Bachelor of Science (BS) in Criminal Justice

Overview

The Bachelor of Science (BS) in Criminal Justice is a 120-credit program designed to prepare students interested in or currently working in public service, law enforcement, corrections, emergency services and community leadership positions.

The program provides a rigorous examination of the social, economic and cultural contexts of criminal justice today from all perspectives. Students with general knowledge in the methods and theories of social science and specialized preparation in the study of criminal activity, policing, criminal court procedures, corrections, and social policy related to crime control. The program may be completed on a full- or part-time basis. You will gain an acute understanding of crime-solving and public safety issues as you learn to not only navigate the intricate fields of criminal justice but also shape the future of our justice system and also become more effective in their roles within criminal justice and related fields.

The program also allows you to customize a major that fuses your interests with pragmatic, sought-after learning opportunities that will lead you to a successful and fulfilling career in this challenging and rewarding field. Students will become more effective in their roles within criminal justice and related fields.

Learning Outcomes

A capacity to recognize and analyze legal and ethical constraints, their implications for criminal justice policy- and decision makers, and the effect of justice policy and practice on diverse sets of values and groups in society.

Proficient knowledge of theoretical perspectives of crime causation and their implications and applications for public policy and practice.

Specialized knowledge of content areas connected to domains within the administration of justice (law, policing, adjudication, and corrections) and specific crime- and justice-related social problems.

An ability to synthesize, evaluate, and recognize implications, and communicate effectively using scholarly sources of information connected to crime theory and policy.

A foundation for conducting, interpreting, and evaluating research designs, as well as the quantitative and qualitative analytical methods for understanding crime- and justice-related social problems.

In addition, you’ll:

Be part of a prestigious alumni network known for its career support and student involvement

Develop skills that will help you more quickly solve crimes and bring perpetrators to justice

Translate classroom theory into practice through unprecedented internships and co-op opportunities in law enforcement, the courts, corrections, and more

Understand the psychology behind the criminal mindset

Study in up-to-the-minute facilities and labs housing technologies that are more advanced than the ones found in most police agencies across the country.

Career Path

Detectives/Investigators
Fraud Investigators
Police/Sheriff Officer
Forensic Science Technicians
Federal Law Enforcement Agents (FBI, DEA, ATF, Boarder Patrol)
Probation Officers
Game Wardens and Conservation Officers
Compliance Officers and Inspectors

Degree Requirements

Candidates for the bachelor’s degree at IARSAC International University are required to complete a minimum of 32 courses (120 units), major requirements, related courses, and electives.

Courses

Courses are offered online, through independent studies, or through a blended approach. Students will work with a faculty mentor to develop a degree plan that matches their goals and meets all program, and other academic requirements.

The curriculum is designed to provide students with foundational courses on which to build courses specific to their interests and needs. The program design is flexible enough to provide students the opportunity to bring in college-level learning obtained through work experience through our prior learning assessment process.

Course Code	Course Title	Credit Hour

Course Code	Course Title	Credit Hour

ELECTIVE
Electives are chosen with the advice of the department chair. The number of electives varies depending on transfer units.

Course Code	Course Title	Credit Hour

Transferring Credits

Want to know how your previous college credits will transfer before you apply? Request an unofficial evaluation of your transcripts by one of our professional advisors. Fill out the form below with your major and the semester you’d like to start, and attach your transcripts. Please allow 5–7 business days for your transfer evaluation. IIU accepts all transfer credits up to 90 that come from a regionally accredited college or university.

Career Viewpoint

Graduates with a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice are well positioned for careers in roles as police officers, detectives, victim advocates, re-entry specialists, crime and intelligence analysts, federal agents, community coordinators, private investigators, probation/intensive supervision officers, criminal prosecutors or defense attorneys, juvenile officers, evidence technicians, security specialists, victim witness coordinators, crime prevention specialists, dispatchers, and more.
The career outlook in the field of criminal justice remains robust, offering a diverse range of opportunities for individuals passionate about preventing crime, upholding law and order, and supporting victims, witnesses, and justice-impacted individuals.

With a growing emphasis on crime prevention, rehabilitation, community policing, evidence-based decision-making and response, roles in the criminal justice field will continue to be in high demand.

Jobs held by professionals with an educational background in criminal justice include:

Potential Careers

Criminal prosecutor or defense attorney: Prosecutes or represents individuals accused of crimes in court, ensuring their legal rights are protected. (NOTE: requires law degree)
Crime scene investigator (CSI): Collect and preserves evidence from crime scenes for forensic analysis.
Law enforcement officers: Responds to emergency and nonemergency calls for help. Patrols assigned areas, directs traffic, searches for records and warrants, obtains and serves arrest warrants.
Victim advocacy and support: Supports individuals involved in the justice system, bridging the gap between the justice system and social services.
Corrections officers: Maintains order and keeps rules in jails and prisons. Monitors inmate activities, supervises work duties, supports prison activities, and conducts searches.
Intelligence analysts: Evaluates and assesses gathered information, discovers and correlates intelligence across tools, and performs duties relating to national security and foreign affairs.
Federal agent: Protects national security through counterterrorism, drug and organized crime investigations, immigration enforcement, and disaster response.

GRADUATE

Master’s degree

The Master of Science (MS) in Criminal Justice in organizational communication equips business professionals with the skills, tools, and methodologies needed to support a wide spectrum of organizational goals through effective communications.

IIU organizational communication graduate students are mid-career corporate, government, and small business professionals seeking answers to big questions about workplace culture and employee engagement.