Criminal Justice (B.A.)

The B.A. program is distinctive in its combined emphasis on 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, and 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.

Upon successful completion of the criminal justice program, students will be able to

demonstrate a working knowledge of criminal justice and how its component parts function;
demonstrate skills in the use of research methods and statistics;
demonstrate proficiency in written communication; and
demonstrate an understanding of ethical issues and exhibit their application to social phenomena.

A minor in criminal justice is also available. Please see the School of Social and Behavioral Sciences minors section for details.

Internship Prerequisites: When other requirements are successfully completed in the senior year, the student is placed in an internship (CJ 400) for 140 or 280 hours (three or six credits). Prerequisites for the internship are a grade of C- or better in all required courses for the major, a minimum of 18 credits earned at Marymount, and permission from the internship coordinator. If the student cannot complete the prerequisites for the internship, the faculty retain the right to dismiss the student from the program.

Minimum Grade Requirement: A minimum grade of C- is required for all courses in the major.

Residency Requirement: Students must complete the internship and at least 18 credits in Marymount criminal justice courses, including CJ 304 and CJ 495.

Degree Requirements - Criminal Justice

This degree requires a total of 120 credits.

Liberal Arts Core Requirements

See the Liberal Arts Core for details.

Major Requirements

To fulfill the requirements of the major, all students in this program will take the following coursework in a sequence determined in collaboration with an advisor. Some courses also satisfy Liberal Arts Core Requirements.

CJ 207	Juvenile Justice	3
CJ 209	The Criminal Justice System	3
CJ 250	Deviant Behavior	3
CJ 304	Applied Research Methods	4
CJ 305	Criminology *	3
CJ 312	Criminal Justice Management	3
CJ 400	Internship	3
CJ 495	Senior Seminar	3
SOC 131	Principles of Sociology in Global Perspective *	3

Five (5) courses from the following:

CJ 201	Principles of Forensic Science	3
CJ 202	Principles in Forensic Science II	3
CJ 205	Crime, Media, and Culture	3
CJ 302	Introduction to Counterintelligence and Terrorism	3
CJ 310	Policing in American Society	3
CJ 311	Correctional Institutions	3
CJ 313	Recognition and Recovery of Human Remains	3
CJ 320	Cybercrime and Digital Terrorism	3
LA 302	Criminal Litigation	3
PH 301	Social and Political Philosophy *	3
PSY 230	Psychological Disorders	3
PSY 332	Psychology of Addictions	3
SOC 222	Race and Ethnic Diversity *	3

Sample Degree Plan - Criminal Justice

Please note that this is a sample plan; all students must consult with an advisor in making course selections.

Year One - Fall

CJ 209	The Criminal Justice System	3
EN 101	Composition I *	3
TRS 100	Theological Inquiry *	3
SOC 131	Principles of Sociology in Global Perspective *	3
	Mathematics (MT) core course - MA 132 recommended *	3-4

EN 101: WR core course

TRS 100: TRS core course

SOC 131: SS core course

Year One - Spring

CJ 207	Juvenile Justice	3
EN 102	Composition II *	3
	Social Science (SS) core course - PSY 101 or PSY 110 recommended *	3
	Natural Science (NS) core course with lab *	4
	One (1) elective	3

EN 102: WR core course

Year Two - Fall

CJ 250	Deviant Behavior	3
HI	History (HI) core course *	3
	Literature (LT) core course *	3
	Philosophy (PH) core course *	3
	One (1) elective - COMM 101 recommended