Criminal Justice - B.S.

Johnson and Wales University

The Criminal Justice bachelor's degree program prepares students for professional careers in the field of criminal justice. Through this course of study, students are expected to acquire the communication, logic, critical thinking and ethical reasoning skills essential for both the understanding of complex global and domestic criminal justice issues and for effective career performance and progression.Upon completion of the program, graduates are expected to: Apply the historical contexts and knowledge of the American criminal justice system to current issues within the field, Critically evaluate evidence using investigative theories and practices, Research and analyze criminal justice issues to generate appropriate recommendations and/or actions, Assess and resolve conflict situations using policies and procedures employed by criminal justice professionals and Apply ethical strategies to address criminal justice agency/operations within diverse communities and/or global contexts.The program’s judicious mix of criminal justice and arts and sciences courses is intended to develop and enhance each student’s critical thinking and effective communication skills, as well as their appreciation for diversity, citizenship, leadership and public service. In keeping with the unique curriculum and varied career opportunities available to graduates of the Criminal Justice program, students are encouraged to take advantage of available internship, study abroad and elective course opportunities that target their specific interests and goals.Students in Criminal Justice will have the opportunity to select a Community Justice specialization. The interdisciplinary nature of this curriculum provides students the opportunity to think differently about justice and criminal behavior that is reflective of industry trends toward crime prevention, community building and criminal justice. This specialization will allow students a means to foster their intellectual curiosity while enhancing and enriching their educational experience thereby stimulating professional success and lifelong personal and professional growth.Graduates of the program are prepared for a wide variety of criminal justice employment at the local, national and federal levels including careers in court administration, private investigation, airport security and social services, or as a federal agent, police officer or border patrol agent, among many others.Upon completion of the Community Justice specialization, graduates are expected to be able to: Analyze (assess and critically reflect upon) the evolution (past and contemporary changes and reforms) of community justice practices (policing, problem-solving, advocacy, human services, outreach, prevention, etc.) from domestic (U.S.-based) and global (other nations, global community) perspectives.

College of Arts and Sciences