About this program
The BA in criminal justice provides students with a broad understanding of crime and justice institutions and processes, from classic criminological perspectives on human behavior to contemporary issues and controversies in criminal law. Students undertake a thorough examination of the interrelationships, functions and operations of the different components of the criminal justice system. Students completing a criminal justice major are well-prepared for employment and advancement in a wide range of criminal justice careers.
Highlights of the criminal justice program at Metropolitan State University:
- Faculty who are experienced criminal justice practitioners and researchers
- Opportunities for students to learn outside the classroom through service learning classes and internships
- Hands-on advisors who help students navigate course and career planning
- Classes offered in multiple formats: online, on campus and hybrid
- Leadership and networking opportunities for students through the Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice Club
Student outcomes
Criminal Justice BA graduates will be able to:
- describe criminal justice institutions and processes
- identify the functions and operations of:
- law enforcement
- the court
- corrections
- identify the interrelationships between the three primary components of the criminal justice system
- identify the functions and operations of:
- apply knowledge of criminal behavior and the criminal justice system to criminal events
- describe the tenets of major criminological theories
- apply principles of criminal justice ethics to criminal incidents and/or citizen interactions with the criminal justice system
- evaluate the role of diversity in criminal incidents and/or citizen interactions with the criminal justice system
- provide potential solutions to common criminal justice problems
- understand the role of nonprofit organizations and community advocacy/action in criminal justice processes
- analyze crime and criminal justice issues using theory and research
- demonstrate the ability to provide clearly written explanations of crime and criminal justice issues
- apply research methods to crime and criminal justice issues
- demonstrate the ability to speak intelligently about crime and criminal justice
- apply criminological principles to public policy issues related to crime and criminal justice
- demonstrate critical thinking skills
Related minors
- Anthropology Minor
- Applied Statistics Minor
- Child Psychology Minor
- Civic Engagement Minor
- Community Organizing and Development Minor
- Computer Forensics Minor
- Cybersecurity Minor
- Disability Studies Minor
- Ethnic Studies Minor
- Family Studies Minor
- Industrial and Organizational Psychology Minor
- Mental Health Psychology Minor
- Organizational Communication Minor
- Political Science Minor
- Practical Ethics Minor
- Psychology Minor
- Research and Information Studies Minor
- Sociology Minor
- Violence Prevention and Intervention Minor