Walden University’s online Bachelor of Science (BS) in Criminal Justice program is designed to help you gain the skills and knowledge you need to prepare for a career in law enforcement, the justice system, corrections, homeland security, and social services—and to change your world and the world of those around you.
This online criminal justice degree program blends contemporary theory on the nature, extent, and cause of crime with the study of national and international criminal justice practices. Your learning is supported through coursework, a final capstone project, and the latest interactive media, including lifelike, computer-generated scenarios from crime scenes.
You will also apply criminal justice theories to current issues as you gain perspective in these vitally important areas:
- Civic engagement, social responsibility, and global awareness
- Collection and analysis of data across organizations
- Teamwork and communication
As a further mark of quality, Walden has been designated by the National Security Agency and the Department of Homeland Security as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education through the year 2019. This designation means that with your bachelor’s in criminal justice from Walden, you can:
- Apply for federal scholarships and grants.
- Attend a university with a national reputation for academic excellence in cyber security education.
- Prepare for more opportunities nationwide in government, education, and private sectors.
Highlights
In your core criminal justice degree courses, you can gain a solid foundation in the basic principles of criminal justice. In addition, you can choose concentration courses and electives that focus on timely topics and current challenges facing the criminal justice profession. These courses include:
- Profiling Serial and Mass Murderers
Study theories of criminal behavior (including the history of serial killers in the U.S.), profiling, and serial murder and their relationship to gender and race. Apply criminal theories to cases of serial and mass murder.
- Drugs, Gangs, and Organized Crime
Study the different types of organized crime, from gangs to motorcycle clubs to the Mafia. Learn the techniques that groups use to recruit and retain members, such as tattooing and tagging.
- Restorative Justice
Explore a theory of justice and practice that emphasizes repairing the harm caused by criminal behavior to the victim and the community. Identify strategies for restoring justice and improving relationships among victims, offenders, communities, and criminal justice agencies.
- WMD and Disaster Response
Expand your knowledge of weapons of mass destruction and biological and chemical threats and disasters and how to respond to such incidents. Enhance your understanding of the National Incident Management System (NIMS) and the nation’s Incident Command System, as well as their roles in the response to and management of disasters.
- Critical Incidents and Cross-Agency Coordination
Develop broad-based contingency plans and strategies, policies, and procedures that coordinate the activities of local, state, and federal agencies in response to critical incidents. Create models of cross-agency coordination that anticipate critical incident responses.
- Computer Forensics
Explore basic approaches to analyzing information systems for evidence of illegal or inappropriate activities. Consider the legal, ethical, and policy implications of using forensic techniques to monitor technology systems.
Learning Outcomes
Walden’s Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice degree program is designed to prepare its graduates to:
- Explain concepts, theoretical perspectives, empirical findings, and trends in criminal justice.
- Demonstrate the ability to apply legal and ethical principles to the criminal justice system.
- Describe the structure, function, and interaction of key institutions in criminal justice.
- Discuss the patterns, typologies, and root causes of crime.
- Apply criminal justice concepts, processes, and practices to social justice and social change.
Find detailed information for this program, including possible occupations, completion rate, program costs, and median student loan debt.
As a further mark of quality, Walden has been designated by the National Security Agency and the Department of Homeland Security as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education through the year 2019. This designation means that with your bachelor’s in criminal justice from Walden, you can: