This generalist track gives students a broad, working understanding of how the criminal justice system fits together — law enforcement on the street, prosecution and adjudication in the courts, and supervision or incarceration through corrections. Rather than specializing early, you'll study how these three branches interact, where they create friction, and how policy decisions ripple across all of them.
Graduates are prepared for entry- and mid-level roles across law enforcement agencies, court administration, probation and parole offices, and public policy or advocacy organizations. The self-paced, four-year format allows working adults to complete a full bachelor's credential on a flexible schedule.
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General Courses
10 Courses
GEN 101Introduction to the Humanities
A broad survey of the art, literature, and ideas that have shaped human culture.
- Landmark works in art and literature
- Philosophical movements across eras
- Interpreting cultural artifacts in context
GEN 102Social and Cultural Geography
Exploring how geography shapes societies, economies, and cultural identity.
- Population patterns and migration
- Urban and rural land use
- Regional cultural differences
GEN 103English Composition
Developing clear, well-organized writing for academic and professional contexts.
- Building a strong thesis and outline
- Paragraph structure and transitions
- Revising drafts for clarity and tone
GEN 104College Algebra
Building fluency with algebraic methods used across academic disciplines.
- Solving linear and quadratic equations
- Working with functions and graphs
- Applying algebra to real-world problems
GEN 105World Religions
A comparative look at the beliefs and practices of major world faiths.
- Core beliefs of major traditions
- Religious ritual and practice
- Religion's influence on society
GEN 106Ethics
Examining moral theories and how they apply to everyday decisions.
- Major ethical theories and frameworks
- Applying ethics to real-life dilemmas
- Evaluating competing moral claims
GEN 107Art Appreciation
Building a vocabulary for understanding and evaluating visual art.
- Elements and principles of design
- Major art movements through history
- Analyzing meaning in visual works
GEN 108Pre-Calculus
Strengthening the mathematical foundation needed for advanced coursework.
- Polynomial and rational functions
- Exponential and logarithmic relationships
- Trigonometric identities and graphs
GEN 109Human Biology
An introduction to how the human body functions at the systems level.
- Structure and function of major organ systems
- Cellular processes and genetics basics
- Health, nutrition, and disease prevention
GEN 110World History
Tracing major civilizations, conflicts, and turning points across the globe.
- Rise and fall of major civilizations
- Global trade and cultural exchange
- Key turning points of the modern era
CJ 125Introduction to Criminology
Surveys the major theories used to explain why crime occurs and who commits it.
- Classical and positivist explanations of criminal behavior
- Biological, psychological, and social risk factors
- Applying theory to real crime trends
SS 126Sociology
Introduces core sociological concepts for understanding group behavior and social institutions.
- Socialization and the formation of social norms
- Social stratification and inequality
- Institutions shaping community and family life
CJ 448Corrections
Examines how jails, prisons, probation, and parole function within the justice system.
- Sentencing structures and incarceration models
- Community supervision and reentry programs
- Institutional management and inmate rights
CJ 493Issues in Criminal Justice
Explores current controversies and emerging challenges facing justice agencies today.
- Policy debates shaping law enforcement and courts
- Emerging technology and its impact on practice
- Analyzing case studies of contemporary reform
CJ 519Criminal Procedures
Covers the constitutional rules governing arrest, search, and trial procedure.
- Fourth and Fifth Amendment protections
- Rules governing arrest, interrogation, and evidence
- Pretrial, trial, and appellate procedure
CJ 585Investigation
Develops practical techniques for gathering and documenting evidence in criminal cases.
- Interviewing witnesses and suspects
- Evidence collection and case documentation
- Case file organization and follow-up strategy
LLS 642Introduction to Laws
Provides a foundation in legal systems, sources of law, and how statutes are interpreted.
- Structure of federal, state, and local law
- Reading statutes, regulations, and case law
- Basics of civil versus criminal liability
CJ 720Comparative Criminal Justice Systems
Compares how different countries structure policing, courts, and corrections.
- Adversarial versus inquisitorial court models
- International approaches to policing and sentencing
- Lessons from cross-national justice reform
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Specialist Courses
6 Courses
JUJ 035Research in Criminal Justice
Introduces research design and data analysis methods used in justice studies.
- Quantitative and qualitative research approaches
- Designing surveys and data collection tools
- Interpreting and presenting research findings
CRJ 322Introduction to Criminal Justice Statistics
Builds foundational statistical skills for analyzing crime and justice data.
- Descriptive statistics and data summarization
- Interpreting crime trend reports
- Basic inferential statistics for justice research
CRJ 357Introduction to Criminal Justice
Provides a foundational overview of policing, courts, and corrections as a system.
- How the three system components interact
- Historical development of the justice system
- Career paths across the justice field
CRJ 526Victimology
Examines the causes and consequences of victimization and how the system responds.
- Theories of victimization risk
- Victim services and legal protections
- Role of victims in case outcomes
CRJ 593Special Topics in Criminal Justice
Explores selected emerging or specialized issues within the criminal justice field.
- In-depth study of a focused justice topic
- Current research and policy debates
- Applying findings to practice
CRJ 674Ethics in Criminal Justice
Examines ethical decision-making across policing, courts, and corrections roles.
- Ethical frameworks for justice professionals
- Discretion, accountability, and misconduct
- Case analysis of real ethical dilemmas
$72,000
Total Program Cost
Fees are billed per term and are subject to change. Financial aid, scholarships, and flexible payment plans are available to students who qualify.
Explore Financial Aid
Admission requires High School Diploma or GED.
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Submit Your Application
Complete the online application with your basic and academic details.
An admissions advisor reviews your application and any transfer credit.
Receive your decision, complete enrollment, and start your first term.
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