The B.S. in Criminal Justice with a concentration in Forensic Science consists of 120-121 credits and is designed for students seeking basic training in the sciences, law, and physical evidence in order to increase specialized orientation to professional areas of work such as criminal investigation, crime scene processing, and crime laboratories. Minimally, this program introduces students to the application of science to law. Investigators in various law enforcement agencies (state and local police, FBI, ATF, DEA, Secret Service) at all levels are expected to process rudimentary knowledge of various lab techniques, including serology (DNA testing), hair and fiber analyses, gunshot residue testing, toxicology, and drug analyses.
Liberal Arts Core requirements: All Liberal Arts Core requirements must be fulfilled. It is recommended that students work with an advisor to ensure compliance.
Major requirements: SOC 250 Deviant Behavior, SOC 304 Applied Research Methods, SOC 305 Criminology, SOC 307 Sociology of Juvenile Justice, CJ 209 The Criminal Justice System, CJ 308-309 Principles of Forensic Science I & II, CJ 312 Criminal Justice Management, CJ 495 Current Issues in Crime and Social Justice, LA 302 Criminal Litigation, CHM 151-152 Principles of Chemistry I & II, BIO 151-152 General Biology I & II, BIO 260 Microbiology, and BIO 262 Genetics.
Transfer students must complete at least 18 credits, including the internship, in Marymount Criminal Justice courses.
When other requirements are successfully completed in the senior year, the student is placed in an internship (CJ 400) for either 280 hours (6 credits) or 420 hours (9 credits) related to law enforcement or forensic laboratory testing and analyses. Prerequisites for the internship are a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or better, a grade of C- or better in all required courses for the major, a minimum of 12 credits in Marymount Criminal Justice courses, and permission of the internship coordinator.
A minor in Criminal Justice is useful for students majoring in Psychology, Politics, and other disciplines.
Minor requirements: (21 credits) Seven of the following courses: SOC 131 Principles of Sociology, SOC 202 Social Problems, SOC 250 Deviant Behavior, SOC 305 Criminology, SOC 307 Sociology of Juvenile Justice, CJ 308 Principles of Forensic Science, SOC 322 Race and Ethnic Relations, CJ 209 The Criminal Justice System, CJ 310 Policing in American Society, CJ 311 Correctional Institutions, CJ 312 Criminal Justice Management.