Area of Study Overview
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The Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree program in Criminal Justice prepares law enforcement officials and adult learners for career change, advancement, or graduate education.
Students in the BA in Criminal Justice program focus on the interdisciplinary study of crime and the functioning of the criminal justice system, and develop critical analytical skills, and knowledge of the research findings and methods used in the field. In addition, students develop a broad general knowledge of the traditional liberal arts disciplines while developing a greater depth of knowledge in criminal justice.
Degree Requirements
- A minimum of 18 credits must be upper level, 300 level or above, within the area of study.
Credit Distribution
I. General Education Featured Courses (45 Credits)
A. Intellectual and Practical Skills (15 Credits)
B. Civic and Global Leadership (9 Credits)
| SOC-101 | Our Changing World An Introduction to Sociology | 3 |
| ETH-230 | Ethics in the Digital Age | 3 |
| POS-110 | American Government | 3 |
C. Knowledge of Human Cultures (15 Credits)
Select two featured courses from the list below
| SOC-291 | Criminology | 3 |
| HIS-114 | American History II | 3 |
| HIS-121 | Introduction to World History I | 3 |
| HUM-103 | Introduction to the Humanities III: Music | 3 |
| PHI-130 | Introduction to Critical Reasoning | 3 |
D. Scientific Knowledge (6 Credits)
For additional TESU course options that will satisfy this area of the degree, go to
Scientific Knowledge.
II. Area of Study (45 Credits)
A. Required Courses (24 Credits)
| AOJ-102 | Introduction to Criminal Justice | 3 |
| SOC-291 | Criminology | 3 |
| AOJ-101 | Introduction to Law Enforcement | 3 |
| AOJ-358 | Courts and Criminal Procedures | 3 |
| AOJ-111 | Introduction to Corrections | 3 |
| AOJ-363 | American Juvenile Justice System | 3 |
| SOS-492 | Research Methods in Social Sciences | 3 |
| PHI-383 | Ethical Issues in Criminal Justice | 3 |
B. Criminal Justice Electives nine credits select three of the following
| SOC-242 | Juvenile Delinquency | 3 |
| SOC-384 | Gangs | 3 |
| AOJ-303 | White-Collar Crime | 3 |
| AOJ-280 | Forensic Science | 3 |
| SOS-440 | Terrorism | 3 |
| HLS-355 | Critical Thinking for Homeland Security | 3 |
| HLS-410 | Counterterrorism: Constitutional and Legislative Issues | 3 |
| HLS-420 | Homeland Security: Preparedness, Prevention, and Deterrence | 3 |
| HLS-429 | Protecting the Homeland: Response and Recovery | 3 |
C. Sociology Electives (9 Credits)
D. Capstone (3 Credits)
III. Electives (30 Credits)
For TESU course options, go to Elective Courses.
| TESU accepts credits in transfer from accredited institutions as well as non-collegiate providers. View information and resources on where you may find additional learning experiences. |
Total Credit Hours: 120