Criminal Justice Law and Practice, BA (CUS)

The Criminal Justice Law and Practice Bachelor of Arts provides the student with a foundational understanding of the three major areas of the criminal justice system: law enforcement, courts, and corrections. "Justice" is a concept that has layers of theological and cultural meanings, and this program helps set a biblical foundation with a Christian worldview to the concepts and practice of justice. The program is designed to prepare students for careers in criminal justice and entering advanced programs in law enforcement and legal studies.The curriculum of the program provides students with a strong foundation for successful careers in various fields of the criminal justice profession. Such career fields include law enforcement, prosecution, criminal defense, courts, corrections, probation, parole and other governmental agencies as they relate to social order.

The program features extensive experiential learning opportunities with guest speakers from various criminal justice disciplines, field trips, law enforcement ride-alongs, shadow days, mock oral boards, and real life training opportunities. The internship program gives senior students on-site experience through placement in internships with local agencies including police departments, sheriff offices, probation departments, prosecutors' offices, and other agencies.

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 such career fields as law enforcement, courts, corrections, probation, parole, and other governmental agencies as they relate to social order.

Students who enroll in the Criminal Justice Law and Practice program familiarize themselves with the experience and life history requirements of the law enforcement agencies in which they hope to one day work, and ensure they meet those standards.

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 (48 credit hours)
Electives (24 credit hours)