Political Science and Criminal Justice

Criminal Justice

Mission Statement, Program Goals, and Student Learning Outcomes

Mission Statement

The mission of the Criminal Justice Bachelor of Arts Degree Program is to provide students with a multi-disciplinary course of study that emphasizes critical thinking, the ability to effectively communicate in written and oral form, a substantive and practical knowledge base in the area of criminal justice, and a commitment to lifelong learning.

Program Goals

  • Inquisitiveness: Students are able to ask critical questions about the major controversies within the discipline of criminal justice.
  • Open-mindedness: Students understand and are able to critique different problem-solving approaches that criminal justice agencies employ.
  • Judgment: Students make decisions based on evaluating and analyzing data as well as their understanding of theories of crime and justice.
  • Professionalism: Students understand the ethical dilemmas that criminal justice professionals confront.

Student Learning Outcomes

  • CJ majors critically evaluate theories, policies, and CJ professionals' actions based on empirical evidence.
  • CJ majors communicate and express themselves in a clear and professional manner.
  • CJ majors demonstrate effective written communication skills.
  • CJ majors demonstrate knowledge of policing, courts, and corrections, and theories of crime and justice.
  • CJ majors demonstrate an understanding of the diverse and multicultural nature of society.
  • CJ majors can demonstrate the ethical decision-making process in CJ professions and understand the individual, organizational, and societal implications of these decisions.
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