Shippensburg University’s Criminal Justice (BS) program is one of only a handful of programs in the United States that is certified by the Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences.
The range of coursework covers both general criminal justice information as well as specialty areas like policing, juvenile justice and victim services. You will become an effective scholar as you learn to integrate academic research with the practical application of criminal justice policy and techniques.
As a student in this program, you should expect to be able to:
- Identify social and behavioral foundations of criminal justice theory, research and practice; define role of law enforcement, judicial and correctional agencies in the adult and juvenile justice systems; and list and relate historic and contemporary applications law and justice in society
- Differentiate the historical, social, economic and political origins of criminal justice perspectives; relate theories to evidence-based practices in the field; debate the merits of opposing viewpoints; and interpret empirical data presented in research
- Effectively research, organize and present information to others
- Develop professionally relevant competencies and relationships in a professional setting, work together with the site supervisor and faculty instructor to develop new knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to serve effectively in a professional setting, and evaluate internship experience in terms of professional preparation
4+1 Program Available
With careful planning, you may be able to complete a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice and a Master of Science in Criminal Justice with only one additional year of study through a 4+1 program. For more information, contact the Criminal Justice department.
Course work for Criminal Justice, B.S.
All undergraduate degree programs require a minimum of 120 credits. Some courses meet multiple requirements, but are only counted once toward the 120 credit total required to graduate. For course descriptions, please visit the undergraduate catalog.
- General Education: 45 credits
- Major Requirements: 45-60 credits
- Free Electives: 15-30 credits
- Total Credits to Graduate: 120 credits