Criminal Justice, Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice

A Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice prepares students interested in criminal justice careers like law enforcement, parole and probation, corrections, and youth services. While students will learn about the inner workings of the justice system, our courses are also designed to develop skills that will make their careers more successful, like critical thinking skills, good communication skills, problem solving skills, and an ability to grow and learn after college. Finally, the degree prepares students interested in pursuing a graduate degree by providing a strong academic foundation in criminological theory, research methods, and statistics.

Note: For a PDF version of the degree requirements for this program go to the Undergraduate Programs page on the UTRGV website. 

 

Core Curriculum Requirements – 42 Hours

Students must fulfill the Core Curriculum requirements. The courses listed below satisfy both degree requirements and Core Curriculum requirements.

Recommended

Mathematics – 3 hours

Any available course, except MATH 1332.

Major Requirements – 51 Hours (33 advanced minimum)

Criminal Justice Core – 30 hours (18 advanced)

Required

CRIJ 1301Introduction to the Criminal Justice System

3

CRIJ 1306Court Systems and Practices

3

CRIJ 2313Correctional Systems and Practices

3

CRIJ 2328Police Systems and Practices

3

CRIJ 3303Criminology

3

CRIJ 3304Criminal Justice Research Methods

3

CRIJ 3305Statistical Applications in Criminal Justice

3

CRIJ 3310The Constitution and Criminal Law

3

SOCI 4333Social Theory for Sociology Students

3

Choose one:

CRIJ 4399Criminal Justice System Capstone

3

CRIJ 4364Field Internship

3

Criminal Justice Electives – 21 hours (15 advanced minimum)

Choose from:

CRIJ 1307Crime in America

3

CRIJ 1313Juvenile Justice System

3

CRIJ 3316Criminal Evidence and Proof

3

CRIJ 3322Juvenile Delinquency and Justice

3

CRIJ 3325Violent Crime and Offenders

3

CRIJ 3331Legal Aspects of Corrections

3

CRIJ 3341Probation and Parole

3

CRIJ 3344Gender, Crime, and Criminal Justice

3

CRIJ 4312Principles of Law Enforcements and Supervision

3

CRIJ 4313Seminar: Issues in Law Enforcement

3

CRIJ 4314Private Security and Loss Prevention

3

CRIJ 4316Environmental Crime and Justice

3

CRIJ 4320Criminal Justice Organization and Management

3

CRIJ 4321White-Collar and Organized Crime

3

CRIJ 4322Terrorism

3

CRIJ 4335Restorative and Community Justice

3

CRIJ 4341Correctional Casework and Counseling

3

CRIJ 4343Current Issues in Corrections

3

CRIJ 4350Peace, Nonviolence and Justice

3

CRIJ 4355Current Issues in the Courts

3

CRIJ 4356Law and Society

3

CRIJ 4357Crime Prevention Techniques

3

CRIJ 4361Comparative Criminal Justice Systems

3

CRIJ 4362Special Topics in Criminal Justice

3

CRIJ 4365Independent Studies in Criminal Justice

3

CRIJ 4370Senior Seminar: Policy Issues

3

Minor – 18 Hours (6 advanced)

Choose and complete an approved minor. Some minors are more than 18 hours.

Free Electives – 9 Hours

Advanced hours will vary to meet 51 advanced hour requirement.

Total Credit Hours: 51

Total Credit Hours: 120