Program Overview
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The Bachelor of Arts degree program in Criminal Justice prepares law enforcement officials and adult learners for career change, advancement, or graduate education.
Students in the B.A. degree 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.
The degree structure enables students to choose several credentials that may “stack” into the bachelor’s degree, without requiring students to take additional courses. Students can earn Undergraduate Certificates in Computer Science, Cybersecurity, Diversity or Organizational Leadership by completing the required certificate courses in their Concentration and/or Electives area of their degree. Please contact an Advisor for further information.
Degree Requirements
- A minimum of 18 credits must be upper level, 3000 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-1010 | Our Changing World: An Introduction to Sociology | 3 |
| ETH-2200 | Leading the Way: A Path Towards Ethical Leadership | 3 |
| POS-1100 | American Government | 3 |
C. Knowledge of Human Cultures (15 Credits)
Select two featured courses from the list below:
| SOC-3220 | Cultural Diversity in the United States | 3 |
| HIS-1140 | American History II | 3 |
| HIS-1210 | Introduction to World History I | 3 |
| HUM-1030 | Introduction to the Humanities III: Music | 3 |
| PHI-1300 | 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 (42 Credits)
A. Required Courses (27 Credits)
| CRJ-1020 | Introduction to Criminal Justice | 3 |
| SOC-2910 | Criminology | 3 |
| CRJ-1010 | Introduction to Law Enforcement | 3 |
| CRJ-3580 | Courts and Criminal Procedures | 3 |
| CRJ-1110 | Introduction to Corrections | 3 |
| CRJ-2800 | Forensic Science | 3 |
| SOS-4920 | Research Methods in Social Sciences | 3 |
| CRJ-3830 | Ethical Issues in Criminal Justice | 3 |
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| Diversity and Criminal Justice or other CJ Course Not Taken | 3 |
B. Criminal Justice Electives 12 credits select four of the following:
C. Capstone (3 Credits)
| LIB-4950 | Liberal Arts Capstone - Social Sciences | 3 |
III. Electives (33 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