Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice (BSCJ) Degree Program
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 provides the requisite knowledge base to understand the causes of crime, the means to prevent crime, and explores how to be an effective leader in the field of criminal justice.
Learners at California Southern University can benefit from an enhanced curriculum that couples the classroom experience with experiential learning opportunity. Due to a strategic partnership with the Cold Case Investigative Research Institute (CCIRI), learners will be able to collaborate with 27 partner institutions, and 600 subject matter experts examining actual cold cases. Learners will be able to assist families and law enforcement in the search for justice, coupling their industry-relevant education with practical knowledge. Learners are provided with a robust practitioner base in the faculty, as well as access to subject matter experts and networking opportunities for professional development in the field. The CCIRI is a non-profit organization housed in Atlanta, Georgia.
Learners enrolled in the Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice at CalSouthern University will have the option to enter the Bridge Program for the Master of Science Law Enforcement Executive Leadership (MSLEEL), which will allow them to substitute up to two graduate courses for up to two undergraduate courses. Learners interested in the Bridge Program for the Master of Science in Law Enforcement Executive Leadership (MSLEEL) should contact an advisor to determine undergraduate program eligibility.
- Credits Required: 120
- Cost Per Credit: $250
- Program Length: 4 years (full-time status)1
- Max Transfer Credits: 90 credits2
1Many factors can impact your time to completion such as course loads, course extensions or repetitions, transfer or proficiency credits, and approved leaves of absence. The program length provided does not include these adjustments
2Transfer credit is evaluated on an individual basis. Not all credits are eligible for transfer. See the University Catalog for transfer credit policies.
What you’ll study
Describe fundamental concepts, principles, theories, and terminology in criminal justice’s core content domains.
Utilize appropriate analytic methods to conduct or analyze criminal justice research.
Analyze criminal justice practice, policy, or research with respect to principles of justice.
Analyze current issues in the field using criminal justice and criminology theories.
Address criminal justice problems and changing factual situations using ethical perspectives and judgements.
Potential career paths may be found in the following industries:
Intelligence
Crime Scene Investigation
Probation and Parole
Medicolegal Investigation
Homeland Security
CalSouthern cannot guarantee employment, salary, or career advancement.
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 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.
- UNIV 1000University Success Online — 3-credits
- LGL 3101Introduction to Criminal Justice — 3-credits
- LGL 3110Criminal Procedure and the Court System — 3-credits
- LGL 3121Corrections: A Comprehensive View — 3-credits
- LGL 3210Ethics in Criminal Justice — 3-credits
- LGL 3221Criminal Investigation Procedures — 3-credits
- LGL 3415Criminal Law — 3-credits
- LGL 3420Applied Criminology — 3-credits
- LGL 3525Administrative Office Procedures in Criminal Justice — 3-credits
- LGL 3531Law Enforcement and the Community — 3-credits
- CAP 3401BSCJ Capstone — 3-credits
- LGL 3105 Family Violence — 3-credits
- LGL 3118 Organized Crime — 3-credits
- LGL 3128 Cultural Diversity in Criminal Justice — 3-credits
- LGL 3130 Cyber-Crime and Cyber-Terrorism — 3-credits
- LGL 3215 White Collar Crime — 3-credits
- LGL 3225 Social Psychology — 3-credits
- LGL 3228 Homeland Security — 3-credits
- LGL 3410 Research Methods in Criminology — 3-credits
- LGL 3412 Drugs and Substance Abuse — 3-credits
- LGL 3510 Introduction to Forensic Psychology — 3-credits
- LGL 3511 Juvenile Justice – Current — 3-credits
- LGL 3518 Introduction to Terrorism — 3-credits
- LGL 3521 Victims and the Criminal Justice System — 3-credits
- LGL 3535 Terrorism Response: Infrastructure and Risk Analysis — 3-credits
View the University Catalog for full course descriptions, prerequisite information, and program details.
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Frequently Asked Questions
The Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice (BSCJ) is a degree program designed for learners who want to study crime and the administration of criminal justice and how both affect society. This program is for students interested in pursuing a career path in criminal justice and in studying the tools needed to be an effective leader in criminal justice.
Learners will study various topics related to criminal justice agencies and how to interact effectively with law enforcement, victims, witnesses, and suspects. Learners will explore historical and contemporary issues in the criminal justice system and how these issues affect a diverse culture. Learners will be introduced to industry-relevant technologies and skills needed to conduct research and present findings of data that inform policy and programs.
You can begin your online education at CalSouthern now. Classes at CalSouthern begin monthly. Completion of the CalSouthern admissions process will depend on how quickly you complete the steps in the application process. You may speak to an Admissions Advisor over the phone (1-800-477- 2254, ext. 47822) or request information online. Once you have completed the online request, you may hear from an advisor within 24 hours to discuss the next steps toward starting your degree program.
CalSouthern’s Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice (BSCJ) requires a total of 120 hours to complete. You may be eligible for transfer credit with provided official transcripts.* CalSouthern accepts up to 90 hours of the qualifying credits you need toward your degree.
*Transfer credit is evaluated on an individual basis. Not all credits are eligible to transfer. See the University Catalog for transfer credit policies.
CalSouthern’s Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice (BSCJ) degree program is designed to provide learners with a basis to pursue a career path in law enforcement, crime scene investigation, intelligence, corrections, including probation/parole, and medicolegal investigation. Learners can pursue this degree online, allowing the flexibility to study on their own schedules. The BSCJ is designed within an experiential learning model, utilizing real case studies to support education!
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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.
Accreditation
California Southern University is a member of the American InterContinental University System. The System is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (hlcommission.org), an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Please visit the Accreditation & Licensure page to learn more.
CalSouthern cannot guarantee employment, salary, or career advancement. Not all programs are available to residents of all jurisdictions. CalSouthern does not accept applications from residents of Massachusetts, New York, and certain foreign countries.
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