This track builds the practical skills detectives and investigators use to move a case from an initial report to a prosecutable file. You'll learn how to develop leads, structure an interview or interrogation, and organize evidence and testimony into a case that stands up to defense scrutiny and courtroom challenge.
Graduates pursue roles as detectives, criminal investigators, insurance and fraud investigators, and case analysts within police departments, prosecutor's offices, and private investigative firms. The self-paced, four-year format is designed for students who want a full bachelor's credential while working around existing commitments.
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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
Introduces the theories and methods used to study why crime occurs and how societies respond to it.
- Major schools of criminological thought
- How crime data is measured and interpreted
- Linking theory to real-world policy responses
SS 126Sociology
Examines how social structures, institutions, and group behavior shape individual actions and outcomes.
- Socialization and the formation of social norms
- Social stratification and inequality
- The role of institutions in shaping behavior
CJ 448Corrections
Surveys the goals, structure, and daily operation of institutional and community-based correctional systems.
- Purposes of incarceration versus community supervision
- Organization of jails, prisons, and parole systems
- Balancing security, rehabilitation, and reentry goals
CJ 493Issues in Criminal Justice
Explores current debates and emerging challenges facing law enforcement, courts, and corrections.
- Analyzing contemporary policy controversies
- Evaluating reform proposals and their tradeoffs
- Applying critical thinking to case-based scenarios
CJ 519Criminal Procedures
Covers the constitutional rules that govern how criminal cases move from investigation through trial.
- Search, seizure, and arrest standards
- Rights of the accused at each case stage
- Consequences of procedural error on case outcomes
CJ 585Investigation
Introduces the methods investigators use to gather, document, and evaluate evidence in criminal cases.
- Planning and conducting an investigation
- Interviewing witnesses and suspects
- Preserving evidence integrity for court
LLS 642Introduction to Laws
Provides a foundational overview of legal systems, sources of law, and how legal reasoning is applied.
- Sources and hierarchy of law
- Civil versus criminal legal processes
- Reading and interpreting statutes and case law
CJ 720Comparative Criminal Justice Systems
Compares how different countries structure policing, courts, and corrections to address crime.
- Contrasting adversarial and inquisitorial systems
- Cross-national approaches to punishment
- Lessons from international justice models
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Specialist Courses
6 Courses
INV 071Fundamentals of Victimology
Covers foundational concepts in understanding crime victims and their role within the justice process.
- Categories and patterns of victimization
- Reporting behavior and underreporting factors
- Resources and advocacy for crime victims
CSI 321Introduction to Criminal Behavior
Examines the psychological and environmental factors associated with criminal conduct.
- Behavioral patterns linked to offending
- Situational and environmental influences on crime
- Profiling concepts used in investigative work
INV 529Fundamentals of Criminal Evidence
Introduces the rules and standards governing the collection, handling, and use of evidence.
- Types and classification of evidence
- Chain of custody requirements
- Admissibility standards in court
CSI 676Criminalists
Explores the role of forensic scientists in analyzing physical evidence recovered from crime scenes.
- Laboratory analysis of physical evidence
- Documentation and reporting standards
- Collaboration between investigators and lab personnel
INV 764Cyber Crime
Covers techniques for identifying, tracing, and investigating crimes committed through digital means.
- Common categories of cyber offenses
- Digital footprint and data tracing techniques
- Legal considerations in digital investigations
INV 856Introduction to Criminal Investigation
Introduces the core process of moving a case from initial report to a completed investigative file.
- Structuring an investigation from start to finish
- Interviewing witnesses and developing leads
- Organizing findings into a case file
$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.
Apply Now