B.S. in Criminal Justice/Criminology
Criminal justice/ciminology is an intensive overview of each of the components of the criminal justice system as well as an analysis of the societal and behavioral influences of deviant behavior. The criminal justice/criminology program emphasizes a "theory-into practice" approach. Students will complete a six-course core curriculum and then elect a criminal justice, criminology or liberal arts area of concentration. Each concentration will expose students to current national and international trends in criminal justice studies. Students graduating from the GGC criminal jstice/criminology program will be capable of both meeting the academic needs of agencies that comprise the criminal justice system and using their academic foundations to continue at the graduate level in criminal justice, criminology, public administration, legal studies or other advanced degree programs.
Beginning with the spring 2012 semester, students may pursue a minor in criminal justice/criminology.
Program Outcome Goals
Skills in the ability to gather, evaluate and synthesize information necessary to present clear logical ideas and thoughts leading to effective solutions to various issues in Criminal Justice and Criminology
An ongoing and clear appreciation for the ethical standards and principled practices of those involved in Criminal Justice and Criminology
A knowledge and understanding of the component areas of the Criminal Justice system, including the courts, police and corrections, which will train students to become active and informed citizens, and potential practitioners in Criminal Justice or Criminology
Through the examination of our own rich national culture, its unique historical development and continued evolution, an awareness of how the key theories within Criminal Justice and Criminology have developed, matured, transformed and continue to change
A thorough understanding of the political, social and international influences on both human and institutional behaviors in courts, police and corrections
Through an internship/capstone program, practical real-world knowledge and experience in the application of the theoretical underpinnings of Criminal Justice and Criminology
Concentrations
Criminal Justice. In the Criminal Justice track, students focus on management, law, policing and corrections. For more information, see the program plan (PDF).
Criminology. Criminology is the study of criminals and criminal behavior. In the Criminology track, students are offered a theoretical foundation for criminal behavior and specific criminal behavior in the forms of criminal violence, organized crime, gangs, juvenile delinquency, white collar and cyber crime. For more information, see the program plan (PDF).
Liberal Arts. Students who select the Liberal Arts track will be exposed to the interdisciplinary nature of the field by taking courses jointly offered in the areas of psychology, political science and criminal justice. Students are required to take two electives related to the field with the advice of Criminal Justice/Criminology faculty. For more information, see the program plan (PDF).
