Criminal Justice

Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Criminology & Criminal Justice 120 school credit hour (SCH) degree is designed to prepare students in gaining comprehensive knowledge within the field of criminology and criminal justice.  While many universities offer similar degrees, University of the Southwest offers Criminology & Criminal Justice students individual attention from professionally experienced terminally-degreed faculty members considered subject matter experts within the field of Criminology and Criminal Justice. Our individualized approach enables our students to be much better prepared for a career as a:

 

Law Enforcement Officer

Border Patrol

Immigration & Customs Agent

CPS Investigator

Homeland Security Agent

Corrections Officer

APS Investigator

Game Warden

Detention Officer

 

The specializations offered within specific segments of the criminal justice system,further prepares students with a stronger foundation within their preferred specialty.  The four (4) criminology and criminal justice specializations, include:

·                Administration Studies

·               - Corrections Studies

·               - Homeland Security Studies

·               - Law Enforcement Studies

Students seeking to expand their field of study may also consider minors within other disciplines, such as: biology, forensics, psychology, kinesiology, and Christian studies.

Based on the most current trends, there is an increasing need and demand within the criminal justice system for those that are academically prepared for the changing social environment.  According to Labor of Bureau Statistics(2019), careers within the criminal justice system are expected to grow by more than seven (7) percent by 2026, as compared to other careers.  Subsequently, the continued need for public safety service is expected to lead to germane opportunities within the growing field.

 

The Degree Plan

 39 School Credit Hours (SCH) MAJOR CORE

REQUIRED COURSE TITLES

COURSES

HR

COURSE TITLE

COURSES

HR

Introduction to Criminal Justice Systems

CRJ 1303

3

Juvenile Justice Systems

CRJ 3113

3

History of American Criminal Justice System

CRJ 1403

3

Victimology

CRJ 3203

3

Fundamentals of Criminal Law

CRJ 2203

3

Sex Crimes

CRJ 3303

3

Police Systems & Practice

CRJ 2213

3

Investigations & Practice

CRJ 3313

3

Correctional Systems & Practice

CRJ 2223

3

Homeland Security

CRJ 3333

3

Criminology

CRJ 2303

3

Race, Ethnicity & Criminal Justice

CRJ 3343

3

Courts & Criminal Procedure

CRJ 2343

3

 

 

 

 


Plus a total of 36 hours, as follows:

24 School Credit Hours (SCH) as demonstrated in chart plus 12 (SCH) Electives

COURSE TITLE

COURSES

HR

Issues in Ethics, Law, and Criminal Justice

CRJ 4203

3

Criminal Justice Administration

CRJ 4303

3

Civil Law and the Legal System

CRJ 4413

3

Law Enforcement Strategies

CRJ 4503

3

Correctional Strategies

CRJ 4533

3

and 12 (SCH) additional upper level 3000-4000 courses

 


 

 






For students desiring one of the Specializations, each student must complete the 39 School Credit Hours(SCH) for the Major plus:

SPECIALIZATION—Administration

(15 credit hours must be Jr/Sr Level total of 24 hours) + Electives (12 upper level credit hours)

COURSE TITLE

COURSES

HR

COURSE TITLE

COURSES

HR

Issues in Ethics, Law and Criminal Justice

CRJ 4203

3

Correctional Strategies

CRJ 4533

3

Criminal Justice Administration

CRJ 4303

3

Public Information & Civic Engagement

CRJ 4513

3

Civil Law and the Legal System

CRJ 4413

3

LL/UL:

 

 

Law Enforcement Strategies

CRJ 4503

3

LL/UL:

 

 

 

SPECIALIZATION—CORRECTIONS

(15 credit hours must be Jr/Sr Level total of 24 hours) + Electives (12 upper level credit hours)

COURSE TITLE

COURSES

HR

COURSE TITLE

COURSES

HR

Issues in Ethics, Law and Criminal Justice

CRJ 4203

3

Constitutional Law

CRJ 4533

3

Criminal Justice Administration

CRJ 4303

3

Public Information & Civic Engagement

CRJ 4513

3

Civil Law and the Legal System

CRJ 4413

3

LL/UL:

 

3

Gender & Criminal Justice

CRJ 4503

3

LL/UL:

 

3

 

SPECIALIZATION—Law Enforcement

(15 credit hours must be Jr/Sr Level total of 24 hours) + Electives (12 upper level credit hours)

COURSE TITLE

COURSES

HR

COURSE TITLE

COURSES

HR

Issues in Ethics, Law and Criminal Justice

CRJ 4203

3

Interviews & Interrogations

CRJ 4703

3

Criminal Justice Administration

CRJ 4303

3

Public Information & Civic Engagement

CRJ 4513

3

Gender & Criminal Justice

CRJ 4603

3

LL/UL:

 

 

Law Enforcement Strategies

CRJ 4503

3

LL/UL:

 

 

 

SPECIALIZATION—Homeland Security

(15 credit hours must be Jr/Sr Level total of 24 hours) + Electives (12 upper level credit hours)

COURSE TITLE

COURSES

HR

COURSE TITLE

COURSES

HR

Global Organized Crimes

CRJ 4523

3

Interviews & Interrogations

CRJ 4703

3

Terrorism and Counterterrorism

CRJ 4633

3

Public Information & Civic Engagement

CRJ 4513

3

Constitutional Law

CRJ 4543

3

LL/UL:

 

 

Comparative Justice

CRJ 4613

3

LL/UL:

 

 

 

For general inquiries please contact:

Hilda Mirella Enriquez
Director of Undergraduate Admissions & Student Support
575.492.2169
henriquez@usw.edu


 

 

All other inquiries may be made to:

Dianna Carmenaty, PhD
Assistant Professor & Program Coordinator for Criminal Justice & Criminology

Office: Fadke Arts and Sciences 117
Email: dcarmenaty@usw.edu
Phone: 575.492.2166