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Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice
College of Health and Human Services
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.
Criminal justice students are encouraged to become part of an active criminal justice organization that provides excellent
speakers, trips and social functions for members. A chapter of the criminal justice honorary, Alpha Phi Sigma, provides recognition
of outstanding criminal justice students.
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.
There are 8 active student organizations with many connected to their national professional affiliation. Each major emphasizes
hands-on opportunities through practical experiences and laboratory courses.
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 upper class 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.
Students can graduate within four years~(8 semesters) if they are admitted to the program before the end of their freshman
year AND make adequate arrangements to undertake the practicum~(field placement) during a regular academic term. Most students
opt to do their internship over a summer, either between junior and senior years, or after they complete all their coursework.
This option will result in program completion in nine semesters.
Core Courses
The following are core courses for Criminal Justice students:
American Government
General Psychology
Principles of Sociology
Introduction to Criminal Justice
Law Enforcement in American Society
Crime Prevention and Security
Drugs, Crime and Criminal Justice
Criminal Investigations
Victimology
Public Administration
Juvenile Justice Subsystems
Constitutional Law
Criminal Justice Research Methods
Criminal Courts
Abnormal Behavior
Criminology
Corrections
Internship
Senior Seminar in Criminal Justice
Practicum Seminar
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