The Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice provides preparation for students interested primarily in a career in criminal justice and related areas. The program includes four main areas: general education, public affairs and policy, criminal justice, and general electives. 

Learning Outcomes:

1) Describe an overview of the administrative, institutional, and organizational framework of the various components of the criminal justice system in the United States; identify how diversity impacts the policing, processing and punishment of offenders.

2) Analyze the history and evolution of major theories of crime and philosophies of punishment; discuss corresponding public policies and social changes influencing the administration of justice.

3) Define crime, legally and socially, and how it is measured; interpret major sources of criminal justice/social science research and data, apply basic research methods to research questions, and evaluate ethical issues involved in research.

4) Examine the constitutional foundations of criminal law and the structure, process and actors in the court system, especially the tension between individual rights and public order. Analyze landmark legal cases, as well as current issues in processing criminal cases.

5) Critically analyze current crime issues, policies and strategies; demonstrate ability to integrate and apply knowledge to evaluate current criminal justice issues and problems.

General Education

The General Education requirements are based on five (5) principles. These principles guide undergraduate students in their educational experience at Indiana University Northwest and the School of Public and Environmental Affairs. By fulfilling these requirements, students will have an opportunity to develop effective learning and communication skills (principle 1 requirements), a mastery of core concepts in a broad range of disciplines (Principle 2), the ability to analyze and synthesize information (Principle 3), an awareness of diversity (Principle 4),and ethical consideration (Principle 5).

Principle 1 Foundations for Effective Learning and Communication (11 courses)

 All students are required to take:

    ENG W131   Reading, Writing, and Inquiry 1 (3 cr.)
    SPCH S121   Public Speaking (3 cr.)

In addition, all students must complete the following requirements under Principle 1:

   1. Mathematics (3 cr.)

One of the following courses:

     MATH M100 Basic Mathematics (3 cr.)
     MATH M118 Finite Mathematics (3 cr.)
     MATH M119 Survey of Calculus I (3 cr.)
     MATH M125 Precalculus Mathematics (3 cr.)

   2. Natural Science Class with Lab (4-6 cr.)

    BIOL L100 Humans and the Biological World (5 cr.)
    CHEM C101 Elementary Chemistry I (3 cr.)
    CHEM C121 Elementary Chemistry Lab I (2 cr.)
    GEOL G101 Introduction to Earth Science (3 cr.)
    GEOL G102 Introduction to Earth Science Lab I (1 cr.)

   3. Intensive Writing Courses (6 cr.)

    ENG W231 Professional Writing (3 cr.) Required
    SPEA J439  Crime and Public Policy (3 cr.) (See course description for prerequisite) 

   4. Advanced Oral Communication Course (3 cr.)

One of the following courses:

    SPEA J201 Theoretical Foundation of Criminal Justice(3 cr.)
    SPEA J222  Murder: Causes and Consequences (3 cr.)
    SPEA J312 White Collar Crime (3 cr.)
     
    5. Advanced Math Reasoning Course (3 cr.)

One of the following courses:

    SPEA K300 Statistical Techniques (3 cr.)
    ECON E270 Introduction to Statistical Theory for Economics and Business (3 cr.)

   6. Advanced Scientific Reasoning Course (3 cr.)

One of the following courses:

    SPEA E272 Intro to Environmental Science (3 cr.)
    SPEA H322 Principles of Epidemiology (3 Cr.)
    SPEA J215 Concepts of Forensic Science (3 cr.)

   7. Information Literacy (3 cr.)

    SPEA J202 Criminal Justice Data, Methods and Resources (3 cr.)
  
   8. Learning Technologies course (3 cr.)

    SPEA V261 Using Information Technology in Public Affairs (3 cr.)

Principle 2 Breadth of Learning

   1. Arts & Humanities (6 cr.)

Two of the following courses:         

    HIST H105 American History I (3 cr.)
    HIST H106 American History II (3 cr.)
    AAAD A150 Survey of the Culture of Black Americans (3 cr.)
    AAAD A151 Minority People in the United States(3 cr.)
    ANTH A104 Culture & Society (3 cr.)
    ANTH A104 Cultural Anthropology (3 cr.)
    PHIL P100 Introduction to Philosophy (3 cr.)
    PHIL P140 Introduction to Ethics (3 cr.)
    PHIL P150 Elementary Logic (3 cr.)
    WGS W401 Topics in Women's and Gender Studies (3 cr.)

   *2. Cultural & Historical Studies (6 cr.)

    Two classes from approved College of Arts and Science list* of classes, not including H105 and H106

   3. Social & Behavioral Sciences (6 cr.)

Two of the following courses:

    SOC S161 Principles of Sociology (3 cr.)
    SOC S163 Social Problems (3 cr.)
    SOC S320 Deviant Behavior & social Control (3 cr.)
    SOC S325 Criminology (3 cr.)

    *4. Mathematical, Physical and Life Sciences (3 cr.)

    One class from approved College of Arts and Sciences list; in addition to the natural science class under Principle 1.

Principle 3 Critical Thinking, Integration, and Application of Knowledge (One Course)

    SPEA J439 Crime and Public Policy (3 cr.) (see course description for prerequisite)

Principle 4 Diversity (One Course)

One of the following courses:

    SPEA J275 Diversity Issues in Criminal Justice (3 cr.)
    SPEA V264 Community Structures and Policy (3 cr.)

Principle 5 Ethics & Citizenship (One Course)

One of the following courses:

    SPEA J202 Criminal Justice Data, Methods & Resources (3cr.)
    SPEA V252 Career Development and Planning (3 cr.)

    SPEA V264 Community Structures and Policy

Public Affairs and Policy (4 courses)

Four courses from the following:

    SPEA E272 Intro to Environmental Science (3 cr.)
    SPEA V170 Intro to Public Affairs (3 cr.)
    SPEA V252 Career Development and Planning (3 cr.)
    SPEA V263 Public Management (3 cr.)
    SPEA V264 Community Structures and Policy (3 cr.)
    SPEA V348 Management Science (3 cr.)
    SPEA V365 Urban Development and Planning (3 cr.)
    SPEA V366 Managing Behavior in Public Organizations (3 cr.)
    SPEA V372 Government Finance and Budgets (3 cr.)
    SPEA V376 Law and Public Policy (3 cr.)
    Other Public Affairs Courses (with advisor's consent)

Concentration (12 courses)

All of the following courses:

    SPEA J101 American Criminal Justice System (3 cr.)
    SPEA J150 Public Safety in America (3 cr.)
    SPEA J201 Theoretical Foundations of Criminal Justice Policies (3 cr.)
    SPEA J202 Criminal Justice Data, Methods, and Resources (3 cr.)
    SPEA J301 Substantive Criminal Law (3 cr.)
    SPEA J306 The Criminal Courts (3 cr.)
    SPEA J321 American Policing (3 cr.)
    SPEA J331 Corrections (3 cr.)
    SPEA J439 Crime and Public Policy (3 cr.) (see course description for prequisite)
    Three additional courses in criminal justice

General Electives (approximately 7 courses)

Students must take additional courses beyond the requirements listed above to meet the minimum B.S. degree requirements of 120 credit hours.

*The College of Arts and Sciences list of classes can be obtained from the School of Public and Environmental Affairs or retrieved from the SPEA website.