This track focuses on the juvenile justice system — how it differs from adult courts, what drives youth offending, and how rehabilitation-focused programs are designed and run. You'll study case law, adolescent development, and the policy debates shaping how communities respond to young offenders.
Graduates typically move into roles with juvenile probation departments, youth correctional facilities, family court services, and community-based diversion programs. The self-paced, four-year format is built for students who want a full bachelor's credential while working around jobs or family 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
JUJ 035Research in Criminal Justice
Introduces methods for designing and evaluating research studies within justice-related fields.
- Framing research questions in justice contexts
- Selecting reliable data collection approaches
- Translating research results into practice
JUJ 267Introduction to Juvenile Justice
Surveys how the juvenile justice system differs from the adult system in philosophy and process.
- History and purpose of a separate juvenile system
- Key stages of juvenile case processing
- Rehabilitation-focused sentencing options
JUJ 653Introduction to Juvenile Delinquency
Examines the factors associated with youth offending and theories explaining delinquent behavior.
- Risk and protective factors in adolescence
- Theories of delinquent behavior
- Trends in youth offending patterns
JUJ 790Current Issues in Juvenile Justice
Explores ongoing policy debates and reform efforts affecting how youth offenders are handled.
- Debates over juvenile transfer to adult court
- Evaluating diversion and reform initiatives
- Analyzing recent policy and legislative changes
JUJ 855Juvenile Justice in America
Provides a national overview of how juvenile justice policy and practice have developed across the country.
- Federal and state roles in juvenile justice
- Variation in juvenile court structures
- Historical milestones shaping current practice
JUJ 863Computer Crime
Introduces the categories of offenses committed using computers and networked technology.
- Types of computer-facilitated offenses
- Basic digital evidence handling concepts
- Legal challenges in prosecuting computer crime
$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