Criminal Justice

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.