Undergraduate Program for Criminal Justice

Bachelor of Arts: Criminal Justice

The Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice program is designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills needed for a successful career in law enforcement, corrections, or criminal justice administration. The program integrates theory with practical applications, providing a well-rounded education that prepares students to address complex issues in the criminal justice system. With a focus on ethical decision-making, critical thinking, and communication skills, students at DSU benefit from experienced faculty and interactive learning experiences. Flexible course offerings and online access allow working professionals to balance their academic pursuits with other commitments, while hands-on projects and internships provide real-world experience. By choosing the BA in Criminal Justice program at Dunlap-Stone University, students can take the first step toward a rewarding and impactful career in the field of criminal justice.

  • Average Cost Per Credit Hour: $475
  • Total Credit Hours:120 Credit Hours
  • Estimated Program Length:Up To 240 Weeks - Consult with an academic advisor to see how short your degree can be based on transfer credits
  • Transfer up to 90 credit hours into this program

Explore the Bachelor of Arts: Criminal Justice Program

Program Outcomes

  • Analyze and apply criminological theories, including biological, sociological, and psychological perspectives to understand criminal behavior and the criminal justice system’s response to crime.
  • Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, using appropriate references and technologies. Examine and apply fundamental methodological and statistical techniques in criminology and criminal justice research and explain the principles of criminal law and civil liabilities to prevent criminal acts and violations within agencies.
  • Assess the quality of research in criminology and criminal justice publications and other media. Utilize scientific methods to make informed decisions and analyze various factors, developments, and trends impacting the field of criminal justice, including systemic inequalities.
  • Evaluate ethical issues related to the criminal justice system and criminology. Build community relationships by understanding organizational culture, community relations, and behavioral theories. Examine ethical and legal issues to promote social responsibility and civic engagement.
  • Identify and analyze issues of diversity and human rights within the criminal justice system. Apply critical thinking skills to evaluate global criminal justice systems and enterprises and leverage new technologies to enhance operational decisions within criminal justice agencies.

Program Requirements

42 Credit Hours Major/Core Requirements
30 Credit Hours General Education Requirements
Proctored Exams
Capstone Project
120 Total Credit Hours

General Education Requirements

  • 3 Credit Hours Communication
  • 3 Credit Hours Composition
  • 3 Credit Hours Mathematics
  • 6 Credit Hours Social Science
  • 6 Credit Hours Arts/Humanities
  • 6 Credit Hours Science
  • 3 Credit Hours Technology

TOTAL CREDIT HOURS: 30

Criminal Justice Core

  • CJ-150 Introduction to Criminal Justice
  • CJ-201 Criminology
  • CJ-301 Criminal Law
  • CJ-303 Ethics in Criminal Justice
  • CJ-202 Criminal Justice Communication
  • CJ-302 Policing
  • CJ-305 Corrections
  • CJ-310 Juvenile Justice
  • CJ-325 Criminal Procedure
  • CJ-350 Diversity and Criminal Justice
  • CJ-401 Law Enforcement Operations and Management
  • CJ-405 Technology in Criminal Justice
  • CJ-440 Research Methods in Criminal Justice
  • CJ-450 Capstone in Criminal Justice
  • 3 credit hours of criminal justice electives

TOTAL CREDIT HOURS: 42

Electives

45 Credit Hours

Proctored Exams

Students must successfully complete the following proctored exams:

  • Students will complete a proctored defense of their capstone project.
  • Students will complete at least two other proctored final exams during their enrollment at
    DSU.

Capstone Project

Developed in CJ-450, the Criminal Justice Capstone Project serves as the culminating experience for students in the Bachelor of Criminal Justice program. This course provides an opportunity for students to integrate and apply the knowledge, skills, and competencies acquired throughout their academic coursework to a comprehensive research or applied project in the field of criminal justice. Under the guidance of a faculty mentor, students will design, execute, and present a capstone project that addresses a significant issue or problem within the criminal justice system.

Graduate Requirements

To receive a diploma noting completion of the requirements of the Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice students must:

  • Satisfactorily complete all published program requirements.
  • Satisfactorily complete required proctored exams.
  • Maintain a grade point average (GPA) of at least 2.0 on a 4.0 scale.
  • Receive grades of C or better (2.0+) in all courses required of the declared major or degree program. A D- or better must be earned in all general education coursework.
  • Maintain satisfactory academic progress.

Program Scheduling and Estimated Time to Completion

A full-time student completes 24 credit hours per year (eight 3-credit-hour courses), organized into three terms (Fall, Spring and Summer). Both the Fall and Spring terms consist of three sequential (non-consecutive) 6-week blocks, while the Summer term is comprised of two sequential (non-consecutive) 6-week blocks. A full-time student with no transfer credit or credit for prior learning credit would take approximately five-and-one-quarter years to complete their degree. Depending upon student goals, outside commitments, transfer credit accepted and the student’s level of academic achievement, it is reasonable to assume that a student could complete the program in a shorter time frame. Students will develop a schedule to completion with their academic counselor.