Bachelor of Arts in Social and Criminal Justice

Discover your passion! Gain a broad-based approach to working with law enforcement and the criminal justice system when you earn your Bachelor of Arts in Social and Criminal Justice from Ashford University.

Degree Focus
The Bachelor of Arts in Social and Criminal Justice allows you to investigate both the social and legal sides of working in the criminal justice field. Examine topics in forensics, psychology, crime prevention, terrorism, the correctional system, and law. You'll develop additional understanding of the criminal justice system and the impact social issues have on maintaining a just society.

Career Opportunities
Apply the knowledge you've gained with your degree toward a career in the criminal and social justice field. Opportunities are expanding and the need for qualified, educated people to fill positions is growing. As a graduate, you may be eligible to pursue a position in many different fields including:

• Local police
• State police
• Federal marshal
• Highway patrol officer
• Immigration officer
• Border patrol
• Criminal investigation
• Homeland security and terrorism prevention
• Probation officer

Bachelor of Arts in Social and Criminal Justice

Program Outcomes

Students who successfully complete the Bachelor of Arts in Social and Criminal Justice degree program will be able to: 

•  Examine law enforcement issues; 
•  Apply knowledge of socio-economic and cultural diversity to criminal justice; 
•  Investigate the operation of the criminal justice system; 
•  Examine the relationship of social justice to the criminal justice system; and
•  Apply information from sociology, law, psychology, ethics, and related fields to the study of criminal justice.

Program Requirements

•  Total number of credits required: 120 credits 
•  General Education Requirements: 52 credits* 
•  Major Course Requirements: 36 credits* 
•  Electives: 41 credits

Students must earn a minimum of 30 upper-division credits and a minimum of 21 credits at Ashford University (residency requirement).

* In this program, 9 credits from the major may also satisfy General Education requirements.

Program Disclosures
Federal regulations published in October, 2010 require institutions to report certain information about students who enrolled in Title IV eligible educational programs that lead to gainful employment in a recognized occupation (GE programs). These required disclosures include a program’s 1) program costs; 2) on-time completion rates; 3) median loan debt; 4) links to O*NET SOC descriptions; and 5) placement rates. Please find all of the required information at this link: Program Disclosures.

Admission Requirements

• Have a regular high-school diploma earned through college preparatory or regular high school courses or GED equivalency recognized by the Department of Education of the state in which it was earned, completed secondary school through home schooling as defined by state law, or earned an equivalent to a US high school diploma at an international high school. An earned IEP or Special Education Diploma or Certificate of Completion based upon IEP goals does not meet the regular high school diploma requirement for admission to Ashford University. If no high school degree was earned, applicants may be admitted with a minimum of 60 transferable credits from an appropriately accredited postsecondary institution as defined by Ashford University transfer credit policies.
• Be 22 years of age or older, or a graduate of Ashford University's Associate of Arts in Business degree program, or receive documented approval from the Registrar's Office via the "Under 22 Appeal" process. 
• English Language Requirement. 
• Successful completion of Student Success Orientation for students who indicate that they have fewer than twenty-four (24) traditional college-level transferable credits at the time of application.

Technology Requirements

Competencies

Students must possess the following online competencies: 

•  Ability to access course and program material on the Internet;
•  Ability to correspond with University staff, students, and faculty using email and the Internet; and 
•  Ability to use appropriate antivirus utilities so that files transmitted and received are virus free.

System requirements

The following minimum system configuration and software are required: 

• Platforms: Mac OS X 10.2 or higher or Windows XP or higher; 
• Hardware: 256 Mb RAM, CD-ROM, and 1 Gb free disk space; 
• Productivity Software: Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and Excel 2003 or higher; Adobe Reader 8.0 or higher; Adobe Flash 10 or higher (Constellation users); 
• Web Browser: Firefox 3.0 or higher, Internet Explorer 8.0 or higher, Safari 4.0 or higher, or Chrome; 
• Networking: 56k dialup modem, DSL, or Cable modem; 
• Email: Outlook, Outlook Express, Mac Mail, Eudora, Entourage, or Yahoo/Hotmail/Gmail.

Recommended for optimal performance

•  Productivity Software: Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and Excel 2007 or higher; 
•  Networking: Broadband Internet connection (DSL, cable, or other); 
•  Constellation users: Windows Media Player 7 or higher, sound card and speakers.

Transferability
Put your college credits to work at Ashford! You can transfer up to 90 semester credits (135 quarter credits) to help fulfill your degree requirements.* That means all your past hard work will not be wasted.

If you enter the program with fewer than twenty-four (24) transferable traditional semester credits, you will be required to successfully complete an online orientation prior to enrolling in credit-bearing coursework. Following successful completion of orientation, you will be required to successfully complete EXP 105 Personal Dimensions of Education as your first course. EXP 105 is required if you have little or no previous college experience and is not recommended if you have high transfer credit. EXP 105 applies toward elective credit requirements so enrollment in EXP 105 may result in the reduction of three (3) potential transfer credits in the Elective category. If you take EXP 105, you are required to take PSY 202 as your second course.

If you enter the program with twenty-four (24) or more transferable traditional semester credits, you will be required to successfully complete PSY 202 Adult Development and Life Assessment as your first course. PSY 202 is designed to help you acclimate to the online college environment, though you already have some college experience. If you have been out of school for a long time or feel that you need additional support to enter the online environment, you may appeal to enroll in EXP 105 as your first course, followed by PSY 202 as your second course. Unsuccessful completion of either EXP 105 or PSY 202 will result in the rescheduling of the course and revision of the future course sequence. See the Courses tab for descriptions of each course.

* The transferability of credits is subject to Ashford University’s transfer credit policies, and requires the submission of official transcripts. The official transcripts will be evaluated to determine the credits that will officially apply toward an Ashford University degree program.

Online Format
You will take your courses one at a time for 5 weeks each, accelerating your path to graduation. Your course content is delivered in a high-tech format, and you can complete your weekly assignments when and where it's convenient for you thanks to the asynchronous online environment.

Cost*
Your tuition rates are among the lowest available online at $402 per credit. You will also be responsible for fees to enroll. View complete cost of attendance. Call today to learn more at 866.711.1700.

* Tuition costs subject to change without notice.

Payment Options

• Cash Plan – 100% of tuition and fees paid on or before each course start date.
• Tuition Reimbursement – If your employer offers a tuition reimbursement plan, we'll work with you to apply this great benefit toward your education.
• Financial Aid – You may be eligible for financial aid. Talk to an Admissions Counselor to find out if you meet the requirements to qualify. 
• Direct (Employer) Billing – If you work for a company approved for direct billing, you may qualify for this payment option. 
• Military Tuition Assistance – Includes active-duty service and Veterans Affairs Benefits, such as GI Bill and Vocational Rehab, if you qualify. Learn more about military benefits.

If this program fits your personal and professional goals, contact Ashford University at 866.711.1700 to learn more, or request additional information.

Bachelor of Arts in Social and Criminal Justice

In this program you will investigate both the social and legal sides of working in the criminal justice system. By examining topics in forensics, psychology, crime prevention, law, terrorism, the correctional system, and law, you will develop the skills and gain the knowledge needed to build an effective career.

Below you will find the courses for this program beginning with the introductory courses. You have a choice in this program, either to take a standard program composed of major course requirements, or you may choose to add a specialization. Please note that you must complete the major course requirements' capstone course before you can begin any specialization. Each specialization consists of four (4) courses, each worth three (3) credits.

Introductory Courses
Major Course Requirements
Specializations

• Corrections Management
• Forensics
• Homeland Security
• Political Science & Government
• Security Management

Introductory Courses

Depending on the number of credits transferred in, you may be required to take one or both of Ashford University's introductory courses: EXP 105 Personal Dimensions of Education and PSY 202 Adult Development and Life Assessment. If you enter the program with fewer than twenty-four (24) transferable traditional semester credits, you will be required to successfully complete EXP 105 as your first course, followed by PSY 202 as your second course. If you enter the program with twenty-four (24) or more transferable traditional semester credits, you will be required to successfully complete PSY 202 as your first course.

EXP 105 Personal Dimensions of Education
This course is designed to help adult learners beginning their university studies to achieve academic success. Students will explore learning theories, communication strategies, and personal management skills. Adult learners will develop strategies for achieving success in school and work. Students will also be introduced to the University's institutional outcomes and learning resources.

PSY 202 Adult Development & Life Assessment
This course presents adult development theory and links theoretical concepts of life and learning through a process of psychometric assessment and reflection. Both classical and contemporary adult development theories are examined. These theories then provide the paradigm for self-analysis and life learning, including a plan for personal, professional and academic learning.

Major Course Requirements

(36 credits, all courses are 3 credits. Courses are listed in the recommended sequence.)

SOC 120 Introduction to Ethics and Social Responsibility
This course introduces the basic ethical concepts and explores philosophic perspectives for understanding the meaning of social responsibility. Topics include ethical theories, the role of government, the role of corporations, environmental issues, and ethical integrity.

POL 303 The American Constitution
This course is a study of the Constitution of the United States and its role in American history and government. The study covers the drafting and ratification of the Constitution, its subsequent amendment and interpretation, and its contemporary role in American politics and government.

CRJ 201 Introduction to Criminal Justice
This course provides an analysis of the criminal justice system focusing on the police, courts, and corrections.

SOC 305 Crime & Society
The course considers the basic sociological theories and research findings concerning crime. The punishment and corrections process, organized crime, corporate crime, the police, the courts and the impact of crime on the victim are examined.

SOC 331 Social Justice & Ethics
This course examines the foundations of social justice theory and their application to criminal justice theories and practice. Issues such as poverty, social policy, diversity, welfare, and alternative social programs provide students with a working understanding of the interrelation and copasetic relationship between social and criminal justice issues. Students will also understand ethical applications for both social justice initiatives as well as the ethics of criminal justice policies and initiatives.

CRJ 308 Psychology of Criminal Behavior
An integrated course applying the research and methodology of psychology and sociology to the understanding of criminal conduct. Theories of psychology are explored including: biological, developmental, cognitive, social learning and psychoanalytic. The sociological concepts of social process and structure, social control and social conflict are introduced.

CRJ 305 Crime Prevention
This course explores strategies of crime prevention including programs designed to reduce opportunities to commit crime; programs to alleviate demoralizing community social and economic conditions that foster criminal behavior; programs to improve police/community cooperation; and, programs to educate young people as to likely consequences of criminal behavior.

CRJ 301 Juvenile Justice
This course describes prevalent patterns of juvenile delinquency, relates these patterns to theories of child and adolescent development, and examines various theories pertaining to the causes of criminal behavior among juveniles. In addition, this course surveys the roles of police, courts and delinquency intervention programs in the administration of juvenile justice. Emphasis will be given to strategies of prevention and early intervention.

CRJ 306 Criminal Law & Procedure
A survey of constitutional rights, police compliance to constitutional rights, and constitutional amendments that specifically apply to the individual. The course examines the application of these rights in the enforcement, investigation, and adjudication of specific crimes.

CRJ 311 Forensics
Forensic science applies scientific methodology to crime scene investigation and crime solving. This course analyzes techniques of crime scene investigation and the lawful gathering of evidence. Emphasis is placed upon the Federal Rules of Evidence, including the admissibility of physical evidence at trial, as well as the role of forensic science in the criminal justice system and the identification, collection and preservation of physical evidence (chain of custody issues).

CRJ 303 Corrections
An analysis of correctional procedures and institutions, especially jails, prisons, parole and probation is the focus of this course. Other topics include inmate subcultures, rehabilitation and prisonization.

CRJ 422 Criminal Justice Capstone
Students will review all learning objectives achieved throughout previous course work and develop a comprehensive, focused study of a modern criminal justice issue while applying solutions and predictions for future trends in criminal and social justice. Successful students will focus on the pragmatic application of principles and theories which guide criminal justice practice in the United States.

Specializations

You may also choose to delve deeper into other areas of criminal justice when you add a specialization to your degree program. A specialization consists of four (4) courses, each worth three (3) credits each. These courses are taught online as part of your degree program. Choose from the following specializations:

Corrections Management

CRJ 461 Corrections Administration and Management
This course evaluates and develops the competencies necessary in corrections management and administration at all levels. Topics include strategic planning, risk assessment, effective leadership strategies, and current issues in corrections management. Students gain an understanding of the structure of the correctional facility as an organization. Ethical, legal, and social implications of corrections administration are discussed in detail.

CRJ 463 Contemporary Corrections Issues
This course focuses on a broad range of contemporary concerns and topics in criminal justice such as racism in sentencing, racial profiling, police use of deadly force, national drug control policy, community policing, court authorized electronic intercepts, and prosecutorial discretion. Students will research current criminal justice issues and make analytical observations using concepts and methodologies learned in the class.

CRJ 465 Corrections and Incarceration
This course examines approaches of correctional facilities and provides an overview of historic and contemporary philosophies and practices in the American Penal System. Treatment programs, prisoners' rights, intermediate sanctions, and intuitional management are among the topics discussed, as well as correctional issues pertaining to race/ethnicity and women.

CRJ 467 Probation and Parole
The purpose and procedures pertaining to probation and parole are analyzed in this course. Topics include pre-sentence investigation, supervision of probationers, parole administration and services, treatment theory, juvenile services, and parole officers. Students are introduced to such new concepts as community-based corrections, the justice model, and determinate sentencing and their impact on traditional policy and practice.

Forensics

CRJ 451 Homicide Investigation and Evidence Gathering
This course provides students with the skills and knowledge necessary for the resolution of homicide investigations. A historical overview is provided and current topics are explored. Topics include criminal behavior, the role of the crime laboratory, DNA testing, and medical/legal causes of death. Students will also be introduced to policies and procedures for evaluating and gathering evidence, with attention to blood stain and physical evidence and the impact of physical force on bodies and objects.

CRJ 453 Criminal Profiling
This course defines the motivators and environmental influences leading to criminal behavior, as well as the patterns of offending. Students are introduced to profiling approaches and techniques and their relationship to crime solving.

CRJ 455 Criminal Law
This course provides an in-depth analysis of criminal law. The principles of criminal liability are emphasized as well as the actions, mental state, and circumstances that are common to individuals committing crimes against society, persons, or to property.

CRJ 457 Forensic Evidence and the Law
Students are exposed to the historical and contemporary contexts in which arguments are made about the quality of forensic evidence and the legal burden of proof in criminal litigation. Methods and strategies for the gathering, analyzing, and application of forensic evidence are discussed. This course examines the principles and practices of crime scene investigation as well as the procedures for the collection, preservation, documentation, and analysis of physical evidence.

Homeland Security

CRJ 441 Homeland Defense
This course will examine the boundaries of the national security mission by evaluating the threats, actors, and organizational structures and resources affecting the security of the United States.

CRJ 443 Intelligence and Homeland Security
This course examines the relationship between intelligence and homeland security strategy during the 20th century with emphasis placed on the Cold War. Using a case study approach, students will analyze past and present national security issues from an intelligence perspective.

CRJ 445 Consequence Management: Terrorism Preparation & Response
This course addresses the potential results of nuclear, biological, and chemical warfare and incidents. Topics include public health consequences, emergency planning and response measures, detection and management technologies, and vulnerabilities. Course objectives include examination of the historical uses of chemical and biological weapons and the impacts of chemical and biological weapons.

CRJ 447 Homeland Security Organization
Students will examine federal, state, local, private, and other organizational structures involved in homeland security. The course focuses on development of homeland security from early to modern times with an emphasis on the emerging homeland security structure and culture.

Political Science & Government

POL 319 State & Local Government
This course examines the structure and processes of state and local governments and their related current problems and issues. There is a focus on the effect of Federalism and its effect on States.

POL 310 Environmental Policies
Environmental Policies examines the political, social, and economic implications of environmental policy in the United States and the global environment. It, also, explores ways in which policy decisions can serve to protect the environment.

POL 355 International Relations
The course in international relations is the study of relations between different nations of the world with an emphasis on understanding the political implications of international security matters and the international political economy. The topical emphasis on nationalism, diplomacy, conflict, international organizations and actors, human rights, political economy, and key global issues offers insights into the principles of identity, cooperation, and the use of power in an international context.

POL 411 Political Behavior
Students will study political behavior as it relates to campaigns and elections in the United States. Selected course themes include political communication, participation, voting, and elections.

Security Management

CRJ 433 Principle and Theory of Security Issues
This course outlines the principles and topics relevant to business and organizational security management. Students gain understanding of established management functions, including the role of the Chief Security Officer. Various facets of physical, personnel, and information security are studied, as well as aspects of loss prevention and the protection of assets.

CRJ 435 Evaluation of Security Programs
This course examines industry standards and practices and methods of determining the adequacy of security management programs. It also explores the concepts of legal liability, management structures and techniques, and their impact on security operations.

CRJ 437 Contemporary Issues in Security Management
This course focuses on the current topics in security management such as substance abuse, violence, adjudication and reconsideration reviews, security countermeasures, case management, use of examinations such as polygraphs, report writing, international commercial sales, and media relations. The role of the security manager in personnel management, security planning, organizational communication, recruitment, retention, training and development, and management of contracts are also examined.

CRJ 439 Security Administration
This course focuses on the real world applications for security managers. Staff selection and employee screening are discussed, as well as daily operating procedures, guard operations, securing information systems, and investigations are discussed. Students will be introduced to current topics in workplace violence, managing change, security awareness training, and physical security.

If this program fits your personal and professional goals, contact Ashford University at 866.711.1700 to learn more, or request additional information.

Chat With a Counselor

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