This track examines how modern police departments operate, from patrol strategy and dispatch to the community relationships that shape public trust. You'll study the tactics and technology used in day-to-day policing alongside the legal limits on police authority, including use-of-force standards and the growing emphasis on de-escalation and crisis intervention.
Graduates are prepared for entry-level and supervisory roles in municipal, county, and state police agencies, as well as positions in campus and transit policing. The self-paced, four-year format allows students to complete a full bachelor's credential while continuing to work or serve in law enforcement.
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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
Builds skills for designing, conducting, and evaluating research within criminal justice settings.
- Formulating research questions and hypotheses
- Choosing appropriate data collection methods
- Interpreting findings for practical application
POL 400Police Leadership
Examines leadership styles and decision-making practices needed to supervise police personnel effectively.
- Leadership models within paramilitary organizations
- Motivating and evaluating officer performance
- Ethical decision-making under pressure
POL 534Introduction to Victimology
Introduces the study of crime victims, their experiences, and the services available to support them.
- Patterns of victimization across crime types
- Psychological and social impact on victims
- Victim rights and support service systems
POL 552Introduction to Policing
Provides a foundational look at the history, organization, and daily functions of police agencies.
- Origins and evolution of modern policing
- Patrol operations and department structure
- Core duties and responsibilities of officers
POL 607Introduction to Community Policing
Explores strategies that build partnerships between police departments and the communities they serve.
- Problem-solving policing frameworks
- Building trust through community engagement
- Measuring the impact of community programs
POL 876Police Technology
Surveys the tools and systems modern police agencies use to support patrol, investigation, and analysis.
- Records management and dispatch systems
- Body cameras and digital evidence handling
- Data-driven and predictive policing tools
$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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