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BA in Criminal Justice

The Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree program in Criminal Justice prepares law enforcement officials and adult learners for career change, advancement or graduate education.

Students in the BA in Criminal Justice program focus on the interdisciplinary study of crime and the functioning of the criminal justice system, and develop critical analytical skills, and knowledge of the research findings and methods used in the field. In addition, students develop a broad general knowledge of the traditional liberal arts disciplines while developing a greater depth of knowledge in criminal justice.

Learning Outcomes

Graduates will be able to:

  • consistent with the criteria established by the Academy of Criminal Justices Sciences (ACJS), apply concepts in areas of: administration of justice, corrections, criminological theory, law adjudication and law enforcement;
  • communicate, both verbally and in writing, in a clear and professional manner;
  • critically analyze and evaluate social science and criminal justice research, theories and policies; and
  • employ ethical perspectives and judgment and apply principles of diversity in criminal justice practice.

BA in Criminal Justice Credit Distribution

Subject Category Credits
I. General Education Requirements 60
A. Intellectual and Practical Skills 15
  • Written Communication
 (6)
  • Oral Communication
 (3)
  • Quantitative Literacy
 (3)
  • Information Literacy
    SOS-110: Critical Information Literacy
 (3)
B. Civic and Global Learning 9
  • Diversity
 (3)
  • Ethics
 (3)
  • Civic Engagement
 (3)
C. Knowledge of Human Cultures 12
D. Understanding the Physical and Natural World 4-7
E. General Education Electives 17-20
II. Area of Study: Criminal Justice 33
A. Introduction to Criminal Justice 3
B. Criminology 3
C. Law Enforcement 3
D. Procedures 3
E. Corrections 3
F. Juvenile Justice 3
G. Research Methods 3
H. Ethics in the Justice System 3
I. Criminal Justice Electives*
  • Juvenile Delinquency
  • Gangs
  • White Collar Crime
  • Forensic Science
  • Terrorism
  • Critical Thinking for Homeland Security
  • Counterterrorism
  • Homeland Security: Preparedness, Prevention, and Deterrence
  • Protecting the Homeland: Response and Deterrence
 6
J. Liberal Arts Capstone 3
III. Electives 27
Total Credits 120

Requirements: Courses transferred to Thomas Edison State University are equated to the following levels: 100, 200, 300 or 400. A minimum of 18 credits equating to 300 or 400 are required.

*This list is a guide. Other criminal justice courses may be appropriate for this area of study.

Transfer Your Credit

Have you attended college before? If so, you may be able to transfer credits earned at other regionally accredited colleges or universities. The University also offers a variety of other ways to earn credit – all designed around the needs of adult learners, like you.

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Toni M. Terry, BA

"I am 67 years old, soon to be 68, and to be able to say I did this at this day in my life is just gratification for my own self."

Watch Toni »