Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice

Our criminal justice system needs employees who care about the individuals entrusted to their care. As a criminal justice major at SBU, you will benefit from the individualized instruction coming from small class sizes and a faith-based approach that will teach you the foundations of criminal justice with an emphasis on servant leadership.

With both theoretical and practical emphases, you will learn about the criminal justice system, criminal law, and law enforcement and will be prepared for a variety of potential career paths, such as federal or state law enforcement, corrections, probation, and parole, private security, research and more. Some graduates build upon their bachelor's degree in criminal justice and go on to law school or other graduate-level work.

The SBU Advantage

• All faculty have first-hand, real-life experience and are dedicated to sharing their experiences as they teach and equip students.
• 14 hours of transfer credit are granted to individuals who have received certification upon completion of 400-600 hours or equivalent training programs of the police/sheriff's academies and who subsequently enroll in this program at SBU.
• Broaden your opportunities by adding a second major or minor in psychology or sociology to your degree program.

Founded in 1878, Southwest Baptist University is a Christian liberal arts university offering more than 100 areas of academic study at undergraduate and graduate levels throughout four physical campuses in Bolivar, Mountain View, Salem, and Springfield, Mo., plus an online campus.

Founded in 1878, Southwest Baptist University is a Christian liberal arts university with:

• More than 100 areas of academic study on undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels;
• Faculty who are passionate about you, your education, and your future success;
• Global service and mission projects to share your faith and develop as a servant leader;
• Vibrant campus life within a close-knit community for getting involved and developing lifelong friendships; and
• Five campuses throughout the southwest and south central Missouri. The 152-acre main campus is in Bolivar, Mo., population 10,300 about 25 minutes north of Springfield, Mo. Additional campuses are in Mountain View, Salem, and Springfield, Mo., and Online.

Liberal arts schools provide both breadth and depth. Breadth is offered across the curriculum with coursework in the arts, sciences, and humanities, with the goal of preparing students for life. Depth is provided through the major, which focuses on preparation for work in a specific field. In a Christian liberal arts education, the Christian lens is the primary lens for learning. Breadth and depth in a Christian liberal arts setting also mean a focus on critical thinking so that non-Christian perspectives are examined (but not endorsed) and students are prepared to serve in secular careers and in service to Christ.