Bachelor's - Criminal Justice

Frequently Asked Questions

What Kind of Program Is It?

Which institutions and functions comprise the U.S. criminal justice system? What are some causes of delinquent behavior? How can international and domestic terrorism be handled and/or prevented? These represent some of the topics you can expect to discuss as a student of California Baptist University's online Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice program. Other courses address social and political institutions, law enforcement ethics covering such items as racial profiling and hate crimes, criminal justice research methodologies, criminology, emergency planning and preparedness, and institutional racism within the criminal justice system. You could also take classes providing overviews and processes in federal, state, and local governments.

What Are the Prerequisites?

You must first complete courses in composition and intermediate algebra before beginning the BA - Criminal Justice program at California Baptist University. You should have a strong desire to help people and demonstrate above-average decision-making and leadership skills, as many criminal justice professionals could manage emergency and even life-threatening situations. Applicants to California Baptist University should have a high school diploma or GED; some programs may have additional requirements.

What Are the Course Requirements?

The 42 credits comprising the major curriculum of the BA in Criminal Justice program reflect nine credits in lower-division and 33 credits in upper divisions coursework. You must also complete six credits in two Christian-focused classes and 40-43 credits in general education requirements.

Lower Division Requirements

Course Code	Course Title
CJS 113	Introduction to Criminal Justice
POL 213	American Government
POL 223	State and Local Government

Upper Division Requirements

Course Code	Course Title
CJS 304	Leadership and Ethics for Criminal Justice
CJS 341	Minorities in the Criminal Justice System
CJS 350	Emergency Management
CJS 355	Information Management
CJS 360	Historical Perspectives of Criminal Justice
CJS 401	Crime and Delinquency
CJS 472	Terrorism and Homeland Security
CJS 485	Methods of Research for Criminal Justice
CJS 497	Comparative Criminal Justice
POL 485	Constitutional Law II
CJS 493	Principles of Public Administration

Additional Program Courses

Course Code	Course Title
CST 100	Overview of the Bible
CST 302	Foundations of Christian Thought

What Could I Do After I Graduate?

Career Opportunities

As a graduate of the online Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice program at California Baptist University, you could explore employment opportunities in police departments, private security firms, government security agencies, corporate security departments, or probation offices. You might be prepared to assume supervisory roles in areas of investigations, homeland security, emergency management, security policy development, or courtrooms.

Relevant job positions you might qualify for include:

• Patrol officer
• Probation officer
• Security guard
• Private investigator

Advanced Degrees

Career advancement in many fields of criminal justice typically requires a graduate degree, so if you are planning for senior or directorial positions you might enter a master's degree program after earning the BA degree in Criminal Justice. Advanced courses at the graduate level could address public policy analysis, criminal behavior analysis, organizational theory, and criminal justice management.

Graduate degree programs you could choose to pursue include:

• Master of Public Administration
• Master of Science in Criminal Justice
• Master of Science in Criminal Justice Administration