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Degree Overview

Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice

Tanisha Verge, Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice, Class of 2018

Learn critical insights into the criminal justice system with a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from South University. South University’s Savannah campus offers a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice to help build on knowledge in the field of study with several criminal justice courses. South University’s criminal justice classes include topics like response by police, courts, and corrections, crime and violence, ethical concerns, theoretical and applied criminal justice, causes of crime, and the process of adjudicating criminal cases. A Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice can prepare you to seek entry-level positions in the field*.

Please note: While you may be able to take some general education courses at this campus, all other courses, including specialized courses, will be taken online. 

*South University does not promise or guarantee employment.

Admissions Requirements

Please see the South University academic catalog for program specific admissions requirements.

Course Requirements

Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice: 180 Credits
Area I General Education Requirements: 64 Credits
Professional Development
Basic Communications
ENG1100 Composition I 4 Credit Hours
ENG1200 Composition II 4 Credit Hours
Choose one additional course from the list below:
Mathematics and Statistics
MAT2058 Statistics 4 Credit Hours
Choose two additional courses from the list below:
Natural Sciences (choose two)
BIO1020 Biology I 4 Credit Hours
BIO1021 Biology II 4 Credit Hours
Social and Behavioral Sciences
Choose one additional course from the list below:
Area II Foundation Requirements: 44 Credits
Elective Pool (eight courses or 32 credits)

Transfer students may transfer any course to help fulfill the elective pool requirements, provided the course meets the standards of the Credit for Transcripted and Non-Transcripted Work policy found in the Academic Affairs section of this catalog.

Non-transfer students, with their advisor's consultation and approval may choose courses from any department recommended and listed course or more broadly from any course offered by South University. Work from other fields must include any required prerequisite courses in the elective field.

A course can be used to meet only one requirement in Area I, Area II, or Area III, but not simultaneously in two areas. Students should work with their academic advisor or counselor to be sure they are making appropriate course choices.

Area III Major Requirements: 72 Credits
Program Electives (choose six): 24 Credits

Courses may be seleted from this list to apply to Area II Foundation Requirements

Capstone
Note(s):

Acceptance into a South University Criminal Justice program or its completion does not imply or guarantee that a student will be able to obtain employment in law enforcement, corrections, probation/parole or related fields. The student should contact the national, state or local agency/institution in which the student intends to gain employment for specific requirements and the application process.

Outcomes

Offered at Austin, Columbia, Montgomery, Online Programs, Richmond, Savannah, Tampa, Virginia Beach, and West Palm Beach. 

Note: Not all Online Program offerings are available to residents of all U.S. states. Please contact an admissions representative for further information.

Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice degree program is designed to give students broad perspectives on the causes of crime and critical insights to the functions of the components of the criminal justice system.

Program Student Learning Outcomes

Graduates will be able to:

  1. Demonstrate mastery of skills in the areas of theoretical and applied criminal justice as well as in principles and practices to effectively solve a variety of field-based problems.
  2. Understand the causes of crime and delinquency, the process of adjudicating criminal cases, and the major components of the criminal justice system.
  3. Demonstrate effective communication and ethical skills as applied to the discipline.
  4. Develop the techniques to effectively interpret and make use of research methodology and to apply scientific reasoning to the study of crime and justice.

Courses in the program deal with crime, violence, and other forms of deviance and the responses to these problems by police, courts, and corrections; contemporary criminal justice issues; and ethical concerns and research. Students in the criminal justice program have the opportunity to receive preparation for further study in graduate or professional schools as well as to seek entry-level positions in the criminal justice system upon graduation.

Career Outlook

Students in the criminal justice program receive excellent preparation for further study in graduate or professional schools as well as for entry-level careers in the criminal justice system.

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Success STories

Outstanding Education for Remarkable Careers

We're committed to helping our graduates make an impact in their professional and personal lives. We applaud our alumni and the difference they make. Check out what some of our Criminal Justice & Legal Studies graduates have to say.

Vicki Tucci 1997
Vicki Tucci Grad Alumni
Class of '96
Bachelor of Science in Legal Studies-South University, West Palm Beach

“Ultimately, I would like to use my experience and law degree to become a judge. As a young, single mom still fleshing out a career, I felt so clueless about many things. It was that hunger for knowledge that led me to South University’s program in paralegal studies. I got so much more than a classroom education. I found friends, professional contacts, and a world of inspiration from being around people who wanted to see me at my best.”

Christopher Butler 2010
Christopher Butler Grad Alumni
Class of '10
Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice-South University, West Palm Beach

“I started my studies in Criminal Justice prior to my military service and needed to complete my degree. Criminal Justice allowed me to be of service to the community and this nation. South University gave me the educational credentials I needed to get the job advancements and opportunities that have gotten me where I am today in my career field.”

Alicia Parler 2010
Alicia Parler Grad Alumni
Class of '10
Bachelor of Science in Legal Studies-South University, Columbia

“The comradery among service men and women exists due to hardships and discipline soldiers confront together on a regular basis. More than anything, military life has taught me to appreciate my freedom as an American, something I took for granted before I joined. I learned self-discipline, which made me a better student, and ultimately, helped me realize my career aspirations. As soon as I stepped foot onto campus, and started contacting professors like Carolyn Horner, the whole experience from start-to-finish has been welcoming and encouraging.”

Linda Hunter 2010
Linda Hunter Grad Alumni
Class of '10
Bachelor of Science in Legal Studies-South University, Savannah

“I can go just about anywhere and say I have a bachelor's degree in Legal Studies from a university whose program is approved by the ABA, and professionals know what that means. I know my hard work and the degree will be noticed.”

blue cap and gown graduate icon
Peter Gross Grad Alumni
Class of '10
Associate of Science in Paralegal Studies-South University, West Palm Beach

“My classes at South University were inspiring, not just informative; a thorough curriculum absolutely gave me the background I needed to be hired immediately at my law office.”