Criminal Justice, B.A. or B.S.

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A major in Criminal Justice offers a broad and theoretical view of the criminal justice process, including sociological and political factors related to crime and criminal justice, and prepares students for varied careers in criminal justice through specific coursework in these fields.

Millikin’s vision for a degree in criminal justice is based on the leading-edge theory and practice of Restorative Justice (RJ). RJ refers to a collaborative form of justice involving active participation among victims, offenders, and the community in repairing, reconciling, and restoring relationships among all parties affected by a crime. It is the wave of the future for criminal justice practitioners, which beckons us to prepare our students for new careers in criminal justice where these principles will be in effect in future criminal justice programs.

Students may choose to pursue a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degree.

The learning goals for the Criminal Justice major are to:

Increase understanding of the theoretical foundations and practices of Criminal Justice.
Critically examine current Criminal Justice practices and alternative approaches to crime.
Make judgements about the Criminal Justice system that includes ethical reasoning.
Demonstrate professional writing skills, as appropriate to the discipline.

Required Courses (31 credits)

CJ 100 - Introduction to Criminal Justice Professions Credit(s): 1
SO 100 - Introduction to Sociology Credit(s): 3
OR
SO 200 - Social Solutions Credit(s): 3
OR
PO 105 - The American Political System Credit(s):
SO 201 - Statistical Methods in the Behavioral Sciences Credit(s): 3
PS 201 - Statistical Methods in the Behavioral Sciences Credit(s): 3
OR
MA 130 - Elementary Probability and Statistics with Spreadsheets Credit(s): 3 (*SO 201 may not be able to satisfy the University QR requirement for SO/CJ double majors, see department chair or adviser)
CJ 211 - Juvenile Delinquency Credit(s): 3
SO 211 - Juvenile Delinquency Credit(s): 3
CJ 315 - Crime and Public Policy Credit(s): 3
CJ 235 - Introduction to the Criminal Justice System Credit(s): 3
PO 235 - Introduction to the Criminal Justice System Credit(s): 3
PH 211 - Ethical Theory and Moral Issues Credit(s): 3
OR
PH 305 - Philosophy of Law Credit(s): 3
PO 305 - Philosophy of Law Credit(s): 3
OR
PH 310 - Political Philosophy Credit(s): 3
CJ 361 - Criminology Credit(s): 3
SO 361 - Criminology Credit(s): 3
SO 221 - Methods of Social Research Credit(s): 3
OR
CJ 415 - Criminal Justice Research and Analysis Credit(s): 3
CJ 311 - Restorative Justice Credit(s): 3
SO 312 - Restorative Justice Credit(s): 3
CJ 470 - Criminal Justice Practicum Credit(s): 3
OR
CJ 471 - Teen Justice Practicum Credit(s): 3

Students must choose a minimum of 3 additional courses (9 credits) from the following courses:

CJ2XX or CJ3XX. Any courses not listed as required CJ courses above
CJ 355 - Forensics Credit(s): 3
CJ 340 - Criminal Investigations Credit(s): 3
CJ 317 - Judicial Process and Constitutional Issues Credit(s): 3
CJ 305 - The Law of Evidence Credit(s): 3
CJ 415 - Criminal Justice Research and Analysis Credit(s): 3
CJ 420 - Victims in Society Credit(s): 3
CJ 410 - The Correctional Process Credit(s): 3
CJ 318 - Community Policing Credit(s): 3
PO 334 - Civil Liberties and the Constitution Credit(s): 3
PO 330 - Constitutional Law Credit(s): 3
SO 232 - Deviance Credit(s): 3
HI 210 - Topics in United States History Credit(s): 3
Or other courses approved by the program director or chair

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Criminal Justice, B.A. or B.S.

Required Courses (31 credits)

Students must choose a minimum of 3 additional courses (9 credits) from the following courses: