand, identify, and apply legal issues relative to the criminal justice system.
Program Information:
- Program Length: 4 Years
- Credits needed to Graduate: 121 minimum
- Accreditation: The University of Louisville is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
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Course Schedule
Tuition &Fees
General Education Requirements
| Course | Hours |
| All degrees require the completion of the University-wide Cardinal Core General Education Program. General Education requirements may be met in the major or supporting coursework, in which case additional electives may be required to complete the minimum hours for the degree: http://louisville.edu/provost/ger | |
| General Education Total | 31 Hrs |
Competency Areas
| May be completed as part of Gen Ed or in Major | Hours |
|---|---|
| Understanding Cultural Diversity (D1 and D2) | 6 |
Arts & Sciences - Programmatic Requirements
| Course | Hours |
|---|---|
| Gen 101: A&S Orientation | 1 |
| Foreign Language (completion of the second semester of a single foreign language; hours will vary depending on language taken) |
6-8 |
| Elective in Humanities or Natural Sciences at 300 level or above | 6 |
| A&S Total | 13-15 Hrs |
In addition to the courses listed above, two approved writing courses at the 300 level or above are required by the College of Arts and Sciences. These courses may be incorporated into other degree requirements.
Department of Criminal Justice - Degree Requirements
| Course | Hours |
| CJ 200* Crime and Justice in the United States - SB | 3 |
| CJ 201* Law Enforcement in U.S. - SB | 3 |
| CJ 202* Corrections in U.S. - SB | 3 |
| CJ 305 Criminal Behavior | 3 |
| CJ 306 Criminal Procedure | 3 |
| CJ 325 Research Design | 3 |
| CJ 326* Quantitative Analysis - QR | 3 |
| CJ 360 Juvenile Justice | 3 |
| CJ 395 Criminal Law and Evidence | 3 |
| CJ 485** Senior Seminar in Criminal Justice - WR | 3 |
|
Criminal Justice Program Electives*** (15 hours must be in CJ) Criminal Justice Program Relative Electives (9 hours may be taken) |
24 Hrs |
Criminal Justice Total |
54 Hrs |
Minimum General Electives |
21-23 Hrs |
| MINIMUM TOTAL HOURS | 121 HRS |
Note: Students must have a minimum of 50 hours at the 300 level or above
* May fulfill General Education requirement
**Fulfills WR requirement
***Criminal Justice electives must be from approved departmental list at the 300 level or above. A minimum of 15 hours must be in Criminal Justice, but may not exceed 36 hours.
For more information, contact:
Kim Hendricks or Sandy Wade
Phone: (502) 852-2686
