Criminology and Criminal Justice, B.A.
The Bachelor of Arts in Criminology and Criminal Justice is a comprehensive and interdisciplinary program designed to provide students with a deep understanding of the interconnected systems in which criminal justice exists and functions. Students will explore the many dimensions of criminal justice through multiple perspectives by exploring the social, cultural, political and economic factors that contribute to crime and its prevention. This program combines theoretical knowledge with practical skills, preparing students for various careers within and related to the criminal justice field with an emphasis on ethical decision-making and social justice.
The program offers a diverse curriculum that addresses key areas pertaining to the criminal justice system, including law enforcement, courts, probation, corrections, youth and delinquency, and the law, along with focused topics such as the influence of media, criminal behavior and the impact on victims. Students will develop a solid foundation in critical thinking, research methodology, and analytical skills. Throughout the program, students will have opportunities to engage in hands-on learning experiences, such as internships, case studies and simulations. These practical experiences will allow students to interact with criminal justice professionals, gain valuable insights into the inner workings of the criminal justice system, and apply their knowledge in real-world scenarios.
This program is designed to equip graduates with the necessary skills and knowledge to pursue a wide range of career opportunities in the broad areas of criminal justice and adjacent fields at the local, state and national levels. Students may choose to pursue further education in graduate programs related to criminal justice, law, or criminology.
Overall, this program aims to prepare career-ready and ethical professionals who, through their understanding of the complexities of crime and its prevention, can respond accordingly to contribute to the improvement of the criminal justice system, advance social justice, and make a positive impact on communities.
The program is conveniently offered in both online only and face-to-face formats.
Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs)
At the completion of the B.A. in Criminal Justice program, students will be able to:
PLO1. Articulate the historical foundations of the criminal justice system and identify the social, political, and economic influences that shape crime and punishment in the United States.
PLO2. Articulate and critically analyze the philosophical, conceptual, and theoretical framework of criminal justice systems and structures and their impact on society.
PLO3. Apply knowledge of concepts and theories of criminology to understand criminal behavior and its causes, along with prevention strategies and rehabilitation processes from a sociological perspective and its intersection with the criminal justice system.
PLO4. Effectively develop and apply research methods to investigate criminological questions and issues.
PLO5. Apply Criminal Justice theory and skills in the professional environment and through that experience, prepare for a professional career path that aligns to a values-based vision and career goals.
PLO6. Demonstrate critical thinking skills including the ability to assess the credibility of information, interpret data, problem solve using multiple sources, and engage in ethical decision making.
PLO7. Examine the criminal justice reform efforts related to systems, policies and practices within and related to the criminal justice system, ultimately culminating in ideas for changes to shape the future direction of the field.
PLO8. Connect and communicate professionally with people from diverse backgrounds demonstrating empathy, considering alternative perspectives and power dynamics of roles, and with cultural awareness.
PLO9. Develop and articulate a personal philosophy of professionalism, ethical behavior, and commitment to serving diverse communities and making a positive impact on society.
Program Details:
- Requires 180 QH including 60 QH of General Education for completion
- Requires a minimum grade of “C” in Core courses
- Credit for Prior Learning may be accepted for CAR 202, CAR 203, CAR 490 and general education, elective credit, and as determined appropriate by the faculty, toward program major requirements
- Students may also complete any minor or concentration that is not in the same area of study as their program major. Students must consult with their Academic Advisor to select a minor or concentration that best fits their career and personal goals.
Required Courses
General Education Requirements
Communications
The following courses are recommended:
| ENG 101 | Beginning English Composition | 5 |
| ENG 201 | Intermediate English | 5 |
| ENG 203 | Effective Speaking for the Undergraduate | 5 |
Note: Students transferring credit from other institutions or applying coursework previously completed at NLU may use any three general education courses in the following disciplines: academic writing, oral communications, and any course in the area of communications.
Humanities and Fine Arts
Choose two courses from the list below:
| ART 105 | Race, Identity and Experience in American Art | 5 |
| ART 106 | Race, Identity and Experience in American Art I | 2 |
| ART 107 | Race, Identity and Experience in American Art II | 3 |
| HIS 103 | History Across the Globe | 5 |
| PHI 107 | Introduction to Ethics and Social Critique | 5 |
Note: Students transferring credit from other institutions or applying coursework previously completed at NLU may use any two general education courses in the following disciplines:
- Humanities: foreign language, history, literature, philosophy, religious studies, interdisciplinary humanities and fine arts, interdisciplinary humanities and social sciences
- Fine Arts: visual arts (including art history, art appreciation, and studio arts, such as drawing, painting, digital art, or film), film and cinema studies, and performing arts (including music appreciation, music theory, and music performance, theatre appreciation and performance, and dance)
Mathematics and Natural Sciences
Choose three courses from the list below (one must be math and one must be a natural science):
Note: Students transferring credit from other institutions or applying coursework previously completed at NLU may use any three general education courses in the following disciplines:
- Mathematics: college-level and not developmental in nature
- Natural Sciences: physics, chemistry, earth science, astronomy, geology, physical geography, biology, human anatomy and physiology, microbiology, genetics, botany and zoology; and interdisciplinary fields such as environmental science, and ecology and conservation
- Mathematics or Natural Sciences
Social and Behavioral Sciences
Choose two courses from the list below:
| ECO 200 | Macroeconomics for Today’s Professional | 5 |
| HIS 102 | Civics and American Government | 5 |
| HIS 212 | Think Global: Movements in US History and its Impact on Society and School | 5 |
| PSY 101 | Introduction to Psychology | 5 |
| SOC 101 | Foundational Sociology | 5 |
| SOC 204 | Contemporary Chicago | 5 |
| SOC 222 | Culture and Identity | 5 |
| SOC 250 | Cultural and Ethnic Movements in the United States | 5 |
Note: Students transferring credit from other institutions or applying coursework previously completed at NLU may use any two general education courses in the area of Social and Behavioral Sciences in the following disciplines: anthropology, economics, geography, history, human geography, political science, psychology, sociology, interdisciplinary social/behavioral science, interdisciplinary humanities and social and behavioral science.
Program Specific General Education Requirements
General Education Electives
This area may be satisfied by two courses in any general education category listed above or other courses consistent with integrated general education competencies. These courses may not be needed if student is completing the program specific general education requirements listed above.
Additional General Education Requirements
| GEN 103 | Student Success Seminar | 5 |
| | or | |
| GEN 203 | NLU & You: Tools & Strategies for Student Success | 3 |
Note: GEN 103 is required for the first-time freshman students only. Students transferring in less than 90 QH are required to complete GEN 203.
Career Development Requirements
First-time Daytime Students
| CAR 214 | Creating and Communicating the Professional Brand | 5 |
| | or | |
| BRV 200 | Braven Leadership and Career Accelerator | 5 |
| | and | |
| CAR 295 | Career Service Learning | 5 |
| CAR 218 | Internship Application Workshop | 0 |
Note:
CAR 218 may be waived for students who have an internship accepted in Handshake prior to Winter term of the junior year.
Transfer Students
| BRV 200 | Braven Leadership and Career Accelerator | 5 |
| | or | |
| CAR 214 | Creating and Communicating the Professional Brand | 5 |
| | or | |
| CAR 202 | Creating Professional Identity | 2 |
| | and | |
| CAR 203 | You The Professional | 3 |
Major Core Courses - 60 QH
Major Electives
Students choose one course:
| CSJ 353 | Criminal Investigations | 5 |
| CSJ 354 | Sociology of Deviant Behavior for Criminal Justice Professionals | 5 |
| CSJ 400 | Criminal Justice Reform Movements | 5 |
| HUM 308 | Mass Incarceration | 5 |
Electives
Choose additional courses to total 180 QH. These hours may be satisfied by completing any minor or concentration in consultation with your Academic Advisor.