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Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice The criminal justice degree program at Bowling Green State University produces graduates who can critically assess issues and use that ability to impact the criminal justice system. Students are prepared for a wide range of post-graduation endeavors. Many students successfully pursue graduate degrees in criminal justice and law, as well as public administration, sociology and counseling. Students also distinguish themselves by taking jobs with federal, state and local agencies involved in criminal justice. A study by the Police Executive Research Forum provided a good description of the University’s criminal justice program. It noted that police agencies do not want higher education to provide technical training. Instead, agencies need students who can look at issues critically, make informed judgments and decisions, have an understanding about human nature and social arrangements, recognize cultural diversity, understand basic research, and communicate effectively. Curriculum The criminal justice degree program places emphasis on academics, oral and written communication and research potential. The curriculum is largely concentrated in social and behavioral sciences with core courses in government, law, psychology and sociology. Students take courses in other departments, as well as in criminal justice, giving them the ability to look at a problem from many viewpoints. This system exposes students to a wide diversity of faculty to explore different ideas and issues. Various criminal justice courses are also required, as well as a rigorous internship in an agency of the student’s choice. In addition, every student must complete a major research paper during the senior seminar in criminal justice. Special Features and Opportunities An intense internship requirement is one of the program’s strengths. Contact is maintained with numerous agencies that accept interns on a regular basis. Internships may be arranged with law enforcement agencies, correctional institutions, probation/parole authorities, private security operations, prosecutors’ and public defenders’ offices, the local courts and some federal agencies. Feedback from both the agencies and the interns has consistently verified the value of “in-the-field” study to a well-rounded education. College Highlights BGSU’s College of Health and Human Services was the first collegiate unit in northwest Ohio devoted exclusively to academic programs in health and human services. The college sponsors a Health Sciences Residential Community where students benefit from learning and socializing with other students taking similar classes, increased contacts with faculty in the health-science academic majors, and academic advising and career exploration that takes place within the residence hall. Preparation for College Completing the requirements for high school graduation is necessary for admission to BGSU, but only finishing the minimum coursework will leave you unprepared for college. Consider taking four years of mathematics instead of the three that are required. Two, three or even four years of the same foreign language is excellent for preparation for college. You will also benefit from competency in computer use. Courses that provide exposure to or training in the visual and performing arts are excellent choices. Admission to the Program BGSU’s criminal justice degree program is one of the few selective entry programs in the country. Admission is highly competitive. Students who are admitted demonstrate high academic standards and strong initiatives. Entering freshmen can be admitted with an ACT composite score of 24 or higher and high school GPA of 3.0 or above. Freshmen who do not meet this requirement may enroll as pre-criminal justice majors before being accepted into the program. Current BGSU and transfer students are required to have an overall minimum GPA of 2.5 based on a minimum of 25 graded semester hours and completion of Introduction to Criminal Justice with a C or better. Transfer students should file applications with a recent transcript the term prior to the one they wish to enter; admission to the University is required before admission to the program will be considered. Applications for upperclass and transfer students are considered for each term. Applications may be obtained from the criminal justice program office, 223 Health Center, or online at http://www.bgsu.edu/departments/crju/CJmain.htm While students meeting the requirements above will be admitted at any time, students should be aware that completion of the program may require two years and attendance at summer session(s) if admission is granted after the beginning of your junior year. Core Courses The following are core courses for Criminal Justice students: American Government |
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For Further Information |
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Debralee Divers |
Cheryl L. Chafee |
Timothy Jurkovac, Ph.D. |
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NOTE: Information in this guide is subject to change without notice. To learn more about the official program of study, please check the undergraduate catalog online: http://www.bgsu.edu/catalog - Updated 01/31/07 |
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Major Areas of Study
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Criminal Justice
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