Criminal Justice (BS)

The Department of Criminal Justice at Plymouth State University aims to serve students interested in a variety of careers spanning law enforcement, investigations, court administration, corrections, juvenile services, loss prevention, as well as graduate or law school. Consistent with the general mission of Plymouth State University, the department seeks to produce well-rounded graduates who are equipped to both continue their education and enter the work force. In addition, the department serves the surrounding community, not only by producing high quality graduates well prepared to enter their field, but also by partnering with local and regional agencies to provide academic and research support.

Students in the BS in criminal justice program focus on career preparation. The program includes a heavy emphasis on the criminal justice system itself, and how the branches of the system operate together and independently. Students develop skills in a variety of areas including, but not limited to, problem solving techniques, communication skills, data analysis skills, and technical writing skills, along with an appreciation for ethical and professional behavior in the field. Upon completion of the program, students will be well prepared for a variety of criminal justice careers. Students will also have developed an independent sense of self, with a tolerance toward others and the ability to work in diverse cultures.

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Several of the Major Electives have prerequisites; see their course description for details.

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Directions should total 20 credits (unless the major has a waiver for a specific Direction).

Check all course descriptions for prerequisites before planning course schedule. Course sequence is suggested but not required.

To complete the bachelor’s degree in 4 years, you must successfully complete a minimum of 15 credits each semester or have a plan to make up credits over the course of the 4 years.  For example, if you take 14 credits one semester, you need to take 16 credits in another semester.  Credits completed must count toward your program requirements (major, option, minor, certificate, general education or free electives).

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Directions should total 20 credits (unless the major has a waiver for a specific Direction).

• Demonstrate an understanding of criminal law, justice system processes, terminology, and history,
• Apply criminological theory and research methodology to the practice of criminal justice
• Analyze and evaluate moral and ethical perspectives as related to the field of criminal justice,
• Demonstrate technical competencies, and verbal and written communication skills,
• Describe and evaluate the principles of scientific methodology to become informed consumers of criminal justice research, and
• Identify and appraise the presence of biases and prejudices and the role of diversity (racial, ethnic, sexual orientation, gender, socioeconomic, age, disabilities) in the application of justice

• Airport Security
• ATF Agent
• Border Patrol Agent
• Child Support Agency Worker
• Correctional Officer
• Correctional Treatment Specialist
• Crime Scene Investigator
• Criminal Investigator
• DEA Agent
• FBI Agent
• Homeland Security Officer
• Juvenile Probation/Parole Officer
• Loss Prevention Specialist
• Parole Officer
• Police Officer
• Postal Inspector
• Prison Warden
• Private Investigator
• Private Security Officer
• Probation Officer
• Secret Service Special Agent
• Security Services Specialist
• U.S. Marshall
• Victim Advocate
• Youth Service Worker/Coordinator