Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice

Program Length: 120 credit hours

Accepted Transfer Credits: Up to 90 Credit hours

Leighton University online Bachelor's of Science in Criminal Justice is designed for students already pursuing a career in criminal justice for those who have aspirations interested in criminal justice careers.  The online programs are designed to provide students, primarily adults, who need flexibility in scheduling. As a criminal justice program student, you will be provided with a preparation that prepares you in all areas of the criminal justice system. The program's curriculum offers various opportunities for the student to examine various criminal justice system aspects. The program will also offer the student multiple opportunities to critically examine the major criminological theories on crime causation and prevention and apply them to Criminal Justice practice.

Program Goals and Objectives

Students who complete this program will be able to:

• Evaluate federal and state constitutions and their respective criminal codes.
• Apply fundamental theories of police operations and management.
• Demonstrate an appreciation of the major criminological theories and an ability to apply them to practical examples.
• Communicate efficiently within the criminal justice system.
• Effectively communicate with the public and respond to various concerns, many of which may not be criminal.
• Legally enforce the laws which regulate public conduct.
• Correctly identify, collect, and preserve evidence.
• Conduct preliminary traffic and criminal investigations, report findings, and testify effectively in court.
• Promote security through the appropriate application of standard patrol practices and police interventions.
• Demonstrate an understanding of class, race, and gender roles in the criminal justice system's workings.
• Understand and apply concepts of community-oriented policing.

Overall Degree Requirements

In addition to the University’s CORE requirements, the major, the minor, and elective requirements must meet the set of the overall requirements listed below:

1. Students must complete a minimum of 120 credits.
2. Students must maintain a minimum satisfactory GPA of 2.0 (C) overall program with no grade lower than a C in a course designated as a major in Economics.
3. Within the 120 credits required, the following coursework must be taken at Leighton University:

• At the minimum, the last 30 credits of the degree program.
• At least 50% of courses listed within the major of the required number of credits in the major.
• At least 50% of credits earned for courses numbered 300 to 499 in the minor.

4. At least 45 credits hours of the 120 credits to meet the degree requirements must be upper level (300-499).

B.S. Criminal Justice Program Structure

The requirements below pertain to this Undergraduate Catalog year and are intended as a guide for academic planning. Students should consult with their Academic Navigator to discuss their individual plan of study.

Minimum of 120 total credit hours required, including 45 senior level hours [300 - 499 level]