Criminal Justice, Forensic Science Option, BA

The Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice degree with an option in Forensic Science utilizes an interdisciplinary approach to capture both the academic liberal arts emphasis and the professional and policy knowledge required to educate criminal justice professionals. The curriculum emphasizes critical thinking about criminal justice systems, investigative techniques, the administration of justice, legal studies and forensic science. The program is intended for students whose interests include the forensic implications of crime, justice and the courts.

Learning Outcomes

Criminal Justice is a broad and increasingly interdisciplinary field. Students who complete the BACJ with a forensic science option will:

• Explore the connections between law, crime, justice and forensic science. 
• Have a comprehensive understanding of criminal justice systems, investigative techniques, the administration of justice, legal studies, and forensic science. 
• Have effective critical thinking and oral and written communication skills

In addition, the BACJ with a forensic science option will provide the foundation for students who are interested in pursuing the Master of Criminal Justice (MCJ) degree.

Requirements for the BACJ degree with Forensic Science option

General Requirements

Students must take a minimum of 120 credit hours, including:

• 26 undergraduate required Criminal Justice core credit hours
• 6 elective credit hours in Criminal Justice 
• 21 undergraduate required Health Care Science core credit hours
• 6 elective credit hours in Health Care Science
• 56 credit hours of general education requirements
• 5 other elective credit hours

Students must also meet the following requirements:

• A minimum of 18 hours must be upper-division major courses
• A 3-credit hour internship required for those who do not have experience in the field of criminal justice
• A grade of C or better in each undergraduate course applied to satisfy major requirements
• Major requirements may not be taken pass/fail (with the exception of CJ 4960) 

Upper-Division Requirement

Students must complete at least 45 hours of upper-division work (courses numbered 3000 and above) to be eligible for the bachelor’s degree. Students may register for upper-division courses if they have met prerequisites or obtained departmental approval. Courses transferred from a junior/community college carry lower-division credit.