The justice system affects people at the most difficult moments of their lives. Working fairly and effectively in this field means looking beyond laws and procedures to the communities, histories and human experiences behind them.<\/p>\n
California Lutheran University’s Bachelor of Science in Criminology and Justice Studies looks at justice from every side of the system. You’ll study how policing, courts and corrections actually function, and how individual and cultural differences shape the way people experience them. You’ll also study the causes of crime, victim advocacy and how people successfully reenter society after incarceration.<\/p>\n
Part of Cal Lutheran’s Bachelor’s Degree for Professionals, this degree completion program is built for learners who have some previous college credit<\/a>. You’ll learn in small classes with faculty who get to know you, value the experience you bring and support you as you finish what you started.<\/p>\n At Cal Lutheran, we pride ourselves on providing personal attention to each of our students. Our classes are intentionally kept small so that you can connect with your instructors and peers. You’ll also have access to a personal academic counselor who will guide and support you every step of the way.<\/p>\n The program pairs criminological theory with the realities of how justice works in practice. By graduation you’ll have:<\/p>\n See the courses you’ll take as a criminology and justice studies student.<\/a><\/p>\n Our students are mostly working adults balancing school with family and a full-time job. Some already work in law enforcement, the courts or corrections.<\/p>\n Others work in social services roles, bringing experience that overlaps with the field in different ways. And some come to the field through personal experience, community advocacy or a search for work that feels like it matters, even if their current job has nothing to do with justice or criminology.<\/p>\n To apply, you need a high school diploma or GED certificate and at least 24 credits of college credit from an accredited institution. Visit our admissions page for more on what you need.<\/a><\/p>\n This is a 100% online degree. Students complete a minimum of 124 credits to graduate. At least 45 of those credits will be from criminology and justice studies major courses. The rest can come from general education courses or credits you transfer in.<\/p>\n All courses are 3 credits unless otherwise noted.<\/p>\n Research Writing for Professionals<\/p>\n Advanced Research Writing for Professionals<\/p>\n Essentials of Statistics<\/p>\n Introduction to Criminology<\/p>\n Introduction to Justice Studies<\/p>\n Criminology and Justice Studies Research Methods<\/p>\n Global Justice Systems<\/p>\n Victim Assistance and Advocacy<\/p>\n Assistance and Advocacy for Ex-Offenders<\/p>\n Choose 3 courses:<\/p>\n Contemporary Policing<\/p>\n Law and Criminal Courts<\/p>\n Corrections in the 21st Century<\/p>\n Forensic Psychology<\/p>\n Victimology<\/p>\n Choose 2 courses:<\/p>\n Gender, Crime and Justice<\/p>\n Race, Ethnicity, Crime and Justice<\/p>\n Diversity, Crime and Justice<\/p>\n Senior Seminar in Criminology and Justice Studies<\/p>\n Research demonstrates the benefits of re-entry, rehabilitation and supporting the people who move through the system, but the justice system can be slow to adapt these as policy. That’s why we need well-educated, degree-holding professionals who can make progress across enforcement and the courts as well as advocacy and social services. Common roles include:<\/p>\n The degree is also a strong foundation for law school or graduate study. Whichever direction graduates take, they leave understanding justice only works when it holds people accountable while still treating them as people.<\/p>\n Attend a Class Before You Apply<\/p>\n Get a closer look at what it’s like to be a Cal Lutheran student by sitting in on a live online class. For more information and to reserve your spot, contact an enrollment specialist at 805-521-9856 or complete our form<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
\nWhat You’ll Learn in the Criminology and Justice Studies Degree<\/h2>\n
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\nWho Is This Program For?<\/h2>\n
\nCriminology and Justice Studies Curriculum<\/h2>\n
Foundation Courses (18 credits)<\/h3>\n
Global Systems of Justice for Victims and Offenders Course (3 credits)<\/h3>\n
Justice and Advocacy for Victims and Ex-Offenders Course (6 credits)<\/h3>\n
Systems of Justice for Victims and Offenders Electives (9 credits)<\/h3>\n
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice for Victims and Offenders Electives (6 credits)<\/h3>\n
Criminology and Justice Studies Capstone (3 credits)<\/h3>\n
\nCareer Outcomes With a BS in Criminology and Justice Studies<\/h2>\n
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\nFrequently Asked Questions<\/h2>\n
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