Criminal Justice B.A.

Mission Statement

The Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice at Nevada State University 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, NS'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 to complete the major in four years.

Degree Sheet

A degree sheet for the Criminal Justice B.A. is provided with the curriculum below for students’ convenience.

This sample degree checklist is intended to be used as a planning tool for students enrolled in the program for this academic year. It is recommended that students review the Academic Requirements report in their Student Center and meet regularly with an Academic Advisor to verify degree progression.

College Core Curriculum

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. Classes in the major may be used to fulfill this Core requirement. Consult an Academic Advisor.

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. Classes in the major may be used to fulfill this Core requirement. Consult an Academic Advisor.

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

*NOTE: Students in the online pathway have 21 required credits in this section. Online pathway students are to select one of the following courses: CRJ 301 OR CRJ 302.
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)*

CRJ 106Introduction to Corrections

3.00

CRJ 211Police in America

3.00

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

*NOTE: Students in the online pathway have 21 required credits in this section. Online pathway students are to select seven elective courses from the following.

General Electives

General elective course credits are taken to complete the 120 credits needed for graduation.

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

Core Curriculum

25-38

Major Requirements

42

Electives

40-53

Total Credits

120

NOTE: At least 30 credits of Upper Division course work must be completed at Nevada State University to fulfill the Residency Graduation Requirement.