The Criminal Justice Program offers two degree options-a general criminal justice program and a Specialization in Forensic Investigation. Both programs integrates coursework and interaction with professionals in various disciplines to prepare students for careers throughout the criminal and juvenile justice systems as well as graduate school and law school. Graduates of the program work in local law enforcement, state and federal investigative agencies, correctional institutions, adult and juvenile probation and parole, victim’s services, private security, and other human service-related fields. The graduate of the program receives a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice degree or a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice - Specialization in Forensic Investigation degree.
The Specialization in Forensic Investigations focuses on investigation of various forms of crime, especially in terms of gathering and analysis of varying forms of evidence in ways that enhance the ability of the criminal justice system to arrest and convict those responsible for the crimes. Students selecting this specialization follow a distinct course check sheet.
Students must take all core courses and core electives for a grade and earn a “C” or higher. Students must also maintain a BGSU GPA of at least 2.5 to remain in the major. Dropping below a 2.5 GPA will result in being placed on departmental probation for one semester, during which the student has the opportunity to raise his/her GPA above the 2.5 level. Failure to do so will result in the student being moved to the PRE-CRJU category and barred from taking any CRJU or DHS courses. One may not graduate with a degree in Criminal Justice without an overall Bowling Green State University GPA of at least 2.5.
The program places emphasis on superior academic attainment, ability to communicate verbally and in writing, and research potential. Every student must complete a field internship (practicum) with an agency of the student’s choice. However, all internships are subject to the approval and supervision of the program faculty. It is anticipated that CRJU graduates will enter the field or go on to graduate school or law school with the tools needed to succeed in a demanding profession.
Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of the baccalaureate degree, students in criminal justice are expected to:
- Identify, investigate, and propose solutions to problems/issues facing the criminal justice system;
- Critically evaluate policies and practices of the criminal justice system;
- Communicate effectively, both orally and in written form.
Internship
480 agency hours for nine credit hours (CRJU 4910) and practicum seminar for three credit hours (CRJU 4920 )
Core Electives
All Criminal Justice students must take 20-21 hours of Core Electives. Those following the general degree requirements select a list of pre-approved courses, and those for which special permission is granted should be selected carefully, to supplement and enrich the criminal justice core courses. Students opting for the Specialization in Forensic Investigations must choose 6 credit hours of Core Electives specifically related to forensic science topics in consultation with their advisor. These students then choose 14+ hours of Core Electives from the pre-approved list.
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