Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice

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