Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice
The Criminal Justice Department offers an opportunity for student to obtain a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice. Students apply data analysis and problem-solving strategies to gain insight into political, social, cultural, philosophical, and psychological forces that shape today’s criminal justice policies, programs and practices. They also gain in-depth knowledge of the structure and functions of law enforcement agencies, the courts, and corrections systems.
In addition to providing an excellent liberal arts background, the criminal justice degree programs encourages students to build skills in analytic thinking and the investigative techniques and research skills needed to embark on successful careers in law enforcement, probation and parole, corrections, juvenile justice and social services. Many Citadel graduates embark on careers in police forces at the local, state and national levels, including the FBI, DEA, CIA and Office of Homeland Security. Other criminal justice majors take positions in the judiciary or become lawyers who either defend or prosecute those accused of crimes. Still others work to advocate for changes in the current system of criminal justice.
The Department of Criminal Justice offers two minors:
The Department also participates in the college’s interdisciplinary minors in African-American Studies, International and Military Affairs, Law and Legal Studies, and Non-Western Studies.
Minor in African-American Studies: The minor is designed to underscore the contributions of people of African descent to, and their roles in, American history. Through broad interdisciplinary study, the program aims to highlight an appreciation for the significant ways race, gender, and ethnicity have combined to shape our cultural heritage while promoting the values of excellence in teaching, research, and community service. It further aims to improve the student’s knowledge of the African-American experience, cultivate the student’s ability to think critically, enhance the student’s ability to express him or herself effectively, and to respect cultural and gender diversity. Total Credit Hours Required: 15, of which at least 9 must be completed at The Citadel. For more information contact the History Department.
Minor in International and Military Affairs: This minor is designed to introduce students to the field of international and military affairs and provide them with a greater understanding of international and military affairs. It will require students to consider the functions and components of the international system as well as the ideological and political differences between individuals, states, and organizations which comprise this system. Students will acquire and apply critical analytical skills in order to achieve an understanding of the international system and its complex array of components. Flexibility of the minor allows students to expand their introduction of this topic to areas such as regional studies, macro-based political views of the international system, international economics, national security, and/or foreign policy. This minor is not approved for students majoring in Political Science. Total Credit Hours Required: 15, of which at least 3 must be completed at The Citadel. For more information contact the Political Science Department and/or the Criminal Justice Department.
Minor in Law and Legal Studies: This minor is designed to introduce students in a systematic way to the American systems of civil and criminal justice and an introduction to law and the legal system. It also introduces students to legal reasoning, case analysis, legal terms and citations, and theories while developing each student’s capabilities for critical thinking and systematic analysis. This minor is not approved for students majoring in Political Science or Criminal Justice. Total Credit Hours Required: 15, of which at least 3 must be completed at The Citadel. For more information contact the Political Science Department and/or the Criminal Justice Department.
Minor in Non-Western Studies: The minor is designed to allow students to develop a multidisciplinary, directed course of study through which they will attain a well-rounded understanding of a regional (Asia, Middle East, Africa, Latin America) or functional (e.g., development, revolution) area. Students will have the opportunity to develop keener insight and appreciation for diversity. No students are excluded from pursuing this minor; however, students may not use any course toward satisfying both the minor requirement and a specific or area requirement in his or her major. Total Credit Hours Required: 15, of which at least 3 must be completed at The Citadel (plus 12 of language). For more information contact the Political Science Department and/or the Criminal Justice Department.