Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice

South University is currently offering a new format in addition to on-campus classes, called South VR [South Virtual Remote] which is a live instruction, interactive virtual classroom experience. This temporary learning format that was created to help our students continue their education remotely during the COVID-19 pandemic.

A Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice degree builds on your basic knowledge of this field of study with courses that focus on the causes of crime and critical insights into the functions of the criminal justice system. Course topics include the response by police, courts, and corrections to crime and violence, ethical concerns, theoretical and applied criminal justice, causes of crime, and the process of adjudicating criminal cases. The BS in Criminal Justice at South University Savannah serves as the springboard for an entry-level position in the field.

Outcomes

Graduates will be able to:

• 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.
• Understand the causes of crime and delinquency, the process of adjudicating criminal cases, and the major components of the criminal justice system.
• Demonstrate effective communication and ethical skills as applied to the discipline.
• Develop the techniques to effectively interpret and make use of research methodology and to apply scientific reasoning to the study of crime and justice.

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.

Course Requirements

Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice: 180 Credits

Area I General Education Requirements: 64 Credits

Professional Development

• ITS1000 Computer and Internet Literacy, 4 Credit Hours
• UVC1000 Strategies for Success, 4 Credit Hours

Basic Communications

• ENG1100 Composition I, 4 Credit Hours
• ENG1200 Composition II, 4 Credit Hours
• ENG1300 Composition III, 4 Credit Hours
• SPC1026 Public Speaking, 4 Credit Hours

Mathematics and Statistics

• MAT2058 Statistics, 4 Credit Hours
• Choose two additional courses from the list below:
  • MAT1001 College Algebra I, 4 Credit Hours
  • MAT1005 College Algebra II, 4 Credit Hours
  • MAT1500 College Mathematics, 4 Credit Hours
  • MAT2000 Pre-Calculus, 4 Credit Hours
  • MAT2101 Calculus I, 4 Credit Hours
  • MAT2102 Calculus II, 4 Credit Hours

Natural Sciences (choose two)

• BIO1020 Biology I, 4 Credit Hours
• BIO1021 Biology II, 4 Credit Hours
• CHM1010 General Chemistry, 4 Credit Hours

Arts and Humanities (choose two)

• ENG2002 World Literature I: From the Ancient World to the Middle Ages, 4 Credit Hours
• ENG2003 World Literature II: From Enlightenment to Modernity, 4 Credit Hours
• ENG2011 Introduction to American Literature: 1865 to present, 4 Credit Hours
• HIS1101 U.S. History I: Colonial to 1865, 4 Credit Hours
• HIS1102 U.S. History II: 1865 to Present, 4 Credit Hours
• HUM1001 History of Art through the Middle Ages, 4 Credit Hours
• HUM1002 History of Art from the Middle Ages to Modern Times, 4 Credit Hours
• HUM2101 World Civilization I: Prehistory to 1500 C.E., 4 Credit Hours
• HUM2102 World Civilization II: 1500 to Present, 4 Credit Hours
• PHI2301 Introduction to Philosophy, 4 Credit Hours
• REL1001 World Religions, 4 Credit Hours

Social and Behavioral Sciences

• PSY1001 General Psychology, 4 Credit Hours
• SOC1001 Introduction to Sociology, 4 Credit Hours
• Choose one additional course from the list below:
  • ECO2071 Principles of Microeconomics, 4 Credit Hours
  • ECO2072 Principles of Macroeconomics, 4 Credit Hours
  • POL2076 American Government, 4 Credit Hours
  • SOC2010 Social Problems, 4 Credit Hours

Area II Foundation Requirements: 44 Credits

• PSY2007 Statistics for Behavioral Sciences, 4 Credit Hours (must be taken concurrently with PSY2008 Statistics for Behavioral Sciences Lab)
• PSY2008 Statistics for Behavioral Sciences Lab, 2 Credit Hours
• PSY2060 Research Methods, 4 Credit Hours (must be taken concurrently with PSY2061 Research Methods Lab)
• PSY2061 Research Methods Lab, 2 Credit Hours

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.

Choose eight courses from the following list:

• CRJ3014 Criminal Justice and the Media, 4 Credit Hours
• CRJ3023 Organized Crime, 4 Credit Hours
• CRJ3026 Concepts in Crime Mapping and Prevention, 4 Credit Hours
• CRJ4002 Restorative Justice, 4 Credit Hours
• CRJ4009 Illegal Immigration and the Criminal Justice System, 4 Credit Hours
• CRJ4011 Terrorism and Homeland Security, 4 Credit Hours
• CRJ4015 Bloodstain Pattern Analysis, 4 Credit Hours
• CRJ4021 Cyber Crime, 4 Credit Hours
• CRJ4650 Forensic Issues, 4 Credit Hours
• CRJ4995 Criminal Justice Internship I, 4 Credit Hours
• CRJ4996 Criminal Justice Internship II, 4 Credit Hours
• CRJ4997 Criminal Justice Internship III, 4 Credit Hours

Area III Major Requirements: 72 Credits

Core: 44 Credits

• CRJ1001 Introduction to Criminal Justice System, 4 Credit Hours
• CRJ2100 Introduction to Law Enforcement, 4 Credit Hours
• CRJ2200 Introduction to Criminal Courts, 4 Credit Hours
• CRJ2300 Introduction to Corrections, 4 Credit Hours
• CRJ2800 Criminal Law and Procedures, 4 Credit Hours
• CRJ3003 Juvenile Delinquency, 4 Credit Hours
• CRJ3004 Race, Class, and Gender in Criminal Justice, 4 Credit Hours
• CRJ3005 Criminal Justice Management and Administration, 4 Credit Hours
• CRJ3011 Criminology, 4 Credit Hours
• CRJ3025 Comparative Criminal Justice Systems, 4 Credit Hours
• CRJ3500 Ethics in Criminal Justice, 4 Credit Hours

Program Electives (choose six): 24 Credits

• CRJ3015 White Collar Crime, 4 Credit Hours
• CRJ3024 Serial Killers and Mass Murderers, 4 Credit Hours
• CRJ3300 Community Based Corrections, 4 Credit Hours
• CRJ3600 Introduction to Forensics, 4 Credit Hours
• CRJ4001 Victimology, 4 Credit Hours
• CRJ4003 Critical Issues in Criminal Justice, 4 Credit Hours
• CRJ4500 Violence in Society, 4 Credit Hours
• CRJ4600 Crime Scene Investigation and Case Management, 4 Credit Hours

Capstone

• CRJ4999 Senior Seminar (Capstone), 4 Credit Hours

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. South University, Online Program offerings may not be available to residents of all states. Please contact an admissions representative for further information.

Online Classroom

Haven’t experienced online learning before or wondering what it’s like to earn your degree online at South University? While the mode of learning is different from the traditional classroom experience with added convenience and flexibility, we hold the same high standards of academic excellence in the online classroom.

South University’s online programs combine a curriculum designed for student outcomes and a classroom designed for flexibility and engagement. Our online classroom learning platform, Brightspace, provides you with a host of features to enhance your learning experience, including:

• Advanced media content
• Personalized navigation
• Simplified online learning atmosphere
• Access to digital books
• Emailing and instant messaging options

We provide more than just an online classroom, bringing a range of campus experiences and services online. In addition, the online classroom is accessible on the go via mobile devices and with tools like the Pulse App. Pulse helps you stay connected and on track with your course by providing a number of features such as course calendars, readings and assignments, feedback and grades, and announcements.

How to apply

We make the application process as smooth as possible so you can start earning your degree right away. Our admissions representatives will guide you through our three-step process.

To get started, call 888-444-3404, to speak with an Admissions Representative or fill out our request information form. An admissions representative will review our degree programs with you, give you an overview of the admissions process, and help you complete the application process. You can take a guided tour of our campus or a virtual tour online. Apply Now A Finance Counselor will work with you to discuss options and qualifications and to develop a payment plan that works for you. Programs with alternative application procedures.

2020-21 Starting Dates

South University provides a warm, supportive learning environment that will encourage you to engage with a community of faculty, staff and students eager to play a role in helping you achieve your educational goals, on-campus and online. We take pride in the South experience of small classes that offer a hands-on experience that will be important to help shape your skills and excellence in your chosen field, but also help shape your character through community involvement, volunteerism, and pursuit of lifelong learning.

South University is an academic institution dedicated to providing educational opportunities for the intellectual, social, and professional development of a diverse student population. To achieve this purpose, the institution offers focused and balanced programs at the associate’s, baccalaureate, master's and doctoral levels. A broad-based core curriculum is offered, promoting critical thinking, effective verbal and written communication, and skills for life-long learning. Additionally, the University focuses on developing the requisites to appreciate knowledge as well as a pursuit of lifelong learning.