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CRIMINAL JUSTICE

Criminal Justice (B.A.)
Criminal Justice-Forensic Science Concentration (B.S.)
Criminal Justice/Forensic Science (Undergraduate Certificate)
Minor in Criminal Justice

Criminal Justice (B.A.)

The B.A. program is distinctive in its combined emphasis of introductory professional skills and theoretical foundations. Career preparation reinforced by commitment to lifelong learning and advanced education that extends beyond the baccalaureate level are central to the study of this demanding field of inquiry. Simulations and review of problem-solving methods from actual cases are used to enhance the student's understanding of lectures and materials. By examining decision-making processes, including policy analysis and the day-to-day practical operations of various components of the criminal justice system, participants learn to value and apply "theory to practice."

Exploration of traditional and contemporary models of crime prevention, criminal investigation, jurisprudence, punishment and rehabilitation, organization and administrative theory help prepare graduates for eventual advancement to management positions in law enforcement, correctional, and court (probation and parole) agencies. Graduates of this rapidly developing field also find positions in corporate security firms and with government and private research agencies.

Internship Prerequisites: 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). Prerequisites for the internship are a cumulative grade point average of 2.0 or better, a grade of C- or better in all required courses for the major, a minimum of 12 credits earned at Marymount, and permission of the internship coordinator.

Residency Requirement: Transfer students must complete at least 18 credits, including the internship, in Marymount Criminal Justice courses.

Suggested Degree Plan

Year One

Fall

  • EN 101 Composition I*
  • ECO/POL/PSY/SOC 100 Introduction to the Social Sciences*
  • Humanities (Theology/Religious Studies) elective*
  • 2 electives
  • SEM 101 Freshman Seminar

Spring

  • EN 102 Composition II*
  • Humanities (History) elective*
  • Health elective*
  • Social Sciences elective*
  • Science elective*

Year Two

Fall

  • COM 300 Report Writing*
  • SOC 202 Social Problems §
  • Humanities (English Literature) elective*
  • Social Sciences elective*
  • Elective

Spring

  • SOC 250 Deviant Behavior §
  • CJ 209 The Criminal Justice System §
  • LA 302 Criminal Litigation §
  • MA 132 Statistical Analysis*
  • Humanities elective (PH 210 General Ethics recommended)*

Year Three

Fall

  • SOC 305 Criminology §
  • SOC 307 Sociology of Juvenile Justice §
  • CJ 308 Principles of Forensic Science §
  • Humanities elective*
  • Social Sciences 300/400-level elective*

Spring

  • CJ 312 Criminal Justice Management §
  • SOC 304 Applied Research Methods §
  • CJ 310 Policing in American Society §
  • Humanities elective*
  • Major elective §**

Year Four

Fall

  • CJ 311 Correctional Institutions§
  • 3 Major electives §**
  • Elective*

Spring

  • CJ 400 Internship §
  • CJ 495 Current Issues in Crime and Social Justice §
  • Major elective §**
  • 2 electives*

§ Requirement for the major
* See Liberal Arts Core requirements for details.
** Major electives: SOC 200 Law and Society, SOC 202 Social Problems, SOC 303 Development of Social Thought, SOC 322 Race and Ethnic Relations, CJ 310 Policing in American Society, CJ 311 Correctional Institutions, PH 301 Ethics and Public Policy, PSY 312 Social Psychology, PSY 315 Abnormal Psychology, PSY 350 Psychology of Addictions

Criminal Justice--Forensic Science concentration (B.S.)

This major with a concentration in Forensic Science 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.

Suggested Degree Plan

Year One

Fall

  • EN 101 Composition I*
  • SOC 100 Introduction to the Social Sciences*
  • MA 132 Statistics*
  • Health elective*
  • Humanities (History) elective*
  • SEM 101 Freshman Seminar

Spring

  • EN 102 Composition II*
  • SOC 202 Social Problems
  • Humanities (Philosophy) elective*
  • Humanities (Theology/Religious Studies) elective*
  • Social Sciences elective*

Year Two

Fall

  • SOC 250 Deviant Behavior §
  • BIO 151 General Biology I §*
  • CHM 151 Principles of Chemistry I §
  • Social Sciences elective*
  • COM 300 Report Writing*

Spring

  • CJ 209 The Criminal Justice System §
  • LA 302 Criminal Litigation §
  • BIO 152 General Biology II §
  • CHM 152 Principles of Chemistry II §
  • Humanities (English Literature) elective*

Year Three

Fall

  • CJ 308 Principles of Forensic Science I §
  • PSY 250 Biological Bases of Behavior
  • BIO 260 Microbiology §
  • Social Sciences 300/400-level elective*
  • Humanities elective*

Spring

  • CJ 309 Principles of Forensic Science II: Advanced Criminalistics §
  • CJ 312 Criminal Justice Management §
  • SOC 304 Applied Research Methods §
  • BIO 262 Genetics §
  • Humanities elective*

Year Four

Fall

  • SOC 305 Criminology §
  • 2 Criminal Justice electives
  • 2 electives*

Spring

  • CJ 400 Internship §
  • CJ 495 Current Issues in Crime and Social Justice §

§ Requirement for the major
*See Liberal Arts Core requirements for details.

Criminal Justice/Forensic Science (Undergraduate Certificate)

This certificate program is available for individuals desiring an introduction to the crucial role played by forensic science in providing scientific and foundational information for investigations and to the courts. There are many forensic science specialty areas (i.e. forensic entomology, forensic computer science, forensic psychology, forensic nursing), but courses required for this certificate will provide a foundation for understanding the importance of recognition, identification, individualization, and evaluation of physical evidence in legal proceedings through the application of the natural sciences.

Residency Requirement: Students must complete the following courses at Marymount University: CJ 209, CJ 308, CJ 309, BIO 151, and CHM 151.

Certificate Requirements

23 credits

Minor in Criminal Justice

Minor Requirements