Criminal Justice, B.A.

The Social Science Department provides an introduction to the study of social and political organizations. In lower-division courses, students are exposed to fundamental knowledge concerning the development and operation of societies and cultures, from the broad view of history to the formation of individual values. At the highest level of study, students construct individualized research and applied skills development. The curriculum is integral to the General University Course Requirements (GUCRs). In relation to the degree programs at Heritage, the Social Science curriculum promotes context — a framework for developing the specialized knowledge and skills that lead to criminal justice (law enforcement, corrections, corporate loss prevention), law, public service, nonprofit management, Psychology, and post-baccalaureate degree programs.

Criminal Justice Learning Outcomes

Students will:

1. Describe the organizations, functions, policies, processes, and the legal environment that make up the criminal justice system in enforcing and adjudicating the law and administering justice
2. Analyze and explain the social issues and processes that lead to and result from crime, including the behavioral causes and effects of crime
3. Conduct research and interpret statistical data that may be used for planning, problem solving, decision making, and policy development
4. Demonstrate an ability to work and communicate effectively with people from diverse cultures and backgrounds
5. Apply critical thinking skills in evaluating principles, systems, policies, practices and situations involving criminal justice practitioners, including their professional and ethical disposition

The Criminal Justice program at Heritage U recognizes the advantages of an interdisciplinary approach to education. Our program is based on a concept the more diverse topics students learn, the better qualified they are for a variety of jobs in the field, graduate school and law school. We want to ensure students are exposed to a well-rounded education by deepening their knowledge of crime, governance and social justice.

We use a variety of approaches, including labs, field trips, research, symposiums and a required internship to balance theory and practice.

Our Faculty

Our faculty members and adjuncts comprise a wide range of experience, many of whom possess personal experience on the front lines – on the street as law enforcement officers, in the courtroom serving as judges and lawyers, in the jails and in the juvenile justice system.

Program Design

We designed our criminal justice program so all students pursuing a bachelor of arts can comfortably attain a minor in another program. Minors include: history, English, psychology, sociology, literature and Spanish and more to be offered such as, computer science and social work. Students can graduate in four (4) years with a major and a minor.