Frequently Asked Questions

What Kind of Program Is It?

The online B.S. in Human Services program with a concentration in Criminal Justice at Walden University explores the role of the human services professional, human services theories, crisis intervention, and peace-building strategies. You will have the opportunity to develop active listening and interviewing skills as you learn how to help individuals work through emotional, social, and health crises. The program examines the impact of family and community on childhood development, and methods for supporting children and families through divorce, child abuse, illness, and death of a family member. You can study community resource management, community needs assessment, human services program development and evaluation, and budgeting for corporate and government criminal justice organizations. You can choose from a variety of concentration courses, such as criminal law, corrections, restorative justice, victimology, and law enforcement, just to name a few.

What Are the Prerequisites?

If you would like to apply to the B.S. in Human Services program with a concentration in Criminal Justice, you should be interested in providing social services within the context of the criminal justice system. Applicants to Walden University's programs must be at least 24 years old and have a high school diploma or equivalent; or be an active member of the military or a veteran; or have already earned at least 90 quarter hours of credit. Applicants may need to complete additional requirements for some programs.

What Are the Program Requirements?

To earn Walden University's B.S. in Human Services with a concentration in Criminal Justice, you must complete 181 credits. This total consists of general education classes, core courses, concentration courses, electives, and a capstone project. Degree program curriculum and credits are subject to change. Contact Walden University for the most current information before enrolling in a program.

Human Services Course Requirements

• Introduction to Human Services
• Child, Family, and Community Relationships
• Sustaining Quality of Life in the City
• Crisis and Intervention
• Intergroup Conflict and Peace Building
• Planning and Budgeting
• Case Management for Persons in Need
• Effective Human Services Interviewing
• Measuring Effectiveness of Human Services Delivery
• Capstone

Criminal Justice Course Requirements

• Choose six from the following list:
  • Contemporary Criminal Justice Systems
  • Criminology and Social Control
  • Juvenile Delinquency and Justice
  • Criminal Law
  • Corrections
  • Courts and Judicial Process
  • Law Enforcement
  • Data Analysis for the Criminal Professional
  • Restorative Justice
  • Mobilizing and Coordinating Community Response
  • Victimology
  • Contemporary Legal Debates

What Could I Do After I Graduate?

Career Opportunities

As a graduate of the B.S. in Human Services program with a concentration in Criminal Justice, you could have the training required to seek career opportunities in family agencies, rehabilitation centers, corrections, nonprofit organizations, and government agencies. Depending on your area of interest, you could pursue positions such as:

• Parole officer
• Child advocate
• Mental health aide

Career options may require additional experience, training, or other factors beyond the successful completion of this degree program.

Advanced Degrees

The B.S. in Human Services program with a concentration in Criminal Justice can help you prepare for graduate studies in a related field. Choosing to earn a master's degree can help you prepare for advanced career opportunities as you expand and refine your knowledge base and skill set.

Degrees listed are not institution-specific but constitute a sampling of continuing education options for graduates. There are a variety of master's programs you may be interested in, including:

• Master of Science in Human Services
• Master of Science in Criminal Justice
• Master of Public Administration
• Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling

Walden University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and a member of the North Central Association, www.ncahlc.org.