Criminal Justice Law and Practice, BA (CUS)

The Criminal Justice Law and Practice Bachelor of Arts provide students with a foundational understanding of the three major areas of the criminal justice system: law enforcement, courts, and corrections. The program emphasizes the study of criminological theory, law, and public policy while exploring justice as a concept with deep cultural, social, and theological dimensions. Grounded in a Christian worldview, students are encouraged to examine how biblical principles can inform the concepts and practice of justice in modern society.

Through an interdisciplinary approach, students develop critical thinking, ethical reasoning, research, and communication skills essential for success in the field. The curriculum prepares graduates for a wide range of careers, including law enforcement, prosecution, criminal defense, corrections, probation, parole, and related work with government and nonprofit agencies. The program also provides an excellent foundation for those pursuing advanced study in law, legal studies, public policy, or other justice-related fields.

Graduates of the Criminal Justice Law and Practice major will be able to:

1. Apply critical thinking skills to the human condition and the role of law in society, all within the context of the criminal justice profession.

2. Apply a biblical worldview for lifelong service and leadership in the criminal justice profession.

3. Be prepared for entering advanced programs in law enforcement and legal studies, as well as for successful careers in criminal justice, including in such career fields as law enforcement, courts, corrections, probation, parole, and other governmental agencies as they relate to social order.

The Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice Law and Practice requires completion of the following 120 credits:
General Education Core (48 credit hours)
Criminal Justice Law and Practice Major Core (27 credit hours)
Criminal Justice Law and Practice Electives (9 credit hours)
Electives (36 credit hours)

Optional Master’s Level/Dual Degree Track:

Completion Requirement

Students wishing to pursue a Dual Degree (Bachelor of Arts/Master of Science) in Criminal Justice will complete their Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice Law and Practice degree, then complete their Master of Science in Criminal Justice through the College of Adult and Graduate Studies (CAGS). For students pursuing the dual degree option, there are 12 master’s level credit hours included in the bachelor’s degree course requirements that satisfy both undergraduate and graduate degree requirements. To satisfy CCU graduate program course requirements, students must earn a letter grade of B- or better in the master’s level courses taken in their undergraduate degree. (Cum GPA and letter grade requirements for the undergraduate degree remain the same.) All admissions requirements of the Master of Science in Criminal Justice must be fulfilled. Information on admissions can be found on the CAGS admissions page. For students choosing this option, after successful completion of the B.A. in Criminal Justice Law and Practice degree, only 24 credit hours of the required 36 credit hours remain to complete a Master of Science in Criminal Justice.

Course Requirement

Fulfill ALL of the following requirements:

Choose any four 500-level CRJ courses in the College of Adult and Graduate Studies. If students take all four courses in Campus, Event, and Organizational Safety (CRJ 570, CRJ 571, CRJ 572, CRJ 573), they will earn an additional graduate certificate in Campus, Event, and Organization Safety upon completion, as well as 12 masters-level credits for continued CAGS enrollment or transfer.