Crime and Criminals

As crime continues to plague large cities and small communities throughout the world, the need for criminal investigators continues to grow.

In this concentration, you will study criminal theories and behavior, and you will discover the proper way to conduct a criminal investigation. Areas of study include

  • Assessing a crime scene
  • Handling witnesses, suspects, and informants
  • Administering surveillance techniques

The world of drugs, gangs, and organized crime will be explored, along with the impact of these group activities on crime and policing.

Consider this concentration if you are interested in exploring the world of gangs and organized crime units and task forces. Or consider it if you may be interested in working as a crime scene investigator, criminologist, researcher, or detective. 

Completion Requirements

  • 181 total credit hours
  • General education courses (45 cr.)
  • Core courses (41 cr.)
  • Concentration courses (15 cr.)
  • Elective courses (75 cr.)
  • Capstone course (5 cr.)

Estimated time to completion: 4.5 years, depending on individual progress and credits transferred. For a personalized estimate of your time to completion, call your enrollment advisor at 1-866-492-5336.

Students may be eligible to transfer up to 135 credits. At least 45 credits (including specific courses) must be completed at Walden.

Core Courses (41 cr.)

COMM 1000 Communication Skills For Career Development 1
CRJS 1001 Contemporary Criminal Justice Systems 5
CRJS 2001 Criminology and Social Control 5
CRJS 2002 Juvenile Delinquency and Justice 5
CRJS 2003 Criminal Law 5
CRJS 3001 Corrections 5
CRJS 3002 Courts and Judicial Process 5
CRJS 3003  Law Enforcement 5
CRJS 3004  Data Analysis for the Criminal Justice Professional 5

Concentration Courses (15 cr.)

Course Code Course Title Credits
CRJS 4101  Criminal Evidence and Investigation 5
CRJS 4102  The Criminal Mind  5
CRJS 4103  Drugs, Gangs, and Organized Crime  5

Elective Courses (75 cr.)

Choose 15 additional electives (75 cr.) from any B.S. in Criminal Justice concentration or from the general education courses, or from concentration courses in any of our bachelor's programs.

Capstone Course (5 cr.)

Course Code Course Title Credits
CJRS 4150  Capstone: International Justice and Human Rights 5

Course Descriptions

Study Crime

Interested in solving society’s worst crimes? With Walden’s B.S. in Criminal Justice, you can study such topics as drugs, gangs, and organized crime; computer forensics; and profiling serial murderers.

When Can I Start?

Next Start Date: September 8

Apply Now