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2024-2025 Academic Catalog
Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice
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The Criminal Justice curriculum is interdisciplinary with courses in law, behavioral, natural, and social sciences, as well as the humanities. Students develop their interpersonal skills, technology, and critical-thinking skills that are needed to be successful in the criminal justice field.
In the B.S. in Criminal Justice program, you will:
- Examine the criminal justice system and explore social welfare issues
- Learn how to conduct criminal investigations
- Use electronic databases to conduct research and analyze data
The department’s faculty bring both a wealth of knowledge and real-world experience to our classrooms, combining expertise in a variety of disciplines including law, political science, sociology, and history. They will guide you as you develop a full understanding of procedures and techniques to prepare you for a successful career in the field of criminal justice.
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Student Learning Outcomes
Students who graduate with a degree in Criminal Justice should be able to:
- Demonstrate an understanding of the major theories regarding the causes of crime, the criminal law and the criminal justice system, including how historical and social factors have shaped and are shaped by each of these, through the use of appropriate disciplinary terminology;
- Conduct legal and criminological research utilizing statutory and case law, and secondary sources, including by differentiating between relevant/irrelevant and reliable/unreliable information and sources;
- Develop strategies to address legal and social challenges that currently exist and will arise within the field of criminal justice that are based on facts and are consistent with Constitutional requirements and Rivier’s commitment to the creation of “an academic community that cultivates critical thought, sound judgement, and respect for all people,” and so treat individuals, historically marginalized communities, and victims of crime with the respect and compassion that they deserve;
- Communicate orally and in writing, through effective organization and the use of proper grammar, syntax, and vocabulary;
- Make ethically sound decisions based on one’s governing code of professional ethics and the Catholic Church’s commitment to social justice and respect for the other;
- Comport oneself in the context of a job search and while employed in a manner that is professional and that reflects positively on oneself, one’s profession and the Rivier community, including through appearance, behavior, and the ability to follow instructions by the delivery of requested content on deadline.
Major Requirements (42 credits)
Criminal Justice Requirements (27-30 credits)
Science, History, Social Science Requirements(15 credits)
General Education Requirements (42-45 credits)
Who am I and What is the World? Students explore these questions in their first year common core courses.
Associated with General Core
Who is My Neighbor? Students explore this question in their second and third years. (6 credits)
- ENGL 200 Literature, Art, and the Human Credits: 3
Students take one -200 level interdisciplinary course that addresses a basic human question from the perspectives of the literary, visual, and musical arts.
- HIST 203 Interactions: The West in the World I Credits: 3 or
- HIST 204 Interactions: The West in the World II Credits: 3
How Shall We Live? Students explore this question in their junior and senior years. (6 credits)
- Religion: Faith, Religion, and Social Justice Credits: 3
Students take one Religion course developed with this theme at its center.
- Philosophy: Ethics, Values, and Moral Choices Credits: 3
Students take one Philosophy course developed with this theme at its center.
What, then, Shall We Do? Students explore this question in their junior or senior year. (3 credits)
- Capstone: Justice and Global Responsibility Credits: 3
Students take one of a number of offerings under Justice and Global Responsibility. This seminar serves as the culmination of the Common Core. Informed by problem-solving pedagogy, this seminar enhances the student’s connection with the Catholic vision of the University by focusing on justice and global responsibility.
Area Distribution Courses: The Core Complement
Humanities and Social Sciences (6 credits)
- One course from: English, History, Modern Language, Philosophy, Religious Studies Credits: 3
- One course from: Economics, Geography, Political Science, Psychology, or Sociology Credits: 3
Mathematics and Natural Sciences (6 credits)
- One course in Mathematics: MATH 112 College Algebra or above Credits: 3
- One course from: Computer Science, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, or Physical Science Credits: 3-4
Culture through Language (6 credits)
Students must demonstrate university-level introductory competency in a language other than English.
General Electives (33-36 credits)
Degree Requirements (120 credits)
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