Bachelor of Science
Criminology and Justice Studies
Students who major in Criminology and Justice Studies will be able to develop the knowledge, values, and ethical consciousness required of individuals who wish to work in the legal field, social service profession, and criminal justice field.
Oxnard
Evening courses
Once per week
45 credits
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About the Program
Today’s careers in criminal justice seek individuals who have a greater understanding of human behavior and social institutions. They also seek employees who have a thorough understanding of the criminal justice system, causes of criminal behavior, and crime’s impact on society.
The Criminology and Justice Studies major offers students a theoretical and practical understanding of the causes of crime, criminal behavior, and victimization in order to propose and advocate for changes in society and the criminal justice system.
Accelerated Format
Classes are scheduled year-round to enable you to accelerate the progress toward your degree without compromising traditional Cal Lutheran standards of excellence.
- Most classes meet one night a week, Monday – Thursday
- Classes are from 6 – 9:30pm
- Five 8-week terms year-round
- Campus location in Thousand Oaks
Personal Attention
Academic counselors, faculty and staff are here throughout the program to answer your questions and help solve problems along the way.
- Academic counselors offer proactive, individual attention
- Average class size of 10
- Faculty with real world experience
- Staff and Faculty dedicated to student success
Transfer Course Work
You may have already started down the path toward your bachelor's. We'll help you figure out which courses you can apply to your degree.
- No cap on transferable credits - Residence Requirements still apply
- Transfer up to 40 military credits
- Upper and lower division credits from a four-year college are also accepted
Students in this major will learn to think critically, communicate clearly, advocate for changes in society and the criminal justice system, and find ethical solutions to complex problems, which are essential skills to be successful in today’s job market in the area of criminology and criminal justice.
Criminology and Justice Studies Knowledge
- Demonstrate knowledge of historical and contemporary concepts, theories, and ideologies underlying criminological and justice-based practices and policies.
- Analyze and evaluate historical and contemporary criminological and justice-based issues and practices based on knowledge of criminology, justice, criminal justice, and social justice history, theory, and practice.
Application of Criminology and Justice Studies
- Apply criminological and justice-based knowledge in classroom and experiential learning contexts.
- Analyze individual and societal issues from a criminological and justice perspective.
Critical Thinking and Scientific Inquiry
- Utilize critical thinking skills to examine and evaluate criminological and justice arguments, principles, and evidence.
- Employ research and critical thinking skills to conduct criminological and justice studies research and how to use that research to affect social change.
Communication
- Effectively write about criminological and justice theories, concepts, observations, and research findings.
- Create and deliver presentations pertaining to the field of Criminology and Justice Studies that are well organized, supported, clear and engaging.
Diversity, Values, and Justice
- Demonstrate an understanding of how diversity influences criminological and justice processes, criminal behavior, and victimization.
- Apply knowledge of intersectionality in the criminal justice system to understand the experiences of diverse groups and individuals domestically and internationally.
Major Requirements
- 45 credits minimum; 36 upper division
- 2.0 minimum GPA
Required Courses
| Course | Title | General Education Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| PENG 310 | Research Writing for Professionals | |
| PENG 311 | Advanced Research Writing for Professionals | |
| PMAT 116 | Essentials of Statistics | |
| CJS 300 | Introduction to Criminology | |
| CJS 310 | Introduction to Justice Studies | |
| CJS 320 | Criminology and Justice Studies Research Methods | Social and Behavioral Sciences |
| Course | Title | General Education Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| CJS 330 | Contemporary Policing | |
| CJS 340 | Law and Criminal Courts | |
| CJS 350 | Corrections in the 21st Century | |
| PBS 340 | Forensic Psychology | |
| CJS 360 | Victimology |
| Course | Title | General Education Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| CJS 370 | Global Justice Systems | Global Perspectives |
| Course | Title | General Education Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| CJS 380 | Gender, Crime, and Justice | |
| CJS 390 | Race, Ethnicity, Crime, and Justice | US Diversity |
| CJS 395 | Diversity, Crime, and Justice | US Diversity |
| Course | Title | General Education Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| CJS 400 | Victim Assistance and Advocacy | |
| CJS 410 | Assistance and Advocacy for Ex-Offenders |
| Course | Title | General Education Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| CJS 480 | Senior Seminar in Criminology and Justice Studies | Experiential Learning |
Minor Requirements
- 18 credits minimum
Required Courses
| Course | Title |
|---|---|
| CJS 300 | Introduction to Criminology |
| CJS 310 | Introduction to Justice Studies |
| CJS 370 | Global Justice Systems |
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1 Elective Course: Select from "Systems of Justice for Victims and Offenders" courses |
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1 Elective Course: Select from “Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice for Victims and Offenders” courses |
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1 Elective Course: Select from “Justice and Advocacy for Victims and Ex-Offenders” courses |
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What Our Students Say
Jessica GonzalezAll classmates seem to be in the same position as myself with full-time jobs and more life experience than most, which is a big help! This program is so good that I recommended it to my veteran friends who are coming straight from active duty.