Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice with a Concentration in Homeland Security Studies

Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice

The Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice is a 42-course, 126-credit degree. This program educates students to be critical thinkers and understand the operations and impact of the criminal justice field. Core courses in the major allow students to study the criminal justice process; causes of crime and its impact; law enforcement systems; and the legal adjudication procedures and systems. This major prepares students for careers in law enforcement, social services, security businesses, and correctional services.

Concentration in Homeland Security Studies

The Homeland Security Studies Concentration is a 6 course, 18 credit specialization that focuses on issues relevant to corporate, national and global security. This is an interdisciplinary specialization that focuses on student’s ability to assess risk and engage in critical thinking about conflict and security. This concentration will give students writing, research and foundational skills in Homeland Security that they will need to work in the securities field, border patrol, and emergency management or to pursue a graduate degree in Homeland Security.

The Concentration in Homeland Security will be open to all students enrolled in our BA Program in Interdisciplinary Studies and our BS Programs in Psychology, Criminal Justice and Business Management. These concentration courses will replace corresponding open elective credit requirements.

Curriculum Requirements - Total Credits Required: 126

Required Curriculum - 24 Credits

World Cultures Course (3 Cr.)
Aesthetic Awareness & Creative Expression Course (3 Cr.)
Literary Perspectives Course (3 Cr.)

Individual and Society Course (3 Cr.)

Quantitative Reasoning Course (3 Cr.)
Values & Ethical Reasoning Course (3 Cr.)
Science & Technology Course (3 Cr.)
Global Issues Course (3 Cr.)

First Year Adult Learning Experience (7 Credits)

EC 201 - Experience, Competency and Belonging (Cr: 3)
EC 355 - Career Transitions (Cr: 4)

Writing Designated Courses (6 Credits)

ENG 111 - Critical Reading and Writing I (Cr: 3)
ENG 112 - Critical Reading and Writing II (Cr: 3)

Upper Level Core Electives (6 Credits)

Must be 300 level or higher.

Criminal Justice Major Requirements (27 Credits)

Criminal Justice Major Electives (9 Cr.)

CHE 230 - Forensic Science (Cr: 3)
CJ 100 - Introduction to Criminal Justice (Cr: 3)
CJ 151 - Criminal Law (Cr: 3)
CJ 200 - Criminology (Cr: 3)
CJ 205 - American Court System (Cr: 3)
CJ 215 - Corrections (Cr: 3)
CJ 230 - Technology Applications in Criminal Justice (Cr: 3)
PSY 212 - Psychopathology and Clinical Science (Cr: 3)
SOC 101 - Introduction to Sociology (Cr: 3)

Final Research Project (9 Credits)

CJ 489 - Senior Research (Cr: 3)
CJ 490 - Senior Thesis (Cr: 3)
IDS 305 - Applied Research Methods (Cr: 3)

Open Electives (20 Credits)

Homeland Security Concentration Required Courses (18 Credits)

BUS 355 - Risk Management (Cr: 3)
CSC 230 - Cyber Threats and Security (Cr: 3)
HLS 105 - Introduction to Homeland Security (Cr: 3)
HLS 205 - America’s Intelligence Community (Cr: 3)
POL 216 - International Conflicts (Cr: 3)

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the program, students will:

Effectively communicate in writing and through oral communication.
Demonstrate the critical inquiry and analysis skills needed to engage constructively in intellectual discourse within the criminal justice field
Apply lessons and make connections between the General Education curriculum and the study of criminal justice
Design, execute and present a personal project, which synthesizes and applies selected knowledge, skills and experiences appropriate to the student’s personal and professional goals and/or their chosen area of specialization.
Demonstrate foundational knowledge of criminal justice and criminology, including practical and technical skills and competencies required by many law enforcement agencies and private security firms.

In addition to fulfilling the outcomes of the Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice program, students completing the concentration in Homeland Security Studies will:

Comprehend the interdisciplinary field of Homeland Security and the complex political, cultural and legislative issues that are required to protect the homeland and respond to disasters
Implement processes that strengthen project management, evaluation, and accountability within the homeland security directorate
Identify and describe research issues relevant to existing and emerging homeland security challenges
Assess current and future homeland security risks and opportunities
Demonstrate the critical thinking, writing and research skills that are necessary to participate in the homeland security field.