Criminal Justice Classes: Common Courses and the Skills They Can Help Build
A degree may open the door to a variety of opportunities and diverse career paths. The degree programs offered at AIU will not necessarily lead to the featured careers. This collection of articles is intended to help inform and guide you through the process of determining which level of degree and types of certifications align with your desired career path.
Students may choose to pursue criminal justice degrees for different reasons, from seeking a specific position to wanting to help their community. A criminal justice degree program can provide opportunities to study topics related to the prosecution, rehabilitation and management of individuals at various stages of the criminal justice system.
If you’ve chosen this path, it’s important to understand what criminal justice classes you can take and which skills you may have opportunities to practice.
What Classes Do You Take in Criminal Justice?
At AIU, criminal justice classes cover criminal justice systems, criminology, criminal law and courts, law enforcement, corrections, constitutional procedures, evidence, research methods, juvenile justice, and crime victim studies. Students can also complete the General Criminal Justice Track or a specialization in Forensic Science or Homeland Security and Crisis Management.
Criminal Justice Foundations
AIU’s lower-division criminal justice core includes:
- Criminal Justice Today
- Introduction to Criminology
These courses are designed to provide opportunities to help you build foundational knowledge of criminal justice systems and theories of crime.
Criminal Law and the Courts
Relevant core classes include:
- Introduction to Criminal Law
- Introduction to American Court System
- Constitutional Issues in Criminal Procedures
These classes address legal principles, court processes and constitutional issues within criminal procedures.
Law Enforcement and Policing
Introduction to Law Enforcement examines foundational law enforcement concepts. Coursework in this area can also provide opportunities to consider the roles of law, ethics and communication within criminal justice.
Corrections
Foundations of Corrections introduces students to correctional systems and related criminal justice concepts.
Students interested in this area can also explore potential criminal justice career opportunities.
Research, Evidence and Advanced Core Courses
The criminal justice core also includes upper-level courses such as:
- Crime Victim Studies
- Juvenile Justice & Delinquency Theory
- Evidence
- Research Methods & Statistics for Criminal Justice
- Senior Capstone in Criminal Justice
These courses provide opportunities to study research, evidence, victimization, juvenile justice and advanced criminal justice topics while practicing research-based problem-solving and professional communication.
Criminal Justice Electives, Tracks and Specializations
The criminal justice portion of AIU’s curriculum includes a 54-quarter-credit core and a 22.5-quarter-credit specialization. Students may select the General Criminal Justice Track or a specialization in Forensic Science or Homeland Security and Crisis Management.
The complete 180-quarter-credit curriculum also includes 58.5 quarter credits of general education and 45 quarter credits of general electives.
Specific courses are subject to change. Visit the University Catalog for the latest program curriculum.
Skills Criminal Justice Classes Can Help Students Develop
Written and Oral Communication
AIU’s program learning outcomes include written and oral communication. Coursework addresses areas such as report writing and professional communication, giving students opportunities to practice presenting information clearly.
Research and Problem-Solving
The program also addresses research-based problem-solving. Courses involving research methods, statistics and evidence provide opportunities to evaluate information, apply critical thinking and support conclusions.
Law, Ethics, Diversity and Technology
Additional program learning outcomes address law and ethics, diversity and technology. Students can explore how these areas relate to criminal justice systems and professional decision-making.
Students also have access to instructors and advisors who can provide information about program courses and academic requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Criminal justice curricula vary by school and program. Classes may address criminal justice systems, criminology, criminal law and courts, law enforcement, corrections, constitutional procedures, evidence, research methods, and juvenile justice.
AIU's criminal justice core includes Criminal Justice Today, Introduction to Criminology, Introduction to Criminal Law, Introduction to Law Enforcement, Introduction to American Court System, Foundations of Corrections, Crime Victim Studies, Juvenile Justice & Delinquency Theory, Constitutional Issues in Criminal Procedures, Evidence, Research Methods & Statistics for Criminal Justice and Senior Capstone in Criminal Justice. Exact course names and requirements are subject to change, so consult the current AIU catalog.
AIU's curriculum includes general electives. Within the criminal justice portion of the program, students may select the General Criminal Justice Track or a specialization in Forensic Science or Homeland Security and Crisis Management.
AIU's program learning outcomes focus on foundational knowledge, law and ethics, problem-solving, written and oral communication, diversity and technology. Individual courses also provide opportunities to practice research, critical thinking and professional communication.
AIU's bachelor's-level criminal justice curriculum requires 180 quarter credits, comprising 40 courses worth 4.5 quarter credits each. Requirements are subject to change, and accepted transfer credit may affect the number of courses an individual student is required to complete at AIU.
Criminal justice classes provide education about the field of criminal justice, but AIU does not guarantee employment, salary or career advancement. Some career paths may require further education or job experience. The program is not designed to meet the educational requirements for a specific professional license or certification required for employment, and AIU has made no determination regarding licensure or certification prerequisites in any jurisdiction.
Explore AIU’s Criminal Justice Degree Options
Learn more about AIU’s Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice.
AIU cannot guarantee employment, salary, or career advancement. Not all programs are available to residents of all states.
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