Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice (BSCJ)

The Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice (BSCJ) program is the study of crime and the administration of criminal justice systems and their effect on society. The curriculum is designed to provide practical knowledge of criminal justice systems and operations with an emphasis on the criminal courts, investigative principles, ethical principles, criminal law, victims of crime, and community relations. It provides the opportunity to continue studies in various areas which include: organized crime, white collar crime, drug and alcohol abuse, social and forensic psychology, and terrorism and terrorism response. This directed self‑study program will provide the requisite knowledge base to understand the causes of crime, the means to prevent crime, and to be an effective leader in the field of criminal justice.

Quick Facts:

Credits required: 120
Cost per credit: $425
Program length: 4 years (full-time status)
Max transfer credits: 90 credits

Time to degree completion can be accelerated by taking multiple courses in a term and through credits accepted in transfer.

What you’ll learn

Apply effective written communication skills to various interactions with law enforcement personnel, victims, witnesses, and suspects utilizing the language conventions specific to criminal justice.

Demonstrate competence in utilizing oral communication skills appropriately given the purpose and the context of the communication.

Demonstrate critical thinking in the understanding of key concepts in criminal justice, applying these concepts appropriately, evaluating and justifying positions, and creating coherent arguments.

Analyze the major historical and contemporary issues facing the criminal justice system as they relate to society and respect for diversity.

Practice and apply inter‑personal skills in the educational environment so that learning criminal justice and law enforcement is related to both personal and professional goals.

Demonstrate the ability to use analytical skills in conjunction with information systems, data analysis and computer skills to understand situations in criminal justice.

Possess the knowledge, understanding, and ability to employ state‑of‑the‑art technologies common to the criminal justice profession to conduct research and present findings explaining how this data informs policies and programs.

Career Outcomes

Peace Officer

Probation Officer

Correctional Officer

Detective / Investigator

Forensic Science Technician

Fish & Game Warden

Security Officer

Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice Degree Requirements

Degree Requirements	Credits
General Education Courses	36
Required Core Courses	33
Elective Courses	51
TOTAL CREDITS REQUIRED FOR THE BSCJ	120

Courses + Credits

The courses that comprise CalSouthern’s Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice (BSCJ) are what distinguish this innovative degree program. The program includes fundamental subjects that are the foundation to any comprehensive criminal justice program, such as criminology and criminal law, legal procedure, and principles of investigation. However, you’ll also find cutting-edge, technology-driven criminal justice courses such as digital crime, homeland security, and terrorism. In addition—and making CalSouthern’s program so unique and well-rounded—you can select courses exploring the ethics of criminal justice, social psychology, forensic psychology, and cultural diversity in criminal justice, among many others.

Required Core Courses

Lower Division Courses

UNIV 2000 University Success Online — 3-credits
LGL 2101 Introduction to Criminal Justice — 3-credits
LGL 2110 Criminal Procedure and the Court System — 3-credits
LGL 2121 Corrections: A Comprehensive View — 3-credits
LGL 2210 Ethics in Criminal Justice — 3-credits
LGL 2221 Criminal Investigation Procedures — 3-credits

Upper Division Courses

LGL 2415 Criminal Law — 3-credits
LGL 2420 Applied Criminology — 3-credits
LGL 2525 Administrative Office Procedures in Criminal Justice — 3-credits
LGL 2531 Law Enforcement and the Community — 3-credits
LGL 2401 BSCJ Capstone — 3-credits

Elective and Concentration Courses

Lower Division Courses

LGL 2105 Family Violence — 3-credits
LGL 2118 Organized Crime — 3-credits
LGL 2128 Cultural Diversity in Criminal Justice — 3-credits
LGL 2130 Cyber-Crime and Cyber-Terrorism — 3-credits
LGL 2215 White Collar Crime — 3-credits
LGL 2225 Social Psychology — 3-credits
LGL 2228 Homeland Security — 3-credits

Upper Division Courses

LGL 2410 Research Methods in Criminology — 3-credits
LGL 2412 Drugs and Substance Abuse — 3-credits
LGL 2510 Introduction to Forensic Psychology — 3-credits
LGL 2511 Juvenile Justice – Current — 3-credits
LGL 2518 Introduction to Terrorism — 3-credits
LGL 2521 Victims and the Criminal Justice System — 3-credits
LGL 2535 Terrorism Response: Infrastructure and Risk Analysis — 3-credits

Download the University Catalog for full course descriptions, prerequisite information, and program details.

Download Catalog

I had a wonderful experience and loved the flexibility of the program. I could go at my own pace, was able to work ahead when I needed to, and to take extra time when I needed to. The Faculty Mentors were fantastic and very helpful and inspiring. I feel like I got an excellent education for an affordable price and I appreciate everything that it brought to my life.

– Jinxi Caddel

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How to Apply

Accreditation & Approvals

California Southern University is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC), which is one of six regional accrediting bodies recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). Regional accreditation is the most highly respected and recognized form of accreditation in the United States, and it provides students with a number of important benefits and opportunities. www.wscuc.org

Please visit the Accreditation & Licensure page to learn more.