Criminal Justice B.A.

Mission Statement

The Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice at Nevada State College provides students with a solid foundation of knowledge in the criminal justice system while incorporating the emerging discipline of social justice and comparative criminal justice systems. The program provides a richly-interactive, high-quality learning experience, enabling students to become independent thinkers who can apply their knowledge and skills to understand the complex nature of crime causation and reactions to criminal activity. In addition, NSC's BACJ program adds a modern element to the traditional study of criminal justice by incorporating into core and elective courses social justice issues and an emphasis on working with, and giving back to, the local community. The knowledge acquired in the BACJ program will assist students in seeking employment in the field of criminal justice and also provide a solid foundation of knowledge for those students who wish to attend a graduate program in the discipline.

Learning Outcomes

  • Demonstrate knowledge of the basic structures and functions of the American Criminal Justice system.
  • Explain major concepts and competing theoretical perspectives in criminology and social justice including sociological understandings of crime, criminal behavior, social control, and deviance.
  • Understand and apply basic research methods and statistical techniques used in criminal justice and criminology.
  • Identify ethical and social justice issues impacting the criminal justice system.

Curriculum

Recommended Schedule

A recommended course sequence for Criminal Justice B.A. is provided for students as guidance to complete their major in four years.

College Core Curriculum (31-45)

English (3-8 credits)

Refer to the English section of the Core Curriculum

Study and Technology Skills (0-3 credits)

Refer to the Study and Technology Skills section of the Core Curriculum

Mathematics (3-5 credits)

Refer to the Mathematics section of the Core Curriculum

Fine Arts (3 credits)

Refer to the Fine Arts section of the Core Curriculum

Natural Sciences (7-8 credits)

Refer to the Natural Science section of the Core Curriculum

Social Sciences (3 credits)

Refer to the Social Sciences section section of the Core Curriculum.

Humanities (6 credits)

Refer to the Humanities section of the Curriculum

Constitution (3-6 credits)

Refer to the Constitution section of the Core Curriculum

Cultural Diversity (3 credits)

Refer to the Cultural Diversity section of the Core Curriculum

Major Requirements (42)

Required Classes (24 credits)

CRJ 104Introduction to Administration of Justice

3.00

CRJ 200Social Justice

3.00

CRJ 222Criminal Law & Procedures

3.00

CRJ 270Criminology

3.00

CRJ 301Research Methods in Criminal Justice

3.00

CRJ 302Quantitative Applications in Criminal Justice

3.00

CRJ 411Comparative Criminal Justice Systems

3.00

Select one course from the following:
CRJ 450Seminar in Criminal Justice

3.00

CRJ 491Internship in Criminal Justice

3.00

Criminal Justice Electives (18 credits)

Select 18 total units from the following categories; any combination of classes from these two categories can be used:
Criminal Justice Electives
CRJ 299Special Topics

3.00

CRJ 321Immigration and Justice

3.00

CRJ 326Vice, Drugs, and the Law

3.00

CRJ 409Youth, Crime, and Society

3.00

CRJ 419Law and Society

3.00

CRJ 429Gender and Crime

3.00

CRJ 438Social Inequality and Crime

3.00

CRJ 444Criminological Theory

3.00

CRJ 463Victimology

3.00

CRJ 480Special Topics in Law and Social Control

3.00

Summary of credit requirements for the Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice

Core Curriculum

31-45

Major Requirements

42

Electives (at least 21 credits must be upper division)

 33-47

Total Credits

120