Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice (BSCJ): Generalist

The Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice (BSCJ) degree program is designed so it could help students demonstrate an understanding of a wide range of industry-current knowledge relevant to the field of criminal justice. Courses are structured to assist them in the development of their goals as they can learn knowledge and skills common to a diverse range of criminal justice professionals. This degree program is available in several specializations, including a generalist specialization.

To learn more about AIU, our degree programs or how to apply for admission, please contact us for more information.

The goal of the Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice degree program is to help provide students with a well-rounded overview of the criminal justice system, including the areas of law enforcement, courts, criminology, corrections, juvenile justice and the field of forensic science.

In this industry-focused curriculum, students can learn about criminal investigation, the impact of drug usage on crime, probation and parole. Plus, a choice of electives offers an opportunity to delve into areas of particular interest, such as crime victim studies and issues of cultural diversity.

The generalist specialization focuses on the criminal justice system, its organizational components and processes, and its legal and public policy contexts.

The BSCJ generalist specialization provides a comprehensive look at the Criminal Justice System. In this curriculum, students can learn how to:

  • Apply foundational knowledge of criminal justice including causes of crime, criminal behaviors and victims of crime.
  • Define and identify the various components of the criminal justice and juvenile justice systems which include law enforcement, law and courts and corrections.
  • Analyze and apply law enforcement principles including the structure of police organizations, police discretion, police subculture and the legal constraints of policing
  • Analyze and apply knowledge of law adjudication including criminal law, criminal procedures and the decision-making processes associated with the defense and prosecution of criminal offenders.
  • Analyze and apply knowledge of community-based corrections including the incarceration, treatment and alternative punishments offered in the correctional system.
  • Use critical thinking skills and apply ethical theories to ethical dilemmas faced by criminal justice practitioners in law enforcement, courts, corrections and forensics.
  • and many more industry-related skills.

In addition to the general education requirements, the BSCJ generalist specialization includes the following courses that are taught by instructors, many of whom have relevant career experience in the fields of law enforcement, corrections and the courts. The Generalist specialization provides students the opportunity to take specialization courses in any area of Criminal Justice. The courses below are suggestions but may be substituted for any upper level course in the Criminal Justice discipline.

CORE COURSES

  • Foundations of Criminal Justice Systems
  • Theories of Crime Causation
  • Introduction to Criminal Law
  • Introduction to Law Enforcement
  • Introduction to American Court System
  • Foundations of Corrections
  • Proseminar in Criminal Justice
  • Crime Victim Studies
  • Juvenile Justice & Delinquency Theory
  • Constitutional Issues in Criminal Procedure
  • Constitutional Law
  • Research Methods and Statistics for Criminal Justice
  • Cultural Diversity in Criminal Justice
  • Ethics and Criminal Justice

SPECIALIZATION COURSE OPTIONS

  • Security and Loss Prevention or Program Elective
  • Comparative Criminal Justice System or Program Elective
  • Crime and Substance Abuse
  • Administration of Criminal Justice
  • Evidence or Program Elective
  • Criminalistics or Program Elective
  • Terrorism and Homeland Security
  • Offender Rehabilitation or Program Elective
  • Advanced Topics in Corrections
  • Criminal Investigation

This program is available at the following AIU campuses:

Degree programs and availability vary by campus.

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Financing

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Success

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The specific program does not necessarily prepare students for, and graduates do not typically find employment in, all listed occupations. We cannot guarantee employment or salary.

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