Criminal Justice Studies
Trevecca's Bachelor of Science in criminal justice studies gives students the foundation for understanding the theories, practices and challenges of law enforcement, the court system and the correctional system.
This degree prepares you to serve your community and make a difference through a career in criminal justice.
Program Benefits
- Graduate with the skills you need to be competitive in the job market.
- Learn from faculty who possess high degrees in their fields, who have relevant and valuable real-world experience and who make an effort to know you personally.
- Enjoy our small class sizes and supportive campus community.
- Take advantage of incredible internships and jobs available in the Nashville market.
What to Expect
As a student in Trevecca’s Bachelor of Science in criminal justice studies program, you’ll gain a solid foundation in criminal justice. You’ll grow your knowledge of the causes of crime and the impact of public policy decisions. You’ll come to understand the relationship of race, ethnicity and poverty to criminal behavior, criminal prosecution and crime victimization. You’ll also gain valuable hands-on learning in your senior practicum experience.
Our criminal justice studies program is centered around righting wrongs, healing brokenness and serving communities. We examine the challenges of the criminal justice system through a Christian worldview. Your degree will position you to help change the world for the better as it prepares you for a career in criminal justice.
Why Choose Trevecca?
Founded in 1901 and a leader in online education for more than two decades, Trevecca helps students discover and pursue an individual calling by providing innovative instruction; cultivating a supportive, Christ-centered community; and establishing relationships that open doors.
Recognized nationally and locally for academic quality, Trevecca has earned a reputation for providing the world with servant leaders, problem solvers and difference makers. Trevecca’s holistic approach to education encompasses intellectual, social, emotional, physical and spiritual growth.
As a Christian university, we offer programs that explore the ways faith intersects with your field of study. This means you can gain your criminal justice studies degree in a supportive, Christian community with small classroom sizes and engaged faculty members who care about you and your goals.
Course Descriptions
Get details on all the courses you’ll complete as you work toward this degree at Trevecca.
Read MoreCareer Opportunities
With a Bachelor of Science in criminal justice studies, you’ll be ready to advance your career and make a difference in the world. Your degree will position you for roles like these:
- Law enforcement officer (federal, state, county, municipal agencies)
- Probation officer
- Parole officer
- Correctional officer (jails or prisons)
- Social service agencies (serving offenders and victims)
Course Descriptions
Get details on all the courses you’ll complete as you work toward this degree at Trevecca.
Social Science Research Methods and Design
CJS 3000
An introduction to the basic skills necessary in conducting empirical research in the social sciences. Topics covered will include the logic of science in sociology and the social sciences, literature reviews, design and measurement, use of primary and secondary data, ethical issues in research, and writing research reports. Emphasis is placed on field research and the methods for conducting and analyzing research in various social settings.
Human Diversity
SWK 3350
This course is designed to increase students’ awareness, knowledge, and understanding of diversity, human rights, and social and economic justice through exploring culture, socialization, power, oppression, privilege, and identity. Students will analyze individual and systemic forces that operate in society to oppress, marginalize, and impact the life experience of groups of humans. During this semester, students will engage in a substantial amount of self-reflection about their own identities while having the opportunity to listen and learn from others’ stories.
Introduction to Criminal Justice
CJS 2800
This introductory course surveys the American criminal justice system from the underlying philosophies that form the foundation of the system and proceeds through to the release of the offender into the community. The focus of the course will be on five main components of the system: criminal philosophies, criminology, law enforcement, the courts, and corrections. The history, nature, and relationships of the various criminal justice agencies will be examined. Various theories about the causation of crime and its cures will also be explored.
Criminal Investigation
CJS 3100
Includes instruction in general investigative responsibilities and techniques, including administration, preparation, investigative jurisdiction and responsibility, and the importance of substantive report writing. Students will be introduced to crime scene investigation-- its purpose and use.
Criminal Law and Procedure
CJS 3110
A comprehensive introduction to criminal law and accompanying procedure in the criminal justice system. The course covers common law and statutory elements of crime, including crimes against persons, property crimes, public morality offenses, and defenses to crime. A concise look at criminal procedure and the criminal court system is also provided.
Corrections
CJS 3410
A study of the history and practice of probation, parole, community-based corrections, and detention facilities. Also included is a history and analysis of major correctional systems.
Policing in Society
CJS 3420
An analysis of the functions, problems, history, procedures, and structure of policing administrations, also including the politics of law enforcement.
Criminology
CJS 3360
An examination of the causation of crime and delinquency. Classical, biological, psychological, and sociological theories of crime causation will be explored, as well as violent, property, white-collar, organized, and public order crimes. An examination will also be made of the extent and measurement of crime, delinquency, and victimization.
Juvenile Justice
CJS 3370
An examination of the nature, causes, and extent of juvenile delinquency. The course also explores the various segments of the juvenile justice system, including law enforcement, juvenile court, juvenile legal rights, and correction.
Introduction to Emergency Management
CJS 4000
An introduction to the structure and practice of homeland security and domestic preparedness. Preparedness and management of local, state, and national emergencies, disasters and threats will be discussed. Content will include emergency preparedness, first responders, personnel management, and incident management.
Investigating Terrorism
CJS 4100
Senior Seminar/Practicum in Criminal Justice Studies
CJS 4400
A supervised practicum that provides the student with experience in an actual police, court, correctional or other criminal justice setting.
General Education — 51 hours
Electives in Criminal Justice — 6 hours
General Electives — 9 hours
*For a complete list of courses, tracks and other relevant information, view the program's course catalog.