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Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice

B.S. in Criminal Justice Program Overview

The Criminal Justice Program is an exciting and comprehensive program that offers students the opportunity to immerse themselves in the exciting world of criminal justice. This interdisciplinary study ensures that students will receive essential knowledge, critical thinking abilities and skills in law enforcement, the courts, corrections, juvenile justice, criminal behavior and institutional corrections.

Department:

Department of Behavioral Sciences

Department chair name:

J.D. Stark Davis
B.S., M.P.A., J.D., M.A

Program Coordinator:

J.D. Stark Davis
B.S., M.P.A., J.D., M.A

Learning at FHU

Why study criminal justice at FHU?

If you’re passionate about solving the complex issues surrounding crime and making meaningful contributions to society, you’ll want to consider studying criminal justice at FHU. Our program provides students with a well-rounded perspective of the field, empowering graduates to face some of society’s toughest challenges head-on.

Criminal justice careers are prevalent in criminal law, law enforcement administration, homeland security, social and behavioral sciences, and other criminal justice professionals.

Program Highlights:

  • Hands-on experience and skill development
  • Comprehensive criminal justice curriculum
  • Experienced professors & faculty
  • Be well-prepared for a fulfilling career
  • Become an effective leader
  • Work towards solutions to complex issues

Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice Four-Year Plans

Explore the exciting world of criminal justice with a bachelor’s degree from FHU. Devoted to providing the best criminal justice education, FHU’s four-year plan ensures that criminal justice students receive a comprehensive understanding of crime prevention, law enforcement and rehabilitation. Throughout the program, students will dive into core courses such as Criminal Investigation, General Psychology, Correctional Systems and much more.

2023-2024 4-Year Plan(s)
2022-2023 4-Year Plan(s)
2021-2022 4-Year Plan(s)
2020-2021 4-Year Plan(s)

Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice

students using laptops

Careers for Criminal Justice Majors

A bachelor’s degree in criminal justice can open the door to a fulfilling and rewarding career for those passionate about justice and wanting to make a difference. From law enforcement to legal services, a wealth of opportunities are available for those with an education in criminal justice. With a degree in hand, graduates can embark on a variety of paths, from protecting their communities as police officers to advocating for victims of crime as victim advocates.

  • Law Enforcement
  • Legal Services
  • Corrections
  • Social Work
  • Private Security
  • Forensic Science
  • Victim Advocacy
  • Juvenile Justice

Criminal Justice  Degree Requirements

The Criminal Justice program at FHU is designed with a broad, ranging curriculum, from the study of crime and its effects on society to concepts of punishment and the justice system as a whole. By the time you finish this program of study, you’ll have a deep understanding of the inner workings of criminal justice and be ready to launch your career.

I. Liberal Arts Core Requirements - 34 hours

Listed in this catalog under Academics: “General Education Display”

Limit III. A. Behavioral Sciences to SOC 241 General Sociology

II. Major Requirements - 51 hours
CJU 210 Introduction to Criminal Justice System 3
CJU 310 Police and Law Enforcement 3
CJU 320 Criminal Investigation 3
CJU 330 Correctional Systems
CJU 350 Juvenile Justice 3
CJU 410 Criminal Justice Theories (W) 3
CJU 480 Capstone in Criminal Justice (W) 3
CJU 497 Internship 3
POL 231 American Government 3
POL 385 Fundamentals of Criminal Law (W) 3
POL 389 American Civil Liberties 3
PSY 210 General Psychology 3
PSY 218 Abnormal Psychology (W) 3
SOC 240 Crime and Delinquency 3
SWK 252 Human Behavior in Social Environment II 3
SWK 330 Crisis Intervention 
SWK 405 Methods of Social & Behavioral Research I 3
III. Electives (including additional Bible) - 41 hours

Recommended Courses

ACC 438/538 Fraud Examination 3
BIO 299D/399D Substance Abuse 
CJU/MIS 328 Computer Forensics   3
CJU 380 Criminal Behavior and Profiling 3
CJU 499A Special Topics in Criminal Justice 3
MGT 241 Principles of Management 3
BIO 299C/399D Substance Abuse 3
PSY 350 Forensic Psychology  3
SWK 341 Child Welfare I 3

Frequently Asked Questions About a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice at FHU

Below are answers to questions prospective students often have when considering a major in Criminal Justice. If you have additional questions or need more information, please contact admissions@fhu.edu and they will happily answer questions and provide additional details about our program.

What are the benefits of a criminal justice degree at FHU?

A criminal justice degree from FHU (Freed-Hardeman University) offers several benefits for students seeking a career in criminal justice. Here are some of the key benefits:

  1. Comprehensive Curriculum: The criminal justice program at FHU provides a comprehensive curriculum that covers a wide range of topics, including law enforcement, corrections, criminal law, and criminology. This ensures that students receive a well-rounded education that prepares them for various roles in the criminal justice field.
  2. Experienced Faculty: FHU’s criminal justice faculty has extensive experience in the criminal justice field, including law enforcement, corrections, and legal services. They bring real-world experience to the classroom, providing students with valuable insights into the industry.
  3. Hands-On Learning: FHU’s criminal justice program emphasizes hands-on learning, providing students with opportunities to gain practical experience through internships, field trips, and other experiential learning opportunities. This helps students apply what they have learned in the classroom to real-world situations.
  4. Career Preparation: FHU’s criminal justice program is designed to prepare students for various career paths in the criminal justice field. Students receive guidance on job search strategies, resume writing, and interview skills, helping them prepare for a successful career.
  5. Networking Opportunities: FHU’s criminal justice program provides students with opportunities to network with professionals in the criminal justice field. This includes guest speakers, alumni events, and career fairs, which can help students build connections that can lead to future job opportunities.
  6. Christian Foundation: FHU’s criminal justice program is grounded in Christian values, emphasizing the importance of ethical and moral principles in the criminal justice field. This helps students develop a strong sense of integrity and responsibility, which is essential for success.

A criminal justice degree from FHU offers a comprehensive education, experienced faculty, hands-on learning opportunities, career preparation, networking, and a Christian foundation. This gives students the knowledge, skills, and values they need to succeed in criminal justice.

How long does it take to complete a Bachelor's Degree in Criminal Justice at FHU?

A Degree in Criminal Justice at FHU (Freed-Hardeman University) typically takes four years to complete. This assumes that students attend full-time and meet the degree requirements in a traditional academic format.

Students enrolled in FHU’s criminal justice program must complete 120 credit hours, which includes general education courses, criminal justice core classes, and elective courses. Full-time students typically take 15 credit hours per semester or 30 per academic year. Students can expect to complete their degree requirements in four years.

However, the time it takes to complete a BS in criminal justice at FHU may vary depending on several factors. For example, students who attend part-time may take longer to complete their degree requirements. Additionally, students who transfer credits from another institution can meet their degree requirements more quickly.

The time it takes to complete a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice at FHU depends on several factors, including enrollment status, transfer credits, and program format. Students who attend full-time and complete the program requirements in a traditional academic format can expect to complete their degree in four years.

Students can expect a supportive, engaging, and challenging experience while pursuing Criminal Justice degrees at FHU. Our faculty are dedicated to providing our students with the best educational experience possible, helping them gain the knowledge and skills they need to succeed in their careers. With a comprehensive curriculum, experienced faculty, hands-on learning opportunities, career preparation, networking events, and a Christian foundation, our criminal justice programs provide students with the tools they need to pursue a successful career in the field. We are proud to offer our students an exceptional educational experience that prepares them for success in criminal justice.

Please contact admissions@fhu.edu contact us with any other questions about FHU’s Criminal Justice degree! We would be happy to provide more information and answer your questions.

What is the job outlook for criminal justice majors?

Criminal justice majors can look forward to a promising job outlook, with an array of exciting career opportunities awaiting them. Based on the latest data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the employment prospects in the criminal justice field are projected to experience a steady growth rate of 5% from 2019 to 2029. This growth is on par with the average rate for all occupations, highlighting the great potential and need for skilled professionals in this industry.

One of the factors driving employment growth in the criminal justice field is the increasing demand for public safety and security. This includes hiring more local, state, and federal law enforcement officers to combat crime and terrorism. Additionally, there is a growing demand for professionals who can work in the corrections system and provide support services to victims of crime.

Technological advancements and data analysis are other factors driving employment growth in the criminal justice field. This leads to an increased need for professionals who can analyze complex data sets to identify patterns and trends in illegal activity. Additionally, there is a growing demand for professionals who can work in cybersecurity and other areas related to digital forensics.

Criminal justice majors can find a variety of career opportunities in areas such as law enforcement, legal services, corrections, forensics, cybersecurity, and social work. Some specific jobs that criminal justice majors may pursue include police officer, detective, probation officer, paralegal, lawyer, forensic scientist, and victim advocate.

However, the job outlook for criminal justice graduates may vary depending on several factors, such as geographic location and level of education. For example, job opportunities may be more plentiful in urban areas compared to rural areas. Additionally, individuals with advanced degrees or specialized certifications may have a competitive advantage regarding job opportunities.

Studying criminal justice at FHU gives students the understanding, skills, and values they need to pursue a rewarding career. Our faculty are dedicated to providing our students with an exceptional educational experience that prepares them for success in criminal justice. We also offer a range of networking opportunities, such as guest speakers, alumni events, and career fairs, which can help students build connections that can lead to future job opportunities.

What skills do majors in criminal justice learn at FHU?

Criminal justice majors at FHU (Freed-Hardeman University) develop a range of skills that prepare them for a variety of careers in the criminal justice field. Here are some of the critical skills that criminal justice majors learn at FHU:

  1. Critical Thinking: Criminal justice majors at FHU learn to analyze complex information and think critically about criminal behavior, legal issues, and public safety policies. This involves evaluating evidence, assessing risk factors, and making informed decisions based on available data.
  2. Communication: Criminal justice majors at FHU develop strong communication skills that enable them to work effectively with people from diverse backgrounds. This includes communicating clearly and professionally with colleagues, clients, and the public.
  3. Problem-Solving: Criminal justice majors at FHU learn to identify problems and develop practical solutions to address them. This may involve adapting to changing circumstances, working collaboratively with others, and finding creative solutions to complex challenges.
  4. Ethical Decision-Making: Criminal justice majors at FHU learn to make ethical decisions based on a solid moral code. This involves understanding the importance of integrity, honesty, and responsibility in the criminal justice field.
  5. Research and Analysis: Criminal justice majors at FHU develop intense research and analytical skills that enable them to evaluate data, interpret research findings, and draw evidence-based conclusions. This is essential for developing effective policies and strategies that promote public safety.
  6. Leadership: Criminal justice majors at FHU develop leadership skills to take charge of teams, motivate others, and achieve goals. This involves setting clear objectives, communicating effectively, and leading by example.

Criminal justice majors at FHU develop diverse skills that prepare them for success in the criminal justice field. These skills include critical thinking, communication, problem-solving, ethical decision-making, research and analysis, and leadership. By mastering these skills, criminal justice majors can pursue rewarding careers that make a positive difference in the lives of others.

We are dedicated to providing our students with the knowledge, skills, and values they need to pursue a successful career in the field. Please contact admissions@fhu.edu contact us with any other questions about FHU’s Criminal Justice degree! We would be happy to provide more information and answer your questions.

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