Criminal Justice Minor
The Criminal Justice minor provides students with a foundational understanding of the criminal justice system, including its components such as law enforcement, law, courts, and corrections. Students will examine crime, offenders, and criminal behavior, offering students insights into the causes of crime and strategies for prevention, concepts and theories of criminology to understand criminal behavior and its cause. The minor 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.
Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs):
PLO-1. 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.
PLO-2. Articulate and critically analyze the philosophical, conceptual, and theoretical framework of criminal justice systems and structures and their impact on society.
PLO-3. 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.
PLO -4. 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
PLO -5. Connect and communicate professionally with people from diverse backgrounds demonstrating empathy, considering alternative perspectives and power dynamics of roles, and with cultural awareness.
Program Details:
- Requires 30 QH for completion
- Requires a minimum grade of “C” for each course in the minor
- Students may transfer in up to 15 quarter hours and/or equivalent that can be applied toward the minor. Any Criminal Justice, Criminology, and/or Public Safety related coursework can be used for transfer credit; specific course equivalencies are not required.
- To fulfill elective credit, students may transfer in up to 10 quarter hours and/or equivalent from coursework taken in a Criminal Justice or Public Safety Department at other institutions; specific course equivalencies are not required
- Students enrolled in the B.A. in Criminology and Criminal Justice or any B.A. in Education program are not eligible for this minor
Note: The same courses may not be used to satisfy the minor, concentration, and/or program major requirements.
Program Learning Outcomes
PLO-1. 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.
PLO-2. Articulate and critically analyze the philosophical, conceptual, and theoretical framework of criminal justice systems and structures and their impact on society.
PLO-3. 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.
PLO -4. 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
PLO -5. Connect and communicate professionally with people from diverse backgrounds demonstrating empathy, considering alternative perspectives and power dynamics of roles, and with cultural awareness.
Required Courses
Core Courses
Students may take either CSJ 106 or CSJ 107. Only one of the courses is required.
Electives
Students must select 2 courses (10 QH) from any of the courses in the B.A. in Criminology and Criminal Justice program to complete the 30 QH requirement for the minor.
Note: All course pre-requisites must be met unless waived by the Department Chair.