Criminal Justice, B.S.
[Criminal Justice—2105]
The Bachelor of Science degree with a major in Criminal Justice provides an opportunity for students to prepare for service, as well as for graduate study, in the large and growing field of criminal justice or in related fields. The degree program is based upon a broad liberal-based educational model to fulfill the objectives of educating the whole person for responsible citizenship, of understanding the interdisciplinary nature of the field, and of developing a comprehensive understanding of crime and of the criminal justice system within an analytical and conceptual framework. At Roberts Wesleyan, Criminal Justice is uniquely taught from a Restorative Justice perspective which is both biblically based and victim-centered, emphasizing restoration and reconciliation over punishment for the sake of punishment (as promoted by the current Retributive Model of justice typically practiced).
The Criminal Justice major prepares students for entry-level positions in the field, including the areas of judicial services, law enforcement, private security, probation services for both adults and juveniles, correctional institutions and programs, parole supervision of adults and juveniles, victim assistance programs, and community-based rehabilitation agencies. Employment opportunities have evidenced constant growth in recent years and may be found at the local, state, or federal government levels which administer these programs. Some students major in Criminal Justice as preparation for law school or entry into other graduate programs leading to a career in teaching and/or research.
The major provides for observation and internship opportunities beginning at the freshman level and culminating in a 15 to 20 hour-per-week, semester-long internship at the senior level. Students may explore internships from a variety of options, as the Rochester area includes all major types of criminal justice settings.
SPECIFICS OF THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE B.S. DEGREE
Minimum Total Hours: 124
Total Liberal Arts Hours Required: 60
General Education Requirements: Per General Education list (see General Education Council).Exceptions: only one fine arts course is required (ART 101, MUS 104, OR FNA 102); PSY 101 or 203 required for behavioral science elective; SOC 101 required for the history, economics, or social sciences elective; lab science must be BIO 103 or CHM 111 or NSC 207; Must take MTH 200 to fulfill the mathematics requirement.
Minimum Requirements: Overall and major GPA of 2.0; no grade less than C- in the major.
Transfer Requirements: See institutional transfer policies.
Application to the Major: Formal application to the major should be made upon the successful completion of CRJ 101. The standard Application to the Major form is accepted. A minimum overall GPA of 2.0 is required for acceptance to the major.
Admission Requirements: See institutional policies pertaining to admission. Students who plan to major in Criminal Justice should indicate so immediately upon entering the College.
Major Requirements: 65-67 hours including 41-43 major core hours and 24 support core hours.
- Major core courses: CRJ 101, 201, 203, 205, 206, 301, 302, 304, 305, 307, 312, 401, 410, 450A, and 450B.
- Support core courses: PSY 208 or 308; PSY 402; PSC 203, 301, or 302; CMC 206, 207, 302, or 405; SOC 102; SOC 205; SOC 206; CSC 101; and CSC 104.
- Each student is strongly urged to consider the inclusion of an emphasis or a minor in the program of study. This should be selected in consultation with the faculty advisor and consideration given to specific professional aspirations, broad career preparation, and the unique academic interests of the student. Established emphasis tracks in the Criminal Justice program include Comparative Criminal Justice (additional courses required are CRJ 407 and 490), Correctional Counseling (additional courses are CRJ 314, 407 and PSY 405), Juvenile Justice (additional courses required are CRJ 312 lab, 314, 314 lab, 405, and 407), Law (additional courses are CRJ 308, PSC 203, BUA 201, and BUA 202), Law Enforcement (additional courses required are CRJ 103, 210, and 407), and White Collar Crime (additional courses required are CRJ 210, 308, ACC 201, and CSC 306).