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

Print Degree Planner (opens a new window) |

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.

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.
Develop writing skills as appropriate to the discipline in preparartion for careers in criminal justice.

Students may choose to pursue a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degree and may choose one of two concentrations: Law Enforcement & Criminality or Social Justice.

Required Courses for All Criminal Justice Majors (18-19 Credits)

SO 100 - Introduction to Sociology Credit(s): 3
OR
SO 200 - Social Solutions Credit(s): 3
SO 201 - Statistical Methods in the Behavioral Sciences Credit(s): 3
OR
MA 130 - Elementary Probability and Statistics with Spreadsheets Credit(s): 3 (Double majors in Sociology/Criminal Justice who have taken SO 201 may need a second Quantitative Reasoning course)
PO 235 - Introduction to the Criminal Justice System Credit(s): 3
SO 221 - Methods of Social Research Credit(s): 3
OR
PO 280 - Methods of Political Research Credit(s): 4
SO 361 - Criminology Credit(s): 3
SO 312 - Restorative Justice Credit(s): 3
Students must then choose a concentration:

Concentration 1: Law Enforcement & Criminality (18 credits)

This concentration prepares students interested in careers related to policing, criminal investigation and forensics (CSI, FBI, CIA), homeland security, corrections, probation, conservation officer, delinquency counselor, mediation/restorative justice, and other governmental or education programs for victims and offenders.

Concentration Requirements (12 credits)

SO 351 - Sociological Theory Credit(s): 3
SO 232 - Deviance Credit(s): 3
SO 211 - Juvenile Delinquency Credit(s): 3
CJ 470 - Criminal Justice Practicum Credit(s): 3
OR
CJ 471 - Teen Justice Practicum Credit(s): 3

Choose Any Two Elective Courses (6 credits)

CJ 355 - Forensics Credit(s): 3
CJ 340 - Criminal Investigations Credit(s): 3
CJ 318 - Community Policing Credit(s): 3
CJ 410 - The Correctional Process Credit(s): 3
CJ 420 - Victims in Society Credit(s): 3
CJ 315 - Crime and Public Policy Credit(s): 3
HI 210 - Topics in United States History Credit(s): 3 (HI 210. Violence in America)
PO 360 - Topics in Political Science Credit(s): 1-3 (PO 360. Human Trafficking)
SO 305 - Social Psychology Credit(s): 3
Some alternate or transfer courses may be used for elective credit, requires approval from the department.

Concentration 2: Social Justice (18 credits)

The concentration prepares students for career in legal studies, such as lawyer, judge or court administrator and for careers in social advocacy, such as in the non-profit, policy, or non-governmental organization (NGO) sectors.

Concentration Requirements (12 credits)

Select any four courses from the options listed below.

PH 205 - Introduction to Philosophy Credit(s): 3
PH 211 - Ethical Theory and Moral Issues Credit(s): 3
PH 113 - Logic and Critical Thinking Credit(s): 3
PH 305 - Philosophy of Law Credit(s): 3
OR
PO 305 - Philosophy of Law Credit(s): 3
PH 310 - Political Philosophy Credit(s): 3
OR
PO 310 - Political Philosophy Credit(s): 3
PH 366 - Appellate Legal Reasoning - Moot Court Credit(s): 1-3
OR
PO 366 - Appellate Legal Reasoning-Moot Court Credit(s): 1-3

Interdisciplinary Courses (6 credits)

Choose two courses:

CJ 315 - Crime and Public Policy Credit(s): 3
CJ 317 - Judicial Process and Constitutional Issues Credit(s): 3
HI 210 - Topics in United States History Credit(s): 3 (Specific courses: HI 210. Violence in America and HI 210. The American Civil Rights Movement)
PO 360 - Topics in Political Science Credit(s): 1-3
(PO 360. Human Trafficking)
PO 334 - Civil Liberties and the Constitution Credit(s): 3
Some alternate or transfer courses may be used for elective credit, quires approval from the department.

Campus Life

Campus Services

Registrar’s Office

Campus Life

Campus Services

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

Required Courses for All Criminal Justice Majors (18-19 Credits)

Concentration 1: Law Enforcement & Criminality (18 credits)

Concentration Requirements (12 credits)

Choose Any Two Elective Courses (6 credits)

Concentration 2: Social Justice (18 credits)

Concentration Requirements (12 credits)

Interdisciplinary Courses (6 credits)