Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences
Department Chair: Jody Thompson, Ph.D.
Associate Professor: Cynthia L. Haynes Eshleman, M.S., J.D.
Program Learning Outcomes:
1. Demonstrate an understanding of the three major components of the criminal justice system (law enforcement, the courts, and corrections), constitutional concepts of law, theoretical perspectives, empirical research, and organizational structures.
2. Apply theoretical frameworks to understanding the causes and prevention of crime, the processes of criminalization, societal response to crime, crime enforcement, and the consequences of crime in society.
3. Apply an understanding of basic social science research methods including design, qualitative and quantitative analysis, and interpretation of data and research.
4. Apply critical thinking skills, skeptical inquiry, and the scientific approach to problem solving to analyze the major historical trends, concepts, perspectives, and research in criminal justice while effectively demonstrating effective oral and written communication skills within a liberal arts foundation to prepare for a career in the criminal justice system or social services.
Requirements for the Major in Criminal Justice (not including General Education Core).
Criminal Justice Core
Student is required to take the courses listed below, which includes two criminal justice electives of choice.
Social Science Core
Student is required to take a combination of the courses listed below that includes SSC 220 and SSC 230. They can choose PSY 231 or PSY 312 for a total of 9 hours.
Required Capstone/Internship Experience
Criminal Justice Electives
Student is required to choose two electives, at least one must be CRJ prefixed. If a course is taken in the above sections, choose a different course for the electives section.