Introduction
To provide an understanding of the fields of criminal justice, security and emergency management, and crime scene investigation. Our faculty members have a broad knowledge base and extensive experience in the field, which includes forensics, criminal justice, psychology, sociology, intelligence, security, political science, and emergency response, and disaster management. We strive to provide students with tools for critical thinking, reasoning, writing, research, and applying knowledge.
Upon graduation
Students may pursue graduate study leading to teaching and research at the university level, law school, or assume employment within law enforcement, corrections, court administration, security, and emergency management, or other law-related and social service areas within the federal, state and local government agencies or the private sector.
Learning your way
We offer courses in the traditional classroom format along with out-of-class field practicum exercises, internships, and evening/night classes. There are also Summer sessions to help you reach your goals faster. To fit your unique schedule and learning style, all of our courses are also available online.
Program requirements
Criminal Justice Major
Two of the following courses:
Introduction to US Government (PS 241)
General Psychology (PY 201)
Introductory Sociology (SO 221)
Current Social Problems (SO 222)
One of the following courses:
Business Applications of Microcomputer Software (CIS 125)
Computer Skills for Problem Solving (CS 135)
Introduction to Criminal Justice (CJ 250)
Criminology (CJ 323)
Professional Ethics and Legal Liabilities (CJ 326)
Research Methods in Criminal Justice (CJ 440W)
Research Practicum in Criminal Justice (CJ 441)
21 hours of Criminal Justice Electives
Total = 45 credit hours
CJ majors must complete an additional minor, second major, or second degree
Criminal Justice Minor
Introduction to Criminal Justice (CJ 250)
Corrections (CJ 285)
Criminal Law (CJ 295)
9 hours Criminal Justice Electives (300 level or higher)
Total = 18 credit hours
Crime Scene Investigation Minor
Introduction to Criminal Justice (CJ 250)
Forensic Investigation (CJ 406/406L)
Criminal Evidence (CJ 430)
Principles of Blood Pattern Analysis (CJ 431/431L)
Crime Scene Reconstruction (CJ 432)
Evidence Management (CJ 433)
Total = 20 credit hours
Security & Emergency Management Minor
Survey of Homeland Security (SEM 250)
Intro to EM & Civil Response (SEM 255)
6 hours SEM Electives (300 level or higher)
6 hours of Criminal Justice Elective 6
Total = 18 credit hours
Security & Emergency Management Certificate
Survey of Homeland Security (SEM 250)
Intro to EM & Civil Response (SEM 255)
6 hours SEM Electives (300 level or higher)
Total = 12 credit hours
BIS in Security & Emergency Management
41-47 hours General Education Courses
10 hours Required SEM and IDS Courses
24 hours SEM Emphasis Courses (300 level or higher)
49 hours additional SEM and Electives
Total = 128 credit hours
Bachelor degree
Requirements for a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degree with a major in Criminal Justice.
A. General Education Component - 41 hours
For general education requirements and additional requirements for UNA students, refer to Academic Procedures and Requirements.
Criminal Justice majors must select two courses from the following:
Area IV. Political Science 241 (3)
Psychology 201 (3)
Sociology 221 (3)
Sociology 222 (3)
For the Bachelor of Arts degree, the student must satisfy the following requirement: 6 hours of a required foreign language at the introductory level.
B. Major Core Requirements (15 hours):
Introduction to Criminal Justice (CJ 250) ........................................... 3
Criminology (CJ 323) ...................................................................... 3
Professional Ethics and Legal Liabilities (CJ 326) ................................. 3
Research Methods in Criminal Justice (CJ 440W) ................................. 3
Research Practicum in Criminal Justice (CJ 441) .................................. 3
Criminal Justice Electives Select 21 hours (seven courses) from the remaining Criminal Justice electives
Cognate Course Requirements: Business Applications of Microcomputer Software (CIS 125) OR Computer Skills for Problem Solving (CS 135)
C. Minor: A minor, second major or second degree is required for this major (18-21 hours)
D. General Elective hours, if required, to bring total to 120 total hours.
Career Opportunities
FBI Agent
Secret Service Agent
Victim Assistance Coordinator
Criminal Investigator
Special Agent
Consumer Protection Specialist
Federal Protective Officer
Park Ranger
Drug Enforcement Agent
Crime Scene Technician
Fingerprint Examiner
Immigration Inspector
Border Patrol Agent
Deputy US Marshal
Correctional Officer
Personnel Security Specialist
Physical Security Specialist
Naval Investigative Service
Postal Inspector
ATF
Federal Emergency Management Agency
Customs Inspector
Correctional Counselor
Internal Revenue Agent
Army Criminal Investigator
Highway Patrol
State Homeland Security or Emergency Management Agency
State Police
Local Emergency Management Agency
Municipal Police
Deputy Sheriff
Probation/Parole Officer
Treasury Agent
Fish and Game Agent
Parole Officer
Industrial Security Officer
Juvenile Counselor
Criminal Justice Researcher
Private Investigator
Substance Abuse Counselor
Correctional Officer
Crime Scene Technician
Customs Agent
Counter Intelligence Agent
Corporate Security Officer
Business Continuity Consultant/Risk Manager
